NJ Officials Tour Flood Sites Along Third River In Belleville

BELLEVILLE, NJ — To really grasp the scale of the flooding that takes place near the Belleville portion of the Third River, you have to trek down dirt paths, push back tree branches and walk alongside streams. Then – after seeing the burgeoning development and rows of homes located nearby – one of the town’s most “chronic” problems may become more apparent, officials say.

A group of town, county and state officials recently took a tour of Belleville, including Mayor Michael Melham, Belleville Deputy Mayor Naomy DePeña, Belleville council member Thomas Graziano, Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr., Sen. Teresa Ruiz, Assemblywoman Shanique Speight, Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin. The contingent also included members of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

Their goal? To get a better understanding of the recurring flooding that takes place along the river during heavy storms, such as Hurricane Ida, which devastated the area a few months ago.

The Third River originates in the Great Notch Reservoir in Woodland Park and snakes through several North Jersey municipalities. It runs through the heart of Belleville, where its banks often spill over during severe weather events, including when Ida hit the township on Sept. 1.

• See related article: In Ida's Wake: Drone Captures Videos Of 2 Rivers In Essex County

Residents of Fairway Avenue, Suzanne Court, Carolyn Road, Dorothea Terrace and the Bridgebrook condo development have been especially hit hard when it floods in Belleville, Melham said.

The mayor said it was his fourth time visiting these neighborhoods in the aftermath of the flooding. A few weeks back, Melham welcomed representatives of the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission to the town; the agency has since committed to assisting with debris cleanup on the river, he said.

This time, the lawmakers and NJDEP representatives spoke with residents about the recurring flooding – as well as possible solutions.

According to Melham, NJDEP representatives said they would review flood maps and surveys of the area through the lens of new information gleaned during the walking tour.

“The NJDEP intends to come back to Belleville with recommendations and suggestions as to where they may be able to help,” Melham said. “We look forward to their expert analysis and suggested remedies.”

“Our residents need help, and Belleville is committed to working with all agencies who can deliver assistance,” Melham added.

The drone footage below captured by Francis Gibbons shows the Third River as seen on Sept. 4 in Belleville’s neighboring township, Nutley, just a few days after Hurricane Ida hit New Jersey.

• See related article: 'Humble Heroes' In Belleville Rescue Man, 81, From Ida Floods
• See related article: Nutley Restaurant Was Family's Livelihood; Ida Stole It From Them

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