Elmhurst Flooding Targeted In Agreement

ELMHURST, IL — The city and school district have reached an agreement that officials say will help prevent flooding. Under the terms, the city will use land at York High School and Jackson Elementary School for stormwater drainage.

On Monday, the City Council unanimously approved the agreement, and the school board did so last week. This follows lengthy, often rough, negotiations. The mayor called it a "long time coming."

"We used to be known as the town that flooded. Now, we're known as the town that is addressing flooding," Elmhurst Mayor Steve Morley said after the vote. "It's our commitment to protect home values in Elmhurst."

Because the city is landlocked, it needs the help of other government entities such as the school and park districts to help with stormwater drainage, Morley said.

Third Ward Alderman Michael Bram called the agreement a win for all residents. And Seventh Ward Alderman Mike Brennan said, "Our residents expect us to to come together and serve our communities."

Under the plan, the city will install underground water storage tanks at its expense under a field immediately north of the entrance to the York campus. The school district will then pay for putting in an artificial turf field on top. It will be for such sports as soccer and lacrosse.

At Jackson, the city will pay for moderately lowering the field at the north end of the school and enhancing the "playability" fo the field. The city also will make improvements to the school's parking lot on the west side of the building.

Another part of the deal calls for the city to give the district $2 million primarily from its tax increment financing, or TIF, funds. The money will be used by the district to pay for improvements to schools, mostly at Churchville Middle School.

The board held a special meeting last week to vote for the agreement. Board President Kara Caforio called the deal a "milestone" in the district's relationship with the city.

"Our community expects us to work together," she said. "While it's been challenging at times, I think this is a community solution that serves the needs of the community. I believe it also starts a new chapter for Elmhurst. We can begin working together."