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Martin's Additions candidates press for action on stormwater after task‑force report
Summary
At a VMA election forum, candidates described stormwater as a top infrastructure priority. Incumbents cited a $3.5 million phased plan with $1 million in reserves for immediate work; others urged targeted, street‑by‑street fixes and resident education.
At a Village of Martin's Additions (VMA) election forum, candidates made stormwater and aging drainage infrastructure one of the night’s dominant issues, with several urging the council to move from study to prioritized action.
Incumbent Jeff Blander, who described a multi‑phase financing approach, said the village has a roughly $3.5 million plan to address critical stormwater needs and “we have about $1,000,000 in reserves already that we can apply to immediate critical things,” adding that the remainder could be covered with low‑interest municipal loans to avoid drawing down reserves. Blander said the work is “not cosmetic. This is life and death.” (Jeff Blander, incumbent council member and treasurer).
Arthur Alexander, who helped start the stormwater committee, said consultants identified six major areas of recommendation and that some measures could be taken immediately—resident education and small‑scale on‑lot approaches such as rain gardens and rain barrels—while other changes will require ordinance updates and major infrastructure investments. Alexander emphasized the need for trade‑off analysis to decide sequencing and impacts on residents.
Other candidates emphasized a mix of approaches. Matt Kanter urged targeted, street‑by‑street solutions and homeowner education, warning that a one‑size‑fits‑all rule would not suit the village’s varied topography. John Zachary and Mark Schammel supported proactive investment, arguing that the cost of acting now is likely far less than recurring emergency repairs as storm events increase.
Candidates also discussed the stormwater task force’s written work: Blander referenced a Bayland consultant report and a multi‑phase plan; Alexander noted the committee’s building‑code proposals that could affect runoff and long‑term upgrades. Several candidates stressed enforcement and clearer code language where previous devices had created gray areas.
The forum reflected broad agreement that stormwater management merits priority attention, with differences mainly over the mix of immediate homeowner‑facing measures, targeted fixes, and larger capital projects. Candidates said next steps should include clearer prioritization, additional public engagement, and a careful financing plan so that short‑term repairs and longer‑term upgrades proceed without unexpectedly draining reserves.
The council candidates agreed the stormwater recommendations will require follow‑up analysis and resident outreach; no formal council action was taken at the forum, which is an informational event for voters.
