NORTHBROOK, IL — A long-planned flood-control project aimed at protecting 130 residential structures in South Glenview has reached a major milestone with the purchase of nearly 16 acres for a stormwater detention basin.
The Northfield Township Road District announced that the property purchase closed Sept. 8.
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago authorized the purchase of the 15.82-acre site, along with a 0.91-acre temporary construction easement, from Ridgewood Cemetery Company Inc. for $8.15 million plus closing costs.
The land will be used for the Central Road Flood Control Project, which is intended to reduce flooding along the corridor from the Des Plaines River to Glenwood Lane.
The project is expected to benefit 130 single- and multifamily residential structures, along with several roadways in and around the project area.
"For the families in South Glenview who have watched water come up their driveways year after year, this property acquisition means the detention basin is no longer a line on a drawing — it is on its way to becoming real," Northfield Township Highway Commissioner Michael J. Korman said.
He said the project also could help keep Central Road open during major storms, benefiting commuters, families and emergency responders.
The land purchase follows broader flood-control work highlighted earlier this summer by the Road District, which said it was working with MWRD and Cook County on more than $53 million in regional stormwater projects over the next several years.
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The full project includes new mainline storm sewers beneath Central Road and Dearlove Road, along with lateral storm sewers on Glenwood Lane, Glendale Road, Glenshire Road and Hillside Road.
The approximately 16-acre detention basin near Dee Road and Central Avenue will temporarily store stormwater during major rainfall events, reducing pressure on the area's existing drainage system.
Road District officials said the benefits are expected to extend beyond the immediately affected neighborhoods by helping protect pavement, culverts and other drainage infrastructure while keeping a key east-west roadway more reliable during severe weather.
MWRD is leading and funding the land acquisition, along with the project's design and construction.
Once construction is finished, the Northfield Township Road District will assume long-term ownership and maintenance of improvements within its jurisdiction.
"Strong partnerships are essential to building more resilient communities, and we appreciate the Northfield Township Road District's collaboration on the Central Road Flood Control Project," MWRD President Kari K. Steele said.
Steele said the project is intended to expand stormwater storage, reduce flood risks and provide lasting benefits to Northfield Township residents.
Next steps include additional due diligence on the property, survey and staking work and continued project design.
MWRD aquatic biologists are also expected to assess whether turtles and fish at the site may need to be transferred. An environmental suitability assessment is planned for September to determine whether conditions are appropriate for that work.
The Road District said it will continue providing updates as the project moves toward construction.
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