Aug 14, 2025 By Jon Andreassi 2 min read

Elected officials in North Franklin Township have promised residents they will look into potential infrastructure improvements after two significant flooding events in as many months.

Bob Sabot, the chair of the board of supervisors, said at least 50 people attended their meeting Tuesday evening to discuss flooding specifically during public comment.

“It was one of the largest crowds we’ve had at a township meeting in years,” Sabot said.

In mid-June and at the end of July, heavy rains led to flash floods in North Franklin, albeit in different areas of the township on each occasion.

Sabot described each flooding incident as “totally different” in terms of where they occurred.

Sabot, who lives on Milbeck Drive, had his basement flooded in June but was not affected in July. Supervisor Ben Johnson did not experience flooding at his McElree Road home in June, but had significant damage in July.

“Ben’s flooding was so intense that it literally blew out retaining walls and things like that,” Sabot said.

According to Sabot, residents from three different sections of the township were represented at Tuesday’s meeting – the Holiday Hills area, McElree Road and Cario Drive, and Ridgewood Drive.

Ridgewood Drive has an issue with a cross drain, which Sabot suggested may have a more immediate solution.

“We intend to address that as soon as possible,” Sabot said.

However, other areas of the township may be more complicated.

“We can’t wave a magic wand and make it go away,” Sabot said.

According to Sabot, supervisors are going to be considering what grant funding may be available to North Franklin. He expects that they will present some ideas at their next meeting on Sept. 9.

“People are going to have to be patient as we attempt to identify and rectify the problems,” Sabot said.