Birch Way Snafu Puts Cecil Township in a Pickle

Birch Way residents blasted Cecil Township supervisors on Monday after the construction project near their homes in Muse hit another snag.

“I’m done. I’m done,” resident David Bradwell said of the project, throwing his hands up at the board’s monthly meeting. “We cannot delay this any longer.”

But township officials and its engineer said is unavoidable because the contractor in charge of the project installed storm drains incorrectly—necessitating additional excavation and installation.

Then there’s the issue of the retaining wall. The board authorized the company to stabilize that hillside months ago after residents there said it was unsafe—but the contractor never ordered the concrete panels.

Township manager Don Gennuso said that because the concrete portion of the project was added as a change order, Jay Five Construction officials have maintained they are not responsible for the work.

Which, he said, leaves the township in a bit of a pickle.

The first issue, he explained, was the concrete panels themselves. Because they need to be custom crafted, the project will be delayed while the township acquires them.

Then there’s the issue of who will install them. Jay Five originally indicated it would be able to complete the work, but then later backed out—and the township engineer said it would be an uphill battle trying to find another contractor willing to “come in and clean up after him.”

“He’s deplorable. He’s the worst,” said Dan Deiseroth of Gateway Engineers. “He acknowledged that he didn’t even read the specs.”

Residents demanded that supervisors revoke the contractor’s bond—but Genusso explained that’s not up to the township.

The project, he said, was funded by through a Community Development Block Grant and was administered through the Washington County Redevelopment Authority.

Genusso said the authority, which handles the contractor’s performance maintenance bond, has contended the company is only responsible for “the original scope of the work”—which does not include the concrete panels in the change order.

The board ultimately authorized Genusso to get prices for the necessary concrete, and to solicit quotes for the labor associated with installing the panels.

He will report back to the board next month.