Redstone Creek cleanup expected to mitigate flooding in Uniontown
Dwayne Goodwin (left) and Caleb Tecker, both of Farmington prepare to haul a large tree from Redstone Creek near the Uniontown Public Library Thursday. Volunteers worked Wednesday and Thursday to clear debris and help mitigate flooding problems in the city.
Thomas Coldren of Uniontown moves a ladder Wednesday as he and other Genesis House Ministry Inc. participants clean Redstone Creek in Uniontown along East Penn Street Wednesday to mitigate flood problems.
By Alyssa Choiniere | 缅北禁地
In September 2017, volunteers cleared debris from Redstone Creek in several areas of Uniontown, including the area near Uniontown Public Library. Tires, piping and trees were among the debris cleared.
Five men from Genesis House Ministry Inc. in Uniontown helped clear logs and trash from Redstone Creek in Uniontown Wednesday as part of a two-day community cleanup initiative to mitigate flooding problems. The creek began flowing freely again after the men cleared the section of the creek along East Penn Street.
Redstone Creek is flowing more freely in Uniontown after dozens of volunteers hauled TVs, tires and trash from the water Wednesday and Thursday.
鈥淣ot only is it going to help the water current move faster, which would help the water get out of town much better, but the aesthetics is much better,鈥� said Uniontown Mayor Bernie Kasievich.
About 60 people participated in the community cleanup Wednesday, and about 30 cleared the creek Thursday to help mitigate flooding problems, he said. Many trees were cut near bridges. The waterway near Grindle Station and the Uniontown Public Library had some of the most buildup. It may have been decades since the creek was last cleared, he said.
Workers were surprised by some of the items found in the creek, which Kasievich said also included an old computer and bicycles.
Uniontown resident Robert Frazee said he found a washing machine in the creek. His house was not flooded in previous storms, but he has witnesses recurrent flooding problems downtown.
鈥淚t just needed it,鈥� he said.
The volunteers included members of Genesis House Ministries, an addiction recovery house in Uniontown. Participants said they were glad for the opportunity to give back to the community.
鈥淭hings are looking a lot better,鈥� said Corey Schultz of Uniontown. 鈥淚t definitely feels a lot better to make a change.鈥�
Frank Hiles of Uniontown said service work is a major part of his addiction recovery. Jack Sapp, also of Uniontown, said community service makes him a stronger person.
鈥淭he recovery community in Uniontown is building stronger,鈥� said Thomas Coldren of McClellandtown. 鈥淲ith Genesis House recovery, we are turning into men.鈥�
Kasievich thanked the volunteers for their hard work. Local organizations and businesses were represented, in addition to several city employees.
He said the city will later request a permit from the state Department of Environmental Protection to dredge the creek, which would increase the volume of water the creek bed can hold before flooding.
Anyone who sees debris in the creek may clear it themselves if it can be removed without machinery or people entering the water, Kasievich said. Residents can also call Uniontown City Hall or the Fayette County Bridge Department for help.