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Politics & Government

Libertyville Couple Face Flooding Issue, Again

Village officials are troubled about how to relieve ponding effect on small Libertyville block.

again have raised a longstanding water problem at the end of West Ellis Avenue, a low-lying road just south of Winchester Road off Milwaukee Avenue.

For Alex and Pamela Jacobs, of 224 W. Ellis Ave., even a small rain can cause massive amounts of storm water to drain and pool in their yard and driveway. The couple says that several feet of water can take days to drain, leaving them stranded in their own home.

“We tried to sell our home this spring because I’m worried about his health,” Pamela told the Streets Committee on July 26 concerning her husband Alex, 80, who suffers from a neurological condition. “Nobody can get to us when it ices over or the flood waters are too high. But nobody’s going to buy our home.”

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Issue Raised in 2009

The couple brought the issue to the village’s attention in 2009. Since then, the committee has discussed and considered options to fix the problem in the Ellis area but acknowledged that simple solutions would not fix the problem.

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“There really isn’t a solution to the amount of water, aside from building a larger storm sewer, costing in excess of $1 million,” said Chairwoman Donna Johnson. “And we simply don’t have that money right now.”

Village officials say files reveal that the water situation existed before the Jacobs purchased their property and that the couple were informed of the situation when they requested a permit to build on the adjacent property.

Situation has Worsened

The Jacobs, however, say the situation has worsened over the past few years.

“A large drainage pipe was installed that opens up right to the end of my driveway,” Pamela said during the meeting. “And a big parking deck was built on Merrill (Court) that causes more water to drain down onto our street.”

Pamela says the drainage pipe brings runoff water from nearby condominiums, and she feels the open pipe causes a safety concern. In addition, Alex’s health has worsened since purchasing the property, and she worries that too much water could be life-threatening in the event of an emergency.

“I raised my kids here, I paid my taxes. It’s very frustrating going through this situation,” she said. “It’s not a pretty street, but these are people.”

Village Vows to Search for Solution

Mayor Terry Weppler assured the couple that the village would reach them if an emergency occurred. He also told the Jacobs that while the committee could not offer a “magic solution” they would not give up the search to fix the problem.

“There is no quick and easy answer to this,” Johnson said. “I don’t know what we can do for the people (of West Ellis Avenue) going forward in the future, but I think we can try to give some sort of relief.”

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