Letters: For Philadelphia's Pennsport neighborhood, it's water over the interstate

OVER THE PAST several weeks PennDOT has begun a project along I-95 in the Pennsport community in which they are redoing the drainage coming off of I-95 down into the community.

The problem is that the water/runoff that is coming out of these drains is not just rainwater: There is trash and debris floating amid the water runoff - the water is just spewing out all over the open public space.

The downspout pipes are extremely large and are no longer attached to a receiving drain. It is pouring directly onto the street, playgrounds and public parking areas.

The space under I-95 is used by the residents in the community as public playground space, the youth play hockey and basketball, weekly soccer and bike polo, and skateboarding events. Residents and shoppers park their vehicles there, and Mummers groups practice there.

This to us seems to be somewhat of a health and safety hazard, as well as a significant eyesore to our area.

We request an immediate inquiry as to who approved this and how it will be remedied. We would appreciate being kept informed as to what is being done in our community, as many of the residents are very concerned about this project.

At no point were we advised that this was even being considered, yet we are now forced to deal with the dangerous and unhealthy ramifications.

Dr. James Moylan

President, Pennsport Civic Association