Residents raised concerns about Summit’s lack of visible progress during the 07/28/2026 Common Council Meeting addressing erosion and flooding along Salt Brook. Former Councilwoman Delia Hamlet said the City approved funding in June 2025 to stabilize the streambank so Union County could repair its damaged pipe. She also highlighted Salt Brook’s inclusion in the 2026 federal Water Resources Development Act and a separate $4 million regional flood-mitigation funding request.
One resident said Summit’s hazard-mitigation plan contains no clear Salt Brook projects and urged the City to act before additional storm damage occurs, including limiting development that increases runoff.
Another resident emphasized that the problem affects multiple Springfield Avenue properties, questioned why some locations have been allowed to install erosion-control walls while others were told they could not and said she received no response after reporting erosion on City property.
Councilmember Boyer criticized the nearly yearlong delay, calling it a serious safety issue. A city official said the DEP permit has been received and engineers and DPW expect to inspect the site within the next two weeks.
Councilmember Crisafulli said Summit is pursuing grant funding and stronger citywide stormwater regulations.
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