A pipe connecting storm drains along Townsend Avenue in downtown Boothbay Harbor collapsed July 3 due to old age and recent heavy rains, Public Works Director Jody Lewis said July 8.

The Public Works crew has been busy since Thursday repairing the damage, tearing up the alley between Coastal Maine Popcorn and A Silver Lining stores and replacing the pipe as they go. According to Lewis, a total of 200 feet of pipe needs replacing.

Many parking spaces were originally blocked off along Townsend Avenue while the crew determined how far the damage extended. As work has progressed more spaces have opened up.

Due to public safety concerns, the alley running by the public restrooms and between Andrews’ Harborside and Bridge Street Cafe has been closed down, along with the green area near the municipal parking lot between the handicapped parking spaces and Osman Page.

Large sandbags were piled in front of Slick’s and The Ritz last week because, according to Adele Bielli, one of the owners of Slick's, the issue with the drains has caused flooding in the basements. In Bielli's case, a great deal of merchandise is kept in the basement for the “bargain basement” sales.

As of Tuesday, July 8, the Public Works crew does not yet know how long the repairs will take, but they have been working every day to repair the damage as quickly as possible