Elmhurst Neighborhood To Get Flooding Help

ELMHURST, IL — Even before the flooding over the weekend, Elmhurst had plans in the works for one local neighborhood, among others, for drainage improvements. On Monday, the City Council approved a $4.7 million project that is designed to protect 94 houses in the areas of Swain and Saylor avenues and Vallette Street, which are on Elmhurst's southwest side.

Over the last couple years, the city bought five houses in the 600 block of South Swain, with the intention of demolishing them and using the properties for water storage. The city has since figured it only needs four of them, so the other will likely be sold, officials said.

The properties will be for underground storage, which officials said would require the use of fewer properties. Originally, the city had considered detention ponds.

"I have been pulling for this project since I got on the board three years ago," said Alderwoman Tina Park, whose Ward 5 would benefit. "I am wholeheartedly for this. It will be a great little green space."

The target area of the project straddles wards 5 and 7. In addition to Park, Ward 5's Scott Levin and Ward 7's Mike Brennan and Mark Mulliner spoke up in favor during the discussion.

Ward 4 Alderwoman Noel Talluto, who heads the council's finance committee, said she would support the proposal from a financial perspective. She said a revenue source exists for the project this year.

Ward 3 Alderman Michael Bram said he was concerned the project plan moved from above-ground storage to underground, which he feared would be more expensive. While he said he did not like the dollar amount, he said he would support the project because of the "sheer needs" of the neighborhood in question.

The council voted unanimously for demolishing the houses and paying for the project.