03/08/2026
"We don't have to make it pretty." But shouldn't public works actually WORK? 🚨
A local resident reached out to us about this drainage trench dug in front of a new home. When brought to city management's attention, the response was that the city did its part and "can’t help that it’s not pretty."
Let’s be clear—this post is not about attacking the hard-working Public Works employees who came out to dig. They do tough work, and we appreciate them addressing drainage issues.
This is about administrative standards. Calling this "not pretty" dismisses what is actually a functional engineering problem:
1️⃣ Engineering Defect: The ditch was dug 2 to 3 inches lower than the culvert entrance. Water has to pool and sit stagnant before it can even drain.
2️⃣ Long-Term Damage: Stagnant water softens the ground near home foundations, breeds mosquitoes, and will erode raw soil right back into the pipe during the next storm.
3️⃣ Respect for Property: Leaving a residential front yard with raw, uneven drop-offs isn't finishing a job—it's leaving a hazard for the homeowner to deal with.
Solving a problem half-way and telling residents "it doesn't have to be pretty" isn't the standard our community deserves. When public funds are used, the work should be functional, safe, and fully completed.
Pelham Public Square wants to know: If this were your front yard, would you accept "it's not pretty" as an answer from city hall, or would you expect them to finish the job right? Drop your thoughts below! 👇
