HERKIMER, NY – With what’s left of Florence expected to arrive in the Mohawk Valley, John Cancelino is concerned about the damage flooding would do to his property on Elm Avenue in Herkimer.

He says when it rains, water from Route 5 and Elm Avenue flows into his property.

The Town of Herkimer installed a drain in front of his house and built up a berm to channel the water into the drain to alleviate the flooding problems at his home.

Cancelino appeared before the Herkimer Town Board Monday to say the one drain isn’t enough, and the berm makes it next to impossible for him and his wife to get their cars into the driveway.

He requested that the Town of Herkimer install a second drain near his neighbor’s house.

The DOT is expected to assess the situation during the next light rainfall, as well as the next heavy rainfall, to see if something more can be done about the water coming from Route 5.

Town of Herkimer Highway Superintendent David McManus believes the town has rectified the situation and a second drain is not necessary.

Needless to say, Cancelino is not happy.

"Nothing's getting done, in my book, the right way. They came up and built up in front of my house, which in my opinion didn't need it. They made it so I couldn't get in and out of my driveway. When we get a heavy rain it's just going to keep flooding my yard out. I'm just trying to get it done so I can stop coming here and cure the problem."

The town board says they would like to see the results of the DOT survey and any recommendations they have before taking any further action.

They did agree to remove the berm from in front of his home to make it easier to get into the driveway.

Cancelino says his next step will be legal action against the town.