Lansford borough is seeking additional funds to replace a deteriorated retaining wall threatening a home and yard.

Council on Wednesday approved the application for a $275,000 gaming grant for the Brimble Wall replacement project.

The borough planned to use Community Development Block Grant funds for the project, but the only bid came in at $398,105. Carbon County commissioners tabled the bids for review by the borough’s engineer.

The borough planned on using two years of CDBG funds to replace the wall. Council President Bruce Markovich said the borough receives between $74,000 and $78,000 in CDBG funds a year.

The lone bid from Heim Construction of Orwigsville, however, came in much higher than the funds available.

Last month, council asked its engineer, Bill McMullen of Arro Engineering, to get a price on core sampling, hoping to lower the price of the project.

The borough hasn’t received an estimate on the core drilling yet, and decided to move ahead with a gaming grant because this year’s deadline to file for the Local Share Account funds was nearing, Markovich said.

Councilman Martin Ditsky asked when the borough could expect the funds, if they’re applying this year. Markovich said not until 2024, and they wouldn’t be able to move on the project until 2025.

“Can we wait that long to do it?” Ditsky asked.

Markovich said they didn’t have a choice.

The wall supports a portion of Brimble Alley between West Ridge Street and Snyder Avenue, and runs alongside a home at 362 Snyder Ave. A narrow sidewalk separates the home and wall, which is a mix of stacked stones and concrete.

The wall has been crumbling, sending rock and debris into Michelle Miller’s yard. She fears the wall will one day fail, sending the road and cars parked along it down into her house and yard.

She keeps buckets nearby to gather the falling rock, debris and sediment, which are now clogging a drain behind her home. Stormwater backs up on a patio area and into her enclosed back porch, she said. Miller also said she fears for her grandchildren and pets.

The borough’s engineer had suggested removing part of the alley and sloping the ground as an alternative, which would eliminate the need for a wall.

However, council was concerned about the amount of rainwater that would travel down the newly created slope and onto properties along West Snyder Avenue.

Markovich said the borough hopes to use both the gaming grant and CDBG funds for the project. The county commissioners are expected to take action on the bid from Heim Construction this week.