Residents of a local neighborhood expressed their frustrations during a recent city council meeting regarding ongoing drainage issues that have persisted for decades. The concerns were first raised in 2018, with the city acknowledging responsibility for the problem. An engineering plan was developed in 2019, but progress has been slow, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite initial optimism when contract bidding began in June 2019, delays have plagued the project. By April 2020, the estimated cost of the solution had skyrocketed from $150,000 to over $405,000, leading the city to suggest a trench drain as a more budget-friendly alternative. However, this solution raised concerns among residents about public access through private property.

As of 2024, residents are still awaiting a resolution. The city has indicated that projects exceeding $400,000 are currently on hold, and a new survey for cost estimation is underway. The ongoing delays have resulted in significant damage to properties, with one resident reporting that their driveway is cracking and unusable.

Residents are urging the city council to prioritize this long-standing issue, echoing pleas from previous homeowners who have faced similar challenges. The community is hopeful for a timely resolution that addresses both the drainage problems and the associated costs.