Resident says Marquette Greenway work created persistent flooding in backyard; town says crews still working

At the Redevelopment Commission meeting, resident Mike Fry described a new, persistent standing water problem in his backyard that he attributes to recent Marquette Greenway construction. "I have that huge water hazard in my backyard," Fry said, adding that saturated soil has caused trees to fall and that the condition could affect his ability to sell his home.

Fry asked what additional work the town planned to do after crews finished their current tasks. Staff and commissioners responded that crews have been on site addressing the drainage, that additional trenching and adjustments were contemplated, and that some corrective work remains. Staff said weather has delayed completion and that they hoped crews would be back on site by the end of the week, weather permitting.

Commissioners acknowledged the concern and said the town’s engineer and project managers have reviewed site elevations and culvert location. Staff described the constraints posed by the low-elevation outfall and coordination with prior Army Corps work and neighboring property elevations; staff also said that if the current corrective work does not resolve the issue, they will reassess and discuss additional options, which could include mechanical pumping or other measures, and will coordinate with the homeowner and the clerk/treasurer’s office for follow-up.

The commission committed to revisit the site after the current work is finished and to provide additional updates to the resident and the commission. Mike Fry finished his comment by saying the problem had persisted for about a year and requested faster remediation.