Kenner residents demand urgent drainage inspections amid flooding concerns on Berlino Drive

The Kenner City Council meeting held on June 20, 2025, addressed several pressing issues, primarily focusing on drainage concerns raised by residents. The meeting began with a brief acknowledgment of ongoing maintenance efforts, including the trimming of crepe myrtles that had obstructed visibility for drivers in the Cane's Relay subdivision.

The discussion quickly shifted to a significant drainage issue presented by resident James House from Berlino Drive. House expressed frustration over the lack of response from city officials regarding his emails about worsening flooding conditions in his neighborhood. He emphasized that the drainage capacity in his area had declined by at least 50% over the past five years, attributing the problem to increased development and insufficient maintenance.

House demanded a thorough inspection of the drainage system in his neighborhood, along with a formal action plan to address the issues. He highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating that residents should not have to worry about flooding during normal summer storms.

In response, city officials acknowledged the concerns raised by House. Mayor and council members assured him that they had received his emails and were actively working on the issue. Public Works Director Jose Gonzalez confirmed that the department would conduct a cleaning and flushing of the drainage lines in House's area to identify any blockages. He also noted that recent heavy rainfall had exacerbated flooding throughout the city.

Council members discussed ongoing improvements to the drainage infrastructure, including the addition of pumps to alleviate pressure on the existing system. They recognized that while these measures would not completely resolve the flooding issues, they would help mitigate the problem.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from city officials to keep residents informed and to take immediate action on the drainage concerns raised. The council's responsiveness to community issues reflects an ongoing effort to enhance infrastructure and address the needs of Kenner residents.