Update!

 A LITTLE PETITION UPDATE

I wanted to share an update on where things currently stand, because there have been quite a few moving pieces since I started this petition.

Unfortunately, I’m still dealing with the aftermath of four floods in five weeks, and I’m continuing to work through the housing and assistance side of everything.

I was able to get a response from Jason Oritay’s office, and I really appreciate them taking the time to respond and answer my questions. He has been the only state rep to respond to my email. 

One of the things I specifically asked about was Chartiers Creek and the bigger flooding picture.

According to the information I received, Chartiers Creek involves multiple agencies depending on the type of work being discussed. His office also shared that there is currently an active flood mitigation study involving Chartiers Creek, which is expected to be completed next spring, with potential projects to follow.

They also explained that storm sewer drains and catch basins are maintained by the borough, while different agencies have responsibilities related to the creek itself and channel work.

I found this information helpful because it shows that the flooding conversation is much bigger than what is happening at one property but a lot of work needs done and asap. 

His office also mentioned that they’ve been hearing similar concerns from other residents along the creek and are tracking the issue while working with local municipal leaders.

I followed up with code enforcement as suggested, but unfortunately the drainage issue I was asking about falls under private property, so there wasn’t much they were able to do regarding that particular concern. I’m still trying to understand what options exist when repeated flooding is affecting the actual living conditions inside a rental and concerns for mold, the temp levels while restoration and drying equipment make the apartment 85-99 degrees. 

On the housing side, I’ve been working with Blueprints after trying to get connected for over a month. I’m grateful that things are finally moving, but the intake appointment currently available to me is after October 1. I’ve asked whether there is any possibility of being seen sooner because of the timing and the possibility that I may need to make a housing change before then.

I’ve also reached out to local borough leaders and am continuing to wait on some responses. I know everyone has a lot going on, so I’m continuing to follow up and keep the lines of communication open but where are their support when we need it the most!!

I’ve also reached out to local media, including the Observer-Reporter and Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, because I think it’s important that the broader flooding concerns affecting residents and businesses continue to receive attention. I was interviewed with them as well. 

Mike Jones, OR reporter, mentioned 

Washington County is asking people to send their damage reports to them through a centralized database, either email at damage@washcopa.gov or an online portal at https://crisistrack.juvare.com/public/washingtonPA/request.html  This is to help them report damage to PEMA and FEMA in order to get disaster relief. So although this won’t help now, maybe in the near future? 

Meanwhile, the French drain work has started, which is a positive step. Unfortunately, continued rain has slowed the process, and after four floods, there’s still a lot of uncertainty about what happens the next time we get significant rainfall.

I’m continuing to take things one step at a time and pursue every resource I can find.

This petition has grown so much more than I expected, and we’re getting close to 100 signatures. ❤️

Every signature helps show that this is something the community cares about, and every share helps the petition reach someone who may have information, resources, connections, or even their own experience with flooding.

I’ll also be attending the September 28 Canonsburg Borough Council meeting at 6:30 PM, so I’ll continue sharing updates as things develop.

If you haven’t signed yet, please consider adding your name. And if you already have, please keep sharing the petition — especially with people in Canonsburg and Washington County.

The goal isn’t to point fingers. It’s to keep the conversation going, understand what can actually be done, and hopefully help make sure residents and small businesses have more resources available when flooding happens.

Thank you to everyone who has continued to support, share, sign, check in, and follow along. 💙