Stonington to fix flooding problem for homeowners
Stonington — Relief from flooding finally appears to be on the way for some homeowners on Meadow and Bayview avenues.
On Wednesday night, the Board of Finance approved an additional $65,279 to replace a drainage line that brings water from Bayview Avenue into an outlet system that drains into tidal wetlands near the Amtrak line.
The water eventually makes its way into Little Narragansett Bay.
The town had set aside a total of $170,000 since 2011 to pay for the work, but the need for permitting, obtaining easements, plan changes, establishing a contingency fund and inspection services resulted in the need for the additional $65,279.
Residents of the two streets have been pressing town officials to fix the problem since the spring flood of 2010.
In the fall of 2010, the town spent $9,200 to unclog the drainage line from Meadow Avenue and the outlet system of roots and debris.
The town declared that project a success but warned the pipe from Bayview Avenue to the outlet system eventually would have to be replaced.
The flooding, though, has continued.
The town began funding the work in 2011 and put away a portion of the expected cost each year since then.
Town Engineer Scott Deledda said the new project will address the ongoing problem.
“It will fix the outlet system and improve the flooding conditions,” he said, adding that in unusual rain events, such as a 100-year flood, flooding still could occur.
A 100-year-flood is one which has a 1 percent chance of occurring in a given year.
Deledda said the town is now finalizing a contract for the work with Pazz Construction LLC of East Lyme, the lowest qualified bidder for the job.
Work is slated to begin in the next few weeks and will take about two months to complete.
Pawcatuck attorney Ray Trebisacci, who represents seven homeowners with properties that have been flooded, has been negotiating a solution with the town.
First Selectman Rob Simmons said the two sides agreed on the solution without the filing of a lawsuit.
“The town appears to be sensitive to the issue and is taking steps to resolve it. We’re hoping this will solve the problem,” Trebisacci said.
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