Nearly 2,000 trees damaged by severe storm

Mount Prospect continued on the road to recovery Wednesday from the devastating storm that not only saw flooding on the east side of town, but also power outages and extensive tree damage.

Village officials gave a recap to the village board Tuesday and updated them on tree removal and garbage collection.

"I have been with the village for 30 years. I have said that the storm of May 2000 was the worst of my career," said Forestry/Grounds Superintendent Sandy Clark.

"Now this one is the very worst."

Clark said the street-by-street assessment of parkway trees has finished.

"We already know that we have about 300 trees to be cut down entirely and about 2,000 damaged," she said, but added the removal figure is expected to grow.

"As we remove broken limbs from trees, assessments will be made whether the remaining part of the tree is safe enough to stand."

In addition, as branches wither and die, "we will see more and more what we call hangers (broken branches)."

Clark expects that by Wednesday, the most hazardous broken limbs would have been removed, but thousands of broken limbs will still remain.

On Monday, the village began a street-by-street brush removal, beginning with the northeast part of the village. On a one-time basis, the village is allowing private trees to be picked up from the parkway.

Public Works Director Glen Andler said the debris is being taken to Melas Park for grinding.

The north parking lot and everything around it, including the playground and jogging paths, have been closed to keep out children, because "were going to have one big pile of brush up there."

In addition, he said, with the tub grinder, there needs to be a clear zone of 100 feet around it because of flying debris.

Andler said normal garbage collection will take place.

"We're actually on schedule with garbage," Andler said.

He said the village is still working out details with ARC Disposal regarding how the garbage should be prepared.

As for what should be done about disposal of rancid food, Andler said double bag the garbage and put it out. Residents can keep it in the garage or a container, adding, "There is no health hazard . . . as long as you keep it sealed and tight."

Meanwhile, Des Plaines River Road between Camp McDonald and Palatine roads was finally opened for rush hour traffic Wednesday.

Part of the road last week was closed after the massive storm caused the river to rise dangerously.

It prompted Mount Prospect and Prospect Heights to construct a removable concrete barrier and to stack sandbags against it.

Mayor Irvana Wilks said the storm and the flooding have prompted her to make two disaster declarations to Cook County.