PERTH AMBOY –  Some residents of Market Street had previously complained of flooded basements and still were not happy with the lack of response from the City and the Water Company.

Market Street Resident Miriam Quiles said that Rick Risoldi from Middlesex Water Company was not doing his job. She said, “If the backup of water in the basements of my neighborhood was caused by excessive storms that we had. It was an act of God, then why is it only happening in our area?” (Near Watson Avenue)

Business Administrator Jillian Barrick had remarked earlier about a flash flood that the sewer system could not sustain.

City Attorney Mark Blunda suggested that the residents affected can file a claim but he couldn’t guarantee that they could get any money. He said, “Each resident who had a flooded basement should check the valves in their basements to see if they may have failed.”

Barrick also said, “The Netting Chambers were inspected by the Water Company. There were similar conditions at the catch basins that prevented water from going down and flooding occurred. We are developing a guide on how to prepare for flash floods.”

Councilwoman Lisa Nanton said, “We have been trying to replace the infrastructure and at the same time we’re trying to pay off the City’s debt.”

Councilman Kenny Gonzalez said, “Plumbers should inspect the flooded basements to make sure there are no valves that need to be replaced.”