Flooding marks beginning, end of Hartwig’s political career in Addison

Flooding hit the Addison area when Larry Hartwig was first elected trustee in spring 1987, and flooding has struck again as Hartwig is about to step down as the village’s longtime mayor.

Addison’s infrastructure has improved in the years since 1987, Hartwig said Friday, allowing the area to handle Thursday’s flooding better than it would have in the past.

DuPage County officials told the village Salt Creek crested about 3 a.m. Friday, and Hartwig said sandbagging efforts along the creek protected many homes near Villa Avenue from taking on water.

“The crest was one of the two or three highest it’s ever been. Considering that, I think we did very well,” Hartwig said. “Far fewer homes have been affected.”

Villa Avenue itself remained flooded Friday afternoon south of Myrick Avenue, along with LaLonde Avenue from Diversey Avenue to Fullerton Avenue.

Garbage that would have been picked up Friday will be collected Saturday instead, and residents with large storm-damaged items can place them at the curb for collection beginning next week.

Hartwig said the village will be asking residents to estimate the value of items damaged in their homes. Compiling the cost data will help the village, which declared a state of emergency Thursday, determine if it can qualify for federal or state disaster assistance.

As cleanup continues, Hartwig said response from village crews and assistance from neighbors helped Addison fare better when floodwaters rose this time around than when he first entered village government.

“I came in with flooding and it looks like I’m going out with flooding,” he said. “Some things never change.”