Itasca seeks flood grant

Itasca officials are applying for a state grant this month that would allow them to buy and raze a house prone to severe flooding.

Village officials are seeking residents’ comments through Friday on its plan to apply for a $400,000 grant to acquire the home at 200 S. Forest Ave. The money would come from an Illinois’ Community Development Block Grant through the “IKE” Disaster Recovery Program.

If approved, the house will be purchased at pre-flood value and then demolished. Officials expect the project to cost roughly $400,000.

Grant Davis, a staff planner for Itasca, said the program is voluntary for the homeowners and will cost the village nothing.

“It’s a win-win,” Davis said. “The homeowners were very interested in pursuing it because they’ve had numerous floods with a significant amount of damage.”

That’s because the home sits at the lowest point along Forest Avenue, added Davis. Demolishing it will allow the land to become permeable to help retain some water during floods, he said, and it will eliminate any public works costs that might arise in the future with flooding in the home.

State officials notified Itasca that grant money is available, and Davis said staff identified several flood-prone homes and approached the owners. But family members at 200 S. Forest were the only residents certain they were ready to move, he said.

The village plans to submit the grant application next Monday and is unsure when it will learn if the money is awarded.

Resident comments may be submitted by mail or in person to village hall: Community Development Department, 550 W. Irving Park Road, Itasca, IL 60143, Attn. Grant Davis, Staff Planner.