Village to buy 3 flood-prone homes in Carol Stream

The owners of three flood-prone houses in Carol Stream may receive long-term relief by selling their houses to the village, officials said Wednesday.

The buildings, all damaged during the floods of 2008, would be razed and the property would become open space.

The houses have been approved to participate in a buyout program that uses a combination of federal, county and village money to purchase homes in flood-prone areas.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, working through Illinois' branch office, will contribute about $760,000 to the buyout program targeted at two houses on the 500 block of Silverleaf Boulevard and one on the 300 block of Illini Drive.

The village will kick in an additional $100,000 and work toward an intergovernmental agreement with DuPage County to receive $150,000 for the program.

Village Manager Joe Breinig said the homeowners volunteered for the buyouts after the September 2008 floods. He said working with so many agencies has delayed action until now.

The homeowners attended the village board meeting on Monday.

“We proposed the homes for a buyout and they have all been approved,” Breinig said. “They just want to see it get done.”

Breinig said appraisers will inspect the homes to determine their values dating back to 2008.

The village then will make the homeowners an offer, which Breinig said could be refused.

If the offers are accepted, the village would raze the homes and convert them into open space. Any development on the properties would be limited to structures or features that help curb flooding, such as a bioswale or rain garden, Breinig said.

At the time of the 2008 storms, village officials told residents a study would be done on the area within eight to 10 months.

That study dragged on and was finally complete this year. In the meantime, some residents approached the village about buyouts.

“They asked and we applied on their behalf,” Breinig said. “Some of them are frustrated because this has dragged out. We haven't been dragging our feet. It takes a long time to work through federal, state and county.”

“If everything falls into place, it'll go through,” he said. “I would be shocked if it didn't.”

The houses are located in an area that flooded again this summer.

The news comes two weeks before a Nov. 17 deadline to apply to FEMA for help that covers temporary housing, home repair and 2010 summer flood-related expenses not covered by insurance. To apply, call (800) 621-3362 or visit www.disasterassistance .gov.