Design Engineer Dave Reando discusses stormwater management for Prairie Landing project

In the heart of Joliet's city hall, a heated discussion unfolded during the April 14, 2025 Pre-Council Meeting, centering on stormwater management and its implications for local residents. As city officials and engineers gathered, the air was thick with concern from residents about flooding issues that have plagued their neighborhoods for decades.

The meeting highlighted a proposal for a new development project, which some residents feared would exacerbate existing stormwater problems. However, city officials and the project's design engineer, Dave Reando, emphasized that the stormwater concerns raised by residents were unrelated to the proposed development. Reando, who has extensive experience in stormwater management, explained that the infrastructure planned for the new project would not only address current issues but also provide a long-term solution.

Reando clarified that the existing flooding problems stem from upstream developments that have not yet been addressed. He pointed out that the proposed project includes the construction of a detention pond, which would significantly reduce the flow of stormwater into local neighborhoods. "If you approve this project, and the off-site stormwater management infrastructure is constructed, residents will see a marked improvement," he stated. Conversely, he warned that denying the project would leave residents in their current predicament.

The discussion also touched on the complexities of stormwater management regulations in Illinois, which dictate that property owners must manage the natural flow of water from their land. Reando explained that the proposed development would not impede this flow but rather integrate it into a new system designed to handle stormwater more effectively.

As the meeting progressed, residents expressed their frustrations and sought clarity on how the proposed changes would impact their homes. Reando reassured them that the new infrastructure would be designed to handle typical storm events, although he acknowledged that extreme weather conditions could still pose challenges.

The council's deliberations on this matter are crucial, as they will determine not only the future of the proposed development but also the long-term stormwater management strategy for Joliet. As the city grapples with these pressing issues, residents remain hopeful that the council will prioritize solutions that protect their homes and enhance the community's resilience against flooding.