Burr Ridge Eyes Flooding Issue In Neighborhood

BURR RIDGE, IL – Burr Ridge is trying to get grants to help pay for a neighborhood flood prevention project, an official said this week.

The problem is in the area of Parkview Place, which is by Stevens Park.

"We have a buried pipe, which is caved in, and it's causing flooding in the area," Village Administrator Evan Walter said at a Village Board meeting.

Burr Ridge is planning an open channel, which would give the village greater capacity to store stormwater, Walter said.

The work is expected to cost $1 million.

Walter praised resident Steve McCracken, a member of the village's stormwater management committee, for helping in the effort to get grants. He noted McCracken's role as director of watershed protection for the Conservation Foundation.

In seeking money, McCracken opened doors that the village did not know existed, Walter said.

"We haven't gotten a grant yet, but we're talking about 80 percent of a $1 million project that these grants would be paying for," Walter said. "We went from nothing to applying and ready to go, and hopefully in a position to get several hundred thousand for the benefit of our community."

Walter hailed McCracken for "terrific volunteerism."

McCracken spoke briefly in response.

"I've lived in Burr Ridge for 12 years. I really love living here, and thank you to all of you for your work," he said.