Community Corner

Leetsdale Plans to Evaluate Resident's Sewage Backup Claim

The borough's insurance company will not provide liability coverage.

Hope is not lost for a Leetsdale family seeking a financial resolution from a .

Susan Falcone became upset during Thursday night’s council meeting after learning the borough’s insurance company had again refused to cover any costs related to the Jan. 30 incident at her Winding Road home.

Solicitor Megan Ott said the borough’s insurance carrier felt the matter was not a covered claim under the policy because in their opinion, it’s not a liability under the Pennsylvania Municipal Tort Claims Act.

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Falcone told council that Leetsdale paid for sewage remediation in 2005 and 2008 for other residents, and implored the borough to step up and “do the right thing.”

Her mother, Henrietta Kretzler told council she saw the human waste first hand.

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“It was a mess. They had to move out of their home,” Kretzler said.

Falcone brought the matter to council last month, explaining that a manhole buried in her neighbor’s yard hadn’t been cleaned for 20 years and a blockage caused the back up. Carpeting, a television and other items in the finished family room were ruined, a ppol table was damaged, and Falcone said she had to hire two plumbers and a restoration company.

“I am paying thousands of dollars because of someone’s negligence,” Falcone said.

Following an executive session, Ott told Falcone that council is concerned and  asked that she submit any related bills to help officials better evaluate the full claim. 

"This issue is not dead as far as council is concerned," Ott said. "We're evaluating all options."

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