Residents press North Royalton officials for clearer stormwater maintenance, easement enforcement

Several North Royalton residents told the Storm Water Committee on Nov. 5 that persistent flooding, debris and unclear easement responsibilities are damaging private property and creating safety concerns.

Ron Webb of 11001 Gregory Lane said a creek running alongside his home has caused repeated erosion for decades. "I spent $17,000 to build a wall to stop the erosion," Webb said, adding he paid roughly $8,000 for concrete work at the front of his house. He told the committee he has repeatedly sought help from the city and county, described neighbors who refuse to clear debris and said at least one neighbor threatened him when he tried to remove obstructions.

Michael Edileiz, who gave an address of 10748 Albion Road, said his backyard is part of the storm water flow and that his title insurance shows a 25-foot easement across the rear of his property. "It just says easement of 25 feet across the back line," Edileiz said, and he asked the city to dredge and clear the waterway.

Wastewater Superintendent Ed Haller told residents storm water staff have inspected these locations at times but that many ditches are the responsibility of homeowners. "There are things that are the city's responsibility, and he encouraged his staff if there is anything that is the city's responsibility they absolutely want to make sure to take it," Haller said, while acknowledging that issues dividing neighboring properties can become civil matters.

Assistant Law Director Todd Schrader explained common-title and plat concepts and said the presence of a recorded 25-foot rear easement typically reserves land for storm water purposes. He offered to review past staff notes and title materials with Haller to determine whether the city has an obligation or whether the issue is a private dispute between owners.

Mayor Larry Antoskiewicz said the city can send letters to property owners to require cleaning of waterways as a practical enforcement step. Council Vice Chair John Nickell added context about funding history, saying the 1% storm water tax financed a $5 million bond used for projects including Gregory Lane, Pamela, Parkdale, Chesapeake Basin and Apple Basin.

Several residents, including Kathleen Webb and Rich Harrell, recounted earlier remediation work and the challenges of high water tables that complicate excavation and drainage in the neighborhood.

The committee encouraged affected residents to contact storm water staff during business hours so engineers and field staff can follow up. Schrader said he would work with staff to review records and advise on next steps. The meeting adjourned at 6:39 p.m.