During the heavy rainfall last summer, a number of homes near Fireman’s Park in Niles Township were impacted, when water runoff flooded their basements.
On Tuesday, the Niles Charter Township Board of Trustees voted unanimously to approve specifications for a proposed drainage solution project, which will aim to eliminate the chance of water runoff impacting nearby residents.
The project will take place in the east and west sides of the ballpark. The preliminary cost is estimated to be around $10,350 for the east side and $15,025 for the west side improvements.
Plans for the project were drawn up by the township engineer John Olson, of Merritt Engineering. The plans detailed how several underground mechanisms, including a storm sewer, catch basin and trench drain will connect with the current storm sewer.
“Basically, it involves extending the storm sewer into the affected area,” Olson said in his description to trustees.
A retention pond of about 40 or 50 feet long currently acts as a buffer for excess water, though after this summer, the pond proved to not be enough to drain runoff.
“It fills up because the area it is draining off of is huge,” said Treasurer Jim Ringler.
Trustees discussed some of the causes for water runoff, including its source. Ringler identified one of the problems as runoff pooling near All Secure Storage, on South 11th Street, with water making its way downhill to residents’ homes approximately 100 yards from the ball field.
After the vote, trustees discussed acquiring a bid on the project. The aim is to have the project underway by spring.
Also on Monday:
• Trustees voted unanimously to waive the per diem fee for members of the planning commissions and zoning board of appeals.