The plan to alleviate water drainage problems on Woodland Avenue in Wheatland looks like it might work, two families said Monday.

But, they worry about the proposal's long-term prognosis, and whether it will tackle only part of a larger problem.

Hickory Engineering Inc., Hermitage, presented the plan to Wheatland council Monday. It calls for adding drainage pipe and catch basins in the rear of five homes, and regrading the front yards to take water away from the homes.

Borough council must commit to maintaining the storm drains and catch basins, said Jon Snyder, project engineer for Hickory.

Council could act as early as Wednesday.

The drainage problem is a likely cause of extensive mold growth within the homes, which were built in 2000.

The homeowners will get their say on the drainage plan when they are asked to sign easements allowing the construction and future maintenance of the catch basins. Homeowners will not be approached until after council approves the plan, officials said.

Community Homebuyers Inc., a nonprofit affiliate of Mercer County Housing Authority, was developer of the homes and would pay for the work. CHI hired Hickory Engineering.

"The pipeline sounds like a good idea," said D.J. Stinedurf of 65 Woodland. "It will take water away."

But, Stinedurf said, he won't sign anything until his lawyer has looked over the document, and wants to make sure the plan is a lasting solution, not a quick fix.

Stinedurf said Snyder told him he's not 100 percent sure the proposal will work.

"The big question is, 'Are they trying to put a Band-Aid on a broken bone?'" Stinedurf said.

"It sounds good," said Stinedurf's fiancée', Melissa Holder, who lives with him. "It sounds like they're trying to work with us."

After complaints from Stinedurf, Hickory moved the proposed positioning of the pipe more to the rear of his yard, which would allow him to build a deck and a swimming pool.

Stinedurf said he accepts where the line would be built.

Mark Raymond of 45 Woodland said he thinks the city of Farrell should be brought in to discuss drainage along all of Woodland. He said he fears water from homes in Farrell is contributing to Wheatland's woes.

Snyder said he estimated the amount of run-off from Farrell in devising his plan.

If the borough and homeowners approve the plan, the earliest construction would begin is 60 days, said Joe Pacchioni, Hickory president.

Snyder added that if any residents balk at the plan and it has to be revised, Hickory would have to present the new plan to council.

Work on the estimated $30,000 project would take about a month, Pacchioni said.

Microbac Laboratories, Erie, the company hired to formulate a mold remediation plan, was in Wheatland Monday collecting more information on the homes, homeowners said.

Ms. Holder said she is awaiting the results of blood tests on their two children before deciding whether to move out, at least temporarily.

CHI has offered to pay for temporary moves.

Raymond said he is having blood work done today. He said he is looking for new housing, but hasn't been able to find a suitable place.