Councilwoman outlines two-year plan for stormwater management and dam restoration

A significant discussion on stormwater management took place during the Shaker Heights City Council meeting, focusing on the future of the Lower Lake Dam and its impact on flooding in the area. Council members reviewed the findings from a recent feasibility study that highlighted the dam's diminishing effectiveness in flood control.

The analysis revealed that the Lower Lake Dam currently only benefits one building, the Wickenden Building, by enhancing its flood protection from a 25-year to a 50-year service level. However, the estimated cost to reconstruct the dam, along with the associated lake, could reach up to $55 million—an investment that the regional stormwater management program cannot support.

Council members expressed the need for clarity on the next steps in the process. A representative from the stormwater management team outlined a timeline that includes a year-long pre-design phase followed by another year for detailed design. This would involve public forums to engage the community and gather input on potential solutions, including the possibility of upsizing culverts in critical areas.

The urgency of the situation was underscored by the acknowledgment that both the Horseshoe and Lower Lake dams are vulnerable, prompting the council to consider the implications of their decisions on future flood management strategies. As the city navigates these challenges, the focus remains on ensuring effective solutions that protect the community from flooding while addressing the financial and logistical hurdles ahead.