Lombard looks to buy house for flood project
A house on a Lombard street that frequently experiences flooding problems is likely to become part of a solution that involves building two new sewer lines to bring stormwater into Terrace View Pond.
The village board is expected to approve a $134,000 contract to buy the home at 115 W. Crystal Ave. during its meeting Thursday night. The home then would be demolished to make way for two relief sewers.
A $52,000 stormwater management study completed last October determined the best way to address flooding near the pond is to construct two 24-inch relief sewers feeding water into the pond from Crystal Avenue to the north, and to install pumps to decrease the pond’s depth one foot in dry conditions.
Engineers determined there was not enough space to build the sewer lines between homes, so a property would need to be purchased.
Public Works Director Carl Goldsmith said three homeowners originally were sent letters asking if they would sell their properties to the village. Although the house at 115 W. Crystal was not one of the original three, its owner expressed interest in selling and offered the lowest price, well below the budgeted amount of $250,000.
“It’s a little further west than the original property we utilized for design,” Goldsmith said. “But it will function just as well.”
The village considered the purchase price and the cost of constructing the sewers at each possible location before choosing which home to buy. Both came in under budget using the 115 W. Crystal property. With a purchase price of $134,000 and an estimated construction cost of $154,000, the total cost of building relief sewers is $288,000 — $175,700 under the $463,700 that was allocated.
If the village board approves the contract, closing should take place in October, Goldsmith said. Then the village will demolish the house and begin construction of the sewers, which will relieve pressure on existing sewer lines during heavy rains and will connect directly from Crystal Avenue to the pond.
“The village will then install a walking path that will link the sidewalk on Crystal to the walking path around the pond,” Goldsmith said.
The property eventually will be turned over to the Lombard Park District to become part of Terrace View Park.
Residents on Crystal Avenue say this season’s drought-like conditions spared them from flooding issues experienced the past two summers. While thankful for a break from the weather, residents like Mike Stern say they’re eager for sewer improvements to be completed.
“Obviously from our standpoint, the sooner the better,” Stern said. “But we’re happy it’s moving forward.”