Sumpter Town Hall meeting set to discuss road conditions
Sumpter Township residents will have a chance to present their concerns about the condition of the roads in the area during a town hall meeting requested by Supervisor Tim Bowman now set for 6 p.m. April 28.
Bowman initially suggested the meeting for April 10 but following a discussion at the March 24 Board of Trustees meeting, the new date was approved. The meeting is scheduled specifically to discuss road conditions in the township, which Bowman said “beat your guts out” due to the severe potholes. Township officials declared the road conditions an emergency situation last month in a strongly worded letter to Wayne County officials. The letter cited the dangerous road conditions and the threat to public safety the hole-riddled roads cause.
During the meeting, Bowman explained that his 91-year-old mother had waited “one hour and 10 minutes” for an ambulance after an accident left her bleeding and needing medical attention. He said it took first responders from the fire department 45 minutes to navigate the pothole-filled roads to arrive to provide aid in the emergency situation.
Bowman reiterated that the township roads are the responsibility of Wayne County, but little or no response has been received to the township demand for attention to the matter. He told the board members that in addition to the occasional grading, the roads require the installation of gravel and crowns so water will drain. He added that the ditches along the sides of the road are in need of cleaning, which is also the responsibility of Wayne County.
Bowman said he wanted a town hall type meeting to allow residents to speak about road repairs and conditions in the township in an effort to prompt some attention from the county. He suggested that the remarks from residents might help in filing a lawsuit against the county for the failed road maintenance.
“I want to hear first-hand how it affects residents,” Bowman said.
