Carol Stream park board looks at flood relief options

Floodwater relief in Carol Stream officially has park district support.

During a meeting Monday, Carol Stream Park District board members said it is imperative that a plan to build a water reservoir and pumping station at Armstrong Park be completed as quickly as possible.

"It's a problem that has been around for years and years," board member Brian Sokolowski said. "The sooner the better to get this thing rolling. We don't need the next 100-year rain to happen while we're talking about it. It's been too long and something needs to get done."

With village Manager Joe Breinig and county board representative Jim Zay in attendance, the Carol Stream Park District board said the problem of flooding in the neighborhoods around Armstrong Park must be addressed.

Last week, the DuPage County Board approved a $70 million spending plan that included about $15 million for floodwater mitigation on the county's west end. One of those projects included the Armstrong Park plan. Final details have not been completed for that project.

Board member Brian Schauer said the park district should do what it can to help speed up the project.

"There are still a lot of questions to be answered," he said. "But if this is what (the county) needs, is the land, let's give it to them."

In July, heavy storms caused Klein Creek to overflow near Armstrong Park and caused many homeowners to leave their homes in the neighborhood surrounding the park. In August, federal officials declared the county a disaster area, freeing up federal money to help. In the aftermath, village officials formed a task force to look into a neighborhood response when disaster strikes.

Zay said when he first approached Executive Director Arnie Biondo with this plan, he was concerned when he did not hear back right away.

However, he was surprised when Biondo did get back to him and had drawings and options ready for Zay to inspect.

"We are going to see how fast we can get things going," Zay said at the meeting. "We're going to get things moving quickly."

Board President Tim Powers said the whole exercise has been a good example of what government can do together.

"I think we're setting a good example for all communities in Illinois in our ability to get things done," he said.