After putting the brakes on a plan to install three emergency warning sirens around Lake Sylvia at its October meeting, the Southside Township board said last week that it is no longer considering the three originally planned sites due to opposition from residents in the area.
"They’re out. If you don’t want them we won’t force them down your throat," board chairman Maynard Nilson told a small group of residents during the township meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
After the idea of installing warning sirens was endorsed by residents at the township’s annual meeting in March, when some voiced the opinion that the expenditure of money would be worth it if lives were saved, the township began working with Frontline Plus to study the best areas to place the sirens.
That company recommended that for optimal coverage of the Lake Sylvia area three sirens should be placed at 62nd Street NW, 80th Street NW and 74th Street NW.
The township then approved the purchase of three sirens for just over $51,000, but opposition from the residents nearest the siren locations arose.
Residents objected to a lack of prior notice regarding placement until stakes went into the ground, a concern that the sirens were rated at decibel levels beyond what could damage human hearing, that the sirens were located in residential areas against FEMA guidelines, and that the sirens would not be placed high enough off the ground.
Other concerns were that Frontline Plus was both selling the sirens and conducting the study on how many were needed for the area, and that property values could be reduced near the sirens.
A petition with about 25 signatures from 74th Street residents was presented by an attorney at the September meeting, but the board approved the placement of the sirens at that time with the option of moving the 74th Street siren to 77th Street NW.
When opposition continued, however, and an attorney hired to represent residents pointed out several possible angles for legal action to oppose the installation, the board reconsidered and rescinded its approval at the October meeting.
Alternate locations
While the project has been delayed and no installation will take place until warmer weather arrives next year, the three sirens have been purchased and the township is continuing to explore other location options.
Two possibilities mentioned included the 77th Street NW site that had previously been in consideration as an alternate location to 74th Street, and both Nilson and supervisor Phyllis Latour said that they had spoken with individuals from the Lake Augusta area that were interested in getting a siren.
Nilson told those in attendance that when a suitable location is found the property owners will be contacted by letter and possibly by phone as well and asked for approval this time around, though the plan is to put the sirens in a street right-of-way. Those willing will be asked to sign so there is documentation.
The Southside board hopes to have three new locations established by next March or April so that sirens are in place for the 2014 storm season.
After Nilson assured those in attendance that the three original locations had been discarded, residents thanked the board for responding to their concerns.
"Just don’t complain if you can’t hear them (at the new locations)," Nilson said with a laugh.