Improved Wagner Farm Drainage Aims To Reduce Glenview Flooding

From the Village of Glenview: The Glenview Park District and the Village of Glenview have partnered to address storm water improvements at Wagner Farm which will help alleviate drainage issues in adjacent residential neighborhoods.

The Glenview Park District Board on Thursday, February 22, unanimously approved the third phase of an intergovernmental agreement with the Village of Glenview. The Village Board of Trustees on Thursday, February 22, voted to execute an intergovernmental agreement with the Park District and hired Elanar Construction Co. of Chicago for the work, as part of a larger contract for infrastructure improvements.

The project, which is estimated at $305,000, is expected to be completed May 31, 2018. The earlier phases, begun 2014, dealt with enlarging the creek that runs through the farm, which increases its storage capacity, and adding a storm water pipe along the western property line to mitigate drainage issues.

Phase 3 aims to alleviate water issues in the adjacent Glen Oak Acres subdivision. Todd Price, Wagner Farm Director, said in this phase, the Village will run a long storm water pipe, or swale, along the west border of the farm. That pipe will exit into the creek that runs through the farm.

In addition, a storm drain, designed to drain excess ground water, will be built along the north border of the farm. Crews will be using dirt grating to try to slow the flow of surface water.

These drainage conveyances will enhance the neighborhood along Kaywood Lane, Burton Terrace and other streets in Glen Oak Acres.

Phase 3 also calls for crews to regrade the farm’s pasture, so it too will have less issues with standing water. Price is pleased that the work will take place this spring, giving the farm enough time to reseed the pasture that will be torn up in the project.

“It’s a great thing for our community when two government agencies like the Park District and the Village of Glenview can work together,” said Michael McCarty, Glenview Park District Executive Director. “The Park District is thrilled with the project that will improve storm water for so many residents. It’s a win since this project will not impact the intended use of Wagner Farm or the environment, and will help mitigate storm water issues in and around Wagner Farm. It’s also a win for the taxpayers when two agencies working together find the most cost-effective way to address issues affecting the taxpayer.”

The Village is covering the cost of this phase of the project, while the Park District is providing the in-kind contribution of easements on the farm, where storm water will be stored in perpetuity.

“Since the adoption of a Flood Risk Reduction Program Master Plan in 2010, the Village has had a comprehensive approach to solving years of flooding and drainage problems,” said Matt Formica, Glenview Village Manager. “Reduction in problematic flooding benefits the community and improves quality of life.”

Historic Wagner Farm | Image via Patch Archive