Barrington Illinois Village Floods - Distressed Home-Owners Not Getting Resolutions
If like me you live in the outer areas of Barrington away from the village you may not be aware of the flooding problems occurring in our village especially in the rainy seasons of spring and fall.
Like me you may have a 1 or more acre lot with swales along the side or front of your yard which you marvel at when we get torrential downpours. The heavens open and the rain comes pouring down and before you know it you have little rivers in your swales moving large quantities of water away from your home and into the retention ponds, nearby creeks or drains. Look out a couple of hours later and the swales have done their job, your home is dry and life is good.
If you live in the village the water flows down the streets and disappears down into the storm drains, the sun comes back out and the grass and flowers are rejuvenated. Or does it? The simple answer to that is no. For the vast majority yes - but if you live on East Russell Street, East Lincoln, South Summit or play in Miller Park near the downtown area of Barrington Village as home-owners, parents and residents I know you literally dread any heavy rain at all.
When it rains in this area water goes nowhere. Barrington's flooding issue is not just about the water-although that in itself causes home-owners problems not limited to flooded basements, loss of personal property and uninsured damage due to insurance company limits on coverage for basements. Look how many cars were caught!
Your health is also at risk. Can you imagine - heavy rains cause flooding and due to the storm and sewage pipes not functioning the flood waters become contaminated with sewage, toilet paper, tampons, condoms and the like. Of course as the water slowly subsides and I mean slowly, those delightful reminders are left for your children to discover.
After the rains of 2007 it was finally discovered that a main storm drain under the rail-way station had collapsed. You only have to consider that the rest of the villages storm drains and sewage system are of like age and therefore is undeniably failing. This is a very expensive problem but not one that can be shelved. The homeowners that live in this area suffer every year, it is not getting any better and it is not being fixed. They have homes that have to disclose flooded basements for re-sale. Are you going to buy one of them? I highly doubt it.
I was recently contacted by a very distressed home-owner who has not been able to sell her home. She is now forced to consider a short sale, Deed In Lieu or even Bankruptcy. She owns a small cute cape cod home ideal for a commuter within walking distance of the train. When I learned of her plight we discussed all her options and she is meeting with her attorney today. I am really not sure any buyer is going to want to buy her home short sale or not when they learn what is happening here.
She has already lost over $35,000 in value of personal property, much belonging to her son. He is a strapping young man of 6 feet 6 inches tall and had to rescue the family dog by holding it above his head the waters rose so high. That means the waters got to over 7 feet.
Residents are so frustrated by the lack of action by Barrington Village. Barrington is a very well thought of village, buyers come here because we are an affluent community with excellent schools. Buyers love the village-residents can walk to the theater, local restaurants, antique stores and hop on the train to Chicago for work or day trips. Residents need your support. Visit the main web site for more information about this dire situation. http://barringtonillinoisfloods.com/
Permission to publish the photos was obtained by the owners.
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Copyright 2010 Corinne Guest All Rights Reserved - * Barrington Illinois Village Floods - Distressed Home-Owners Not Getting Resolutions *
