Sunset Lane residents say trenches were dug without notice; village engineer defends permanent design

Homeowners on Sunset Lane told the Village Board on Dec. 9 that recent repaving and curb work included unannounced trenching on private yards and has caused persistent pooling and at least one instance of water entering a neighbor’s garage.

"There was no prior communication. There was no consent to do that," resident Kelly Smith told trustees, describing a 21-foot trench that appeared in her yard without notice and later reappeared. Smith said contractors later removed the trench and installed a drywall solution that did not stop pooling and that she and neighbors fear the current plan will dump runoff onto their properties.

Tom Ford, who said he provided photographs, reported standing water that persisted hours after rain and said the contractor lowered his garage apron "7 inches" during work, which he said increases his flood risk. He also warned the proposed riprap and retention area could attract mosquitoes and create freeze-thaw hazards in winter and complicate snow-plow operations.

Adam Bosch, identified in the transcript as the staff engineer, described the plan the village designed as a permanent engineering solution intended to balance upstream and downstream impacts. "It is not a dramatic channel ... it's a gentle swell ... less than a foot," he said, and described riprap at the outfall to prevent erosion. He said staff have worked with property owners and will continue to do so and that the village will address winter plowing concerns if they arise.

Trustees asked for renderings and for staff to ensure property restoration; the board affirmed staff would continue to coordinate with property owners and monitor the solution. No formal vote or ordinance was required; the matter was handled in the committee/response process.