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Resident tells council railroad crossings and clogged ditches cause chronic flooding in west Freeport
Summary
A longtime Freeport resident told council that railroad bridges and uncleared ditches are retaining stormwater in his neighborhood, causing repeated flooding at his home and elsewhere; he asked the city to enforce cleanup and consider an ordinance requiring railroad maintenance.
During the public-comment period May 19, longtime Freeport resident Gilbert Quellar told the council he has experienced repeated flooding at his home and that water retained by railroad embankments and uncleared ditches is a chronic problem on the city’s west side.
Quellar said the railroad creates a berm that holds water on both sides of the tracks and cited a driveway and culvert installed at a house near Oak Street that he said blocked overflow toward the railroad bridges. “If those bridges are not kept clean ... the railroad's got a bridge right there,” Quellar said, adding he had water in his house twice because of the issue.
Quellar urged the city to require the railroad to keep bridges and crossings clear and suggested the city adopt an ordinance to compel maintenance. He also raised secondary concerns about street lights damaged by a recent storm and trees at risk of falling on Velasco Boulevard.
Council did not take action during the meeting; the concerns were recorded during public comment. Quellar said he had not met his council representative and closed his remarks.
Background: Quellar said the drainage problem affects areas west and east of the railroad and that culverts and ditches are overgrown or failing; he reported documenting unmowed ditches in multiple wards.
