Residents rally against costly ditch cleanup proposal

During a recent government meeting, residents voiced their concerns regarding a proposed $91,000 project to clean ditches in their neighborhood, sparked by complaints from one resident whose basement flooded during heavy rains. The discussions highlighted a divide among community members about the necessity and fairness of the proposed work.

One resident passionately argued against the need for the ditch cleaning, stating that her own ditch and those of her neighbors were functioning well. She criticized the complaint from Mr. Fried, the resident who experienced flooding, suggesting that he should invest in a better sump pump instead of expecting the community to cover the costs of cleaning ditches that were not problematic for most residents.

Another resident, Kevin Kilburn, echoed these sentiments, questioning the qualifications of those assessing the road conditions and expressing disbelief that one person's complaint could lead to such a significant financial burden on the community. He emphasized that he had lived in the area for 30 years without witnessing any issues with water over the road or in the ditches.

Residents also raised concerns about the lack of transparency and communication regarding the decision-making process. They suggested that if there were legitimate issues affecting a small number of residents, a meeting should be convened to discuss the matter collectively rather than imposing costs on the entire neighborhood.

The meeting underscored a broader debate about community resources and responsibilities, with residents advocating for a more equitable approach to infrastructure maintenance that does not disproportionately impact those who are not experiencing problems. The council is expected to revisit the issue, considering the residents' feedback and the implications of the proposed project.