Redeveloper raises stormwater concerns; committee discusses alley upgrades behind Broad Street

City Administrator Matt Wolf told the Parks and Public Works Committee on June 15 that drainage problems in the alley behind Broad Street businesses are affecting 216 Broad Street and that addressing them could require installation of a storm inlet tied to the city's stormwater system.

Megan Langer, the prospective purchaser of 216 Broad Street and listed in the meeting as associated with Langer Family Properties, said the project is in the architectural design phase and that she is exploring options to address on-site stormwater. Langer said she intends for the rear alley area to be as attractive to visitors as the front of the building.

Public Works Director Mike Kinneman suggested staff explore an agreement with the owner of 220 Broad Street to direct stormwater runoff to an existing storm inlet on the neighboring gas station property. Wolf described a longer-term option that would combine alley improvements with additional stormwater infrastructure and noted that the option would be more costly and would require analysis and design work by Cedar Corporation.

Committee Member Lindsey Sorenson said she supported improving the alley to accommodate potential redevelopment but recommended waiting for details about any agreement between affected property owners before directing staff to proceed further.

Next steps: staff will pursue information on potential agreements among property owners and, if warranted, seek engineering analysis from Cedar Corporation to develop a project scope and cost estimate.