Darien Drainage Program May Be Axed

DARIEN, IL — A popular program in Darien that helps residents fix drainage problems may fall victim to the budget ax. But the city would still provide its expertise for groups of residents tackling drainage issues, an official says.

At Tuesday's City Council meeting, two residents on 71st Street expressed an interest in tapping into the program and urged the city to keep money in the budget for it. And Alderman Ted Schauer said he had an appreciative constituent who benefited from the program. He said she is enjoying her backyard as a result.

Aldermen Lester Vaughan and Thomas Belczak both asked the city to continue to fund residents' drainage improvements. Vaughan represents the two 71st Street residents who pleaded for help, saying he wanted constituents as happy as Schauer's.

This budget year, the city allocated nearly $100,000 for residential drainage improvements. But City Administrator Bryon Vana has proposed zeroing out the fund for the budget year starting May 1. He said the city needs that money for about 10 existing city drainage projects.

At the same time, Vana said the city would still manage residential projects and help homeowners with management. "It's very hard to coordinate and plan these projects," he said.

For years, the city has helped residents with drainage in their back and side yards as long as improved areas are in city drainage easements.

"Over time in older communities, there is a tendency for drainage not to work as well because the lay of the land changes and pipes end up getting clogged," Vana said.

Homeowners' share of the program has depended on the number of residents involved and the cost of a project, Vana said.

The city's first budget meeting was this week.