Mayor Spoales' Statement on July 11, 2019 Weather Event

A little over a year has passed since the devastating flood event that occurred in Millvale. In that year, businesses and citizens of Millvale have bounced back in leaps and bounds. We are indeed #MillvaleStrong. Yesterday was a test of that strength, with the torrential downpour that according to the National Weather Service was only 2.5 inches, at the airport.  In Millvale, however, we know that it was close to 4 inches based on individual rain catchers.  July 11, 2019 was quite a day for those of us who had to endure flooded basements, muddy streets and inconveniences throughout yesterday and into today with cleanup of basements, streets, garages etc.

Many times yesterday, we heard from citizens saying “Thank You” to the first responders asking if they needed anything to drink, eat or just help.  I have to say if it was not for the surrounding first responders, Millvale would not be in such great shape today.  There are still clean up efforts to perform and our own 5 person road crew is well under way of accomplishing their mission for the day.  Millvale has some of the most dedicated individuals working on the road crew and police department in addition to the dedicated volunteers who are part of the fire department and fire police.

We also take time to appreciate the outpouring of love and support from our mutual aid companies: Cherry City VFD, Bauerstown VFD, Undercliff VFD, Reserve Township VFD, Etna VFD, Sharpsburg VFD, Quaill VFD, Swift Water Rescue – Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire and Sto-Rox VFD Swift Water Rescue. We thank you all for your kindness and willingness to support Millvale.

Yesterday was a day of gloom for some, but for one family it turned out to be an excellent day as our Road Crew Supervisor, Joe Kypta, helped get a 2 year old in their crib and other family members to safety before the flood waters of Seavey Road swept past their home.  It is true dedication from Joe to walk to the house in the rising waters just to make sure everyone was out and safe.  There are many stories like this including the Swift Water Rescue evacuating 9 people and 2 pets from lower Butler Street, just in case the water rose up higher than it currently was.  Overall, 30 homes and businesses needed help yesterday -  a small amount compared to the over 300 plus from last year but the fact remains the same resiliency was needed by our community and surrounding volunteers to help spring Millvale back into shape.

I want to give a quick shout out to the citizens on North Avenue that were having Happy Hour partying on their porches at the end of the day providing encouragement to the crews cleaning up the road.  These folks had been there for at least 10 hours at that point and some of them stated that the interaction helped them make it through the end. 

Once again we keep getting tested to help others understand that when you are part of Millvale you are part of something special, something that is alive, strong and ready to conquer all.

What do you say?  Should we eliminate July from the Millvale 2020 calendar?

Have a great rest of your summer and remember to stay strong and kind to each other, you just never know when you may need help.

Brian P. Spoales, Mayor of Millvale Borough