Homeowners press town after repeated basement flooding; finance committee OKs $100,000 for design and repairs

A homeowner at 44 South Worcester Street described repeated basement flooding during the April 15 finance committee meeting and presented video showing stormwater running into the property. After hearing testimony and technical explanations from DPW staff, the committee approved a $100,000 appropriation to design and construct drainage improvements.

Why it matters: homeowners said a detention pond installed as a prior remedy appears to have increased flooding frequency; the property owner said the water now reaches the basement door during heavy rain and that the problem affects daily life and safety.

Resident testimony drew an emotional response. One homeowner said, "It comes in the door," describing water reaching the basement threshold and triggering alarms when the family is away. Committee members and staff acknowledged the distress and agreed an engineering study and design options were needed before major construction.

DPW staff explained the $100,000 request covers engineering design and construction estimates for options including a forced pipe to a nearby golf‑course retention pond (requiring an easement), raising berms and swales, or staged system fixes. Justin Cha told the committee the appropriation would fund a professional engineer to evaluate feasible remedies and return a recommended design.

The committee moved and approved the appropriation; staff will open easement discussions with the golf course and engage an engineer to present options and cost estimates. The homeowner sought a solution that both mitigates flooding and addresses maintenance and visual concerns of the current detention feature.

What’s next: DPW will commission an engineer, pursue necessary easements, and report recommended construction options and cost estimates back to the finance committee.