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Homer Glen board agrees to pursue Long Run Creek study, resident outreach and grant hunting to address flooding
Summary
At a March 25 workshop, village engineers and trustees outlined a phased plan—surveys, consultant assessments and resident signups—to map blockages in Long Run Creek, seek federal/state funding and reduce flood risks for about 180 properties in the northern watershed.
Village officials on March 25 agreed to pursue engineering studies, resident outreach and potential federal and state funding to address longstanding blockages and flood risks along Long Run Creek, a watershed that drains much of the northern portion of Homer Glen.
The proposal came during a lengthy workshop presentation by village engineer and floodplain administrator Brett Wescott, who laid out how FEMA-mapped floodways and floodplains affect development and insurance requirements. Wescott said much of the creek runs through private parcels and that blockages of fallen trees, beaver dams and deposited debris can cost residents and municipalities tens of thousands of dollars to clear. “When you see somebody dumping chemicals or dumping things down these, notify us,” Wescott said, adding that permitting often involves FEMA, the Army Corps of Engineers and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Why it matters: Trustees and residents described repeated flooding complaints from homeowners in the Long Run Creek watershed and noted that engineering studies could reduce base flood elevations or support Letters of Map Revision that may lower some homeowners’ flood-insurance costs.
Board response and next steps: Trustees discussed starting with targeted, phased work—identify the worst blockages, secure resident permission for access and inspections, and hire an outside consultant to produce an engineering scope and cost estimate. Mayor Nitski Troki and Trustee Mason both urged faster action and resident engagement; staff agreed to pursue consultant quotes (HR Green was specifically mentioned as a candidate), prepare ballpark costs, and return with an update. The board asked staff to place Long Run Creek updates on every agenda going forward.
Resident role and logistics: Board members also proposed a public sign-up mechanism (mailers and a QR-linked webpage) so property owners can upload photos and consent forms to allow surveys or drone imagery. Trustees emphasized the need to prioritize sections of the creek and to pursue grant funding rather than relying solely on assessments billed to individual homeowners.
Limits and authority: Staff repeatedly stressed the village’s limited authority on private parcels and the project’s interjurisdictional nature—portions of the watershed and some blockages lie in Cook County, and significant actions may require Army Corps or state approvals. Wescott said nationwide Army Corps permits (for example, NWP 13 for bank stabilization) can simplify certain repairs but still impose material and linear limits.
What’s next: Village staff committed to compiling resident reports, obtaining consultant estimates for targeted assessments, and reporting back to the board with cost estimates and a proposed phased timeline.
Representative quote: Wescott said, “It starts with contacting the village. We can help guide you through that process,” and added that the village would explore federal and state funding to reduce the financial burden on homeowners.
The board did not adopt a binding budget at the March 25 meeting but reached consensus to move the outreach and scoping work forward and to return with more concrete figures at a future meeting.
