Pocono News Section

Flood-Damaged Homes Demolished in Shickshinny

Flood-Damaged Homes Demolished in Shickshinny - Monday, November 2, 2009 at 6:15PM EST

Reported by: Mike Trim
Monday, Nov 2, 2009 @ 06:15pm EST
SHICKSHINNY, LUZERNE COUNTY -- This community changed Tuesday and will never be the same.

Demolition started on 11 homes that have seen more flooding than any other part of the county. It's part of the Luzerne County Flood Protection Authority's plan to reshape the most flood prone areas.

The demolition made for an emotional day for Florence Murphy and her daughter Colleen Noble. Their old house is one of eleven being demolished in Shickshinny. "It's sad. Twenty years of memories in this house. But my husband, he'd be happy if he was here, he's watching down right now," said Murphy.

Noble said, "He sat on that porch every day. It's hard watching it come down "

Murphy and Noble's old home flooded at least five times in 20 years. That's why the Luzerne County Flood Protection Authority decided to demolish these houses.

Andrew Beach says his family is sick of regrouping every time the water rises. Beach said, "Carry stuff out and bring your stuff back in and we have to tear all the carpet up, all the cabinets out, bring new stuff in. That takes time and my dad gets tired of it."

Now only foundations sit where houses of memories were built. Gary Latorre doesn't know what to make of Susquehanna Street's new view. "I like the town, it's shame that they're going to make it into a ghost town," said Latorre.

The Flood Protection Authority says demolition projects are scheduled for 20 towns in Luzerne County. Director Jim Brozena says it's possible more than 300 properties could be razed.