Crews have been working for weeks on the sewer project in the Moxham neighborhood in Johnstown. At night, the excavators, pipes and gravel are stored at a laydown site located on Cypress Avenue and Lunen Street. 

 

Wendy Penrose said she’s seen kids playing on the construction equipment and is worried someone is going to get hurt. 

 

 

“They don’t seclude the area very well. Kids are climbing on the equipment. There are broken pipes and pieces they dug up that kids are going to fall and get hurt on,” said Penrose, a concerned Moxham resident.

 

The issue was brought up during July’s Johnstown City Council meeting and again at the council meeting Wednesday night.

 

“The fence is still not corrected. It’s not secure. Safety hazards are numerous at that site. This has been reported by Councilman Williams a few times, myself a few times, along with other residents,” said Councilwoman Charlene Stanton.

 

 

Residents said their main concern is the fence along Cypress Avenue. Part of the fence is completely open and anyone could walk onto the lot. 

 

“It’s so unsafe for these kids. Especially boys. They’re curious. They love construction equipment and want to see it. Someone is going to get severely hurt on this stuff,” Penrose said.

 

WTAJ News reached out to the engineers for the project, the EADS Group, and the contractor, Sippel Development Co. They have not returned our calls. 

 

Neighbors did say the engineering firm addressed another safety concern a few blocks away.

 

As for the Cypress Avenue lot, Penrose said she hopes someone takes action soon.

 

“It’s a safety hazard. They’re putting a lot of people in danger by not securing it properly and making sure no one can get onto the property,” said Penrose.