A resident told Edison Township Council on Sept. 8 that a persistent body of standing water at the corner of Washington and Marshall streets has existed for more than a decade and creates safety and health hazards for schoolchildren, seniors and people with mobility devices.

Efra Morse, who identified himself as a resident at 236 Highland Avenue, said the water is present year-round even when there is no rain and that children have played in it. “There’s a standing body of water that exists... the water exists throughout the summer, whether or not there's rain,” Morse said, adding the water blocks sidewalk ramps used daily by people walking to John Marshall School.

Township staff told the council they had received the resident’s request and had looked into the matter. A staff member said the location involves a PSE&G project and that additional information would be provided to council. A follow-up speaker told Morse the township would send someone to inspect the site “within the next day or two” and acknowledged that flooding and drainage issues can require engineering work.

Why it matters: Council members noted the risk this creates for slips, trips and falls, especially in winter when the flooded area can ice over. The resident said the issue includes public-health concerns such as mosquitoes and mold and urged rapid remediation.

Next steps: Council members asked to be kept in the loop on follow-up and staff committed to sending an inspector or crew to the location and to report back to council. The transcript records that staff will add additional information to the council’s file and pursue coordination with utilities and public-works crews where needed.