HOWLAND Residents demand solution to flooding in their homes

One resident said she can't keep buying new furnaces and water heaters.
By ANGELA V. WOODHULL
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
HOWLAND -- Township trustees got an earful from residents who wanted to know what the township was doing to prevent flooding problems in their neighborhoods.
Residents from Clifton, Rosegarden and Dawson drives spoke for more than two hours Wednesday night.
"We're getting hit with water again this weekend," said Karen Owens of Dawson Drive, who was accompanied by two of her neighbors. "Any ideas or a time frame?"
Trustee Chairman Richard E. Orwig spoke for about five minutes to the 35 citizens, assuring them that positive measures would be expedited.
"We are trying to solve the problems we have. We have talked with residents, visited their homes, looked at their problems. I assure you that our public works department is doing things on a priority basis," Orwig said.
Trustee Sally B. Wehmer read a prepared statement.
"Howland Township intends to contract for engineering services in connection with the comprehensive analysis of storm water management systems.
"The qualified engineering firm that will win the contract will analyze the existing problems, then design a plan to improve the Howland Township drainage and detention systems," she read.
"We want you to come see the 'chocolate milk' that pours into our yards," said resident Tracy Myers. "The small streams that used to be in our yards are now raging Mississippi [rivers]."
Other concerns
Another resident, Betty Zombar, said it was the first time she had ever been to a township meeting. After having her home flooded twice, she came seeking answers. "Why do you let people keep building if there's a problem?"
Several more residents discussed their post-flood woes, especially in anticipation of more rain this weekend that could lead to additional flooding damages.
"I can't keep buying a new furnace, a new hot water heater, and new carpet every time this happens. Something needs to be done," said Janine Miller, a Rosegarden resident.
Resident Wiley Byers, 68, explained that he needed to use a canoe to get to and from his house. It had literally become an island because of the flooding.
Township Administrator Darlene St. George said that an overall storm water retention plan needs to be developed.
She plans to apply for Federal Emergency Management Agency hazard mitigation funding, money which can be used to create a floodgate on top of Howland's hilly area as well as for other remedies.