Neighbors in Strongsville are split over the project that will replace septic tanks with a new sewer line. It'll cost about $1.5 million and residents will be forced to pick up some of the bill whether they want the upgrade or not.
In the name of cleaning up water runoff, the EPA says the septic systems have to go along Howe Road in Strongsville. It's part of the city's plan to install similar systems along roughly 10 of the cities roads starting in 2009 and running for the next few years.
For the project on Howe Road, roughly 30 homeowners will have to cover about $540,000.
"People get the sticker shock of seeing that number coming out and they get intimidated by that," said Strongsville Law Director Neal Jamison.
The city doesn't know exactly how much the project will cost residents yet, because a complex formula will decide it and residents won't share the cost evenly. The best guess is that somewhere between $13,000 and $18,000 per home.
Some owners are welcoming the change, like 15-year resident Diane Lazar.
"I really was ecstatic because I've been waiting for this ever since we moved here," said Lazar.
She says she's had too many afternoons spoiled by the odors from failed septic systems nearby.
It's the price tag on Nancy Martel's mind.
"I think it's necessary, but I'm really worried about the cost," said Martel.
She's concerned even when the cost is determined and spread out over 20 years on her tax assessment, it'll make her home harder to sell.
Just down the block, Trudy Ambrose says the project is fixing a problem that doesn't exist.
"I've been happy with our septic system," said Ambrose.
Since she's on the lowest part of the slanted road, she says the project only opens her up to potential problems.
"I'm very worried about being low on the system here and that we'd get a flooded basement," said Ambrose.
The city tells News 5 they plan on giving out more information to residents once the city council passes a resolution officially declaring that the project is necessary.
