BROOKVILLE, Pa. (EYT) – Repairs to an alley in Brookville, designated as a paper alley, may be under consideration following Tuesday evening’s council meeting.
(Photo of Carrier Alley courtesy of Noreen McMurtry)
Brianne Daugherty was the first to speak in front of the council regarding an issue with Carrier Alley (an alley that is not maintained by the borough – generally considered a paper alley).
Daugherty bought a property that sits along Carrier Alley and spent several years renovating it as a duplex. However, when her first tenant moved in, they discovered a problem.
“The problem I’m having is, I have multiple complaints from my tenant that her car drags at the bottom of the street, and she’s afraid she’s going to pop a tire going over the drainpipe because it’s uncovered,” Daugherty said.
“I put in two requests to the borough to cover it up or allow me to cover it up. I just want it covered so my tenant feels comfortable living in the rental I’m providing, which has been completely renovated. It’s brand new.”
Daugherty noted that she and her husband were willing to take care of it themselves, with the borough’s permission.
Along with Daugherty, another couple who live on the alley also attended the meeting. Roy and Noreen McMurtry also have to use the alley to enter and exit their property.
“If my tenant or one of the neighbors needed an ambulance in the middle of the night, I’m afraid the ambulance would get stuck in the ditch,” Daugherty noted.
“It’s a real concern for me. I’m trying to make a nice property.”
Roy McMurtry noted they have lived in their home since 2012 and found out recently that Carrier Alley was dubbed a Paper Alley, a designation meaning the alley cannot be purchased, as it is owned to the center of the alley by the property owner on either side. Paper alleys also may not be permanently blocked, as they are to be used for utility pipes and as a pass-through to adjoining properties.
“I was trying to get the rights to fix the road,” McMurtry said.
“You do have the right to do that,” Borough Solicitor James Dennison said.
“Not from every contractor I’ve brought out because I can’t prove ownership of the road,” McMurtry noted.
“I’ve gone out of my way to try to get this alley fixed, and I’ve been turned away at every turn because I couldn’t prove ownership.”
Council president Phil Hynes noted that the council had been approached about the issue regarding the drain on the alley previously.
“I think there ought to be a solution to this, especially if you’re willing to fix it yourself. We just have to find out how to go about this. I think council as a whole can look at this, nothing for a particular committee. Let us look into what we can do and try to get an answer for you by next council meeting,” Hynes said.
Other Business
In other business, the council:
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