02/21/1995 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Public Hearing Minutes 2/21/95 Ken Campbell, 6085 Barton Road, expressed concern about the backyard floodmg problems he and his neighbors have experienced for many years. He feels that construction of the proposed senior citizens complex will cause further problems. Mr. Nashar commented that there would be storm drains installed along the east end of the senior housing property. The city is aware of the flooding in his neighborhood and plans to address that problem once the project has begun. Mr. Campbell suggested that the area be studied by a hydrologist because he does not befieve the storm sewers will help the problem since water seeks its own level. He does not feel that there is any place for the water to drain. Currently, the water is draining into an old apple orchard that has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Mr. Nashar commented that he had walked the area and had found that some areas near the ditch had been built up to nearly a foot higher than the other backyards. Mr. Gareau explained that the issue at hand was the rezoning and not the approval of the building. However, the concept plan of the project does include a pond which will act as above-the-ground retention. He does feel that what Mr. Campbell is saying is true. For some reason, the drainage ditch that is suppo~xi to catch the water is bone dry. The water is not going into the ditch but is flowing behind Barton Road and into the soccer fields. The city will have to clean out the ditch or create a new ditch. Mr. Campbell said that had already been attempted, and it is his feeling that the Metroparks has caused some of the problems. He said that the water runoff from St. Clarence's property is raising the water table in the area. Mr. Garesu and Mr. Campbell agreed that the water has to be re-directed. Mr. Gareau said that the problem would have to be addressed when the Catholic Diocese and Mr. Coury present their building plans. At that time, the Engineering Department will have to be sure that the water is directed into the existing drainage system rather than overflowing onto the neighbors' property. Service Director Bohlmann agreed that several neighbors do have a very serious flooding problem. As Mr. Gareau had stated, the plans for the senior complex will inch~de a lake to act as above-ground retention. This will benefit the neighbors whose backyards flood because the water will be re-directed Also, he feels that the residents would additionally be entitled to piping through the backyards which would re-direct the flow of the backyard water. He agrees with Mr. Campbell that the Metroparks management has contnVbuted to the flooding problem by not cleaning the ditch. However, he feels that the senior housing complex will correct the problem Greg Schmeker, 6115 Barton Road, who purchased his property in November, expressed concern about the backyard flooding and wanted to know when the problem would. be addressed. Mr. Boehmer explained that the drainage would be addressed as part of the senior housing project. Mr. Schmelter asked whether the Knights of Cohunbus property had been acquired through eminent domain. Mr. Boehmer said that it had not been taken through eminent domain. 2