Warwick residents confront city over persistent flooding and inadequate drainage solutions

The Warwick City Council meeting held on March 24, 2025, addressed significant concerns regarding persistent flooding issues affecting residents in Ward 8, particularly on Govan Drive. The meeting featured testimonies from local homeowners Kevin and Beverly, who detailed their experiences with severe flooding that has caused extensive damage to their property.

Kevin recounted a harrowing incident on September 2, 2021, when their basement flooded with 5 to 6 feet of water, resulting in substantial damage to appliances and necessitating the rebuilding of their furnace. He highlighted a long-standing history of inadequate drainage in the area, exacerbated by recent construction projects that have altered the natural flow of water. Notably, he mentioned that a previous owner had constructed a protective wall, which was later removed, contributing to the flooding problems.

The couple's situation worsened in October 2024 when another storm inundated their basement with 7 to 8 feet of water. Following this, they engaged with state representatives and engineers, who suggested that the property should never have been built in that location. A proposal was made to demolish their home and create a retention pond to alleviate flooding, but neighboring property owners declined the federal buyout offer.

Kevin reported that federal funds amounting to $570,000 had been earmarked for the project, contingent upon the city's contribution of $178,000. He noted that the city had applied for a conservation grant to cover its share but was still awaiting a response from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM).

Tammy Dickerman, a neighbor, also spoke at the meeting, emphasizing that the flooding issues are not a result of climate change but rather a long-standing problem that the city has been aware of. She criticized the city for continuing to issue building permits despite warnings about the inadequate drainage system, which has not been updated to accommodate the increased runoff from new developments.

The testimonies from residents underscored the urgent need for the city to address the drainage issues and consider the implications of new construction on existing infrastructure. The council's response to these concerns and the next steps regarding the proposed retention pond and funding will be crucial in determining the future of the affected properties and the overall drainage situation in the area.