FEMA opens public comment for controversial water detention pond and park project
The public comment period opens as organizers are circulating petitions objecting to the project.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is now seeking feedback for a controversial multi-million dollar water detention pond and park in Harvey.
The federally-mandated public comment period opened Jan. 30, and the public has 30 days from that date—or until February 29—to submit feedback about the initiative. Harvey and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District are using eminent domain to displace longtime homeowners and renters to construct a water detention pond and park, aiming to reduce local flooding.
Reach out to the following people to voice your opinion about the project:
Duane Castaldi
Regional Environmental Officer FEMA Region 5
Department of Homeland Security
536 South Clark Street, 6th Floor
Chicago, IL 60605
fema-r5-environmental@fema.dhs.gov
Phone: (312) 408-5549
Zachary Krug
Hazard Mitigation Section Manager
Illinois Emergency Management Agency
1035 Outer Park
Springfield, IL 62704-4462
Zachary.Krug@illinois.gov
Phone: (217) 524-6513
The public comment period opens as organizers have attempted to overcome bureaucracy—both at the local and federal level—in their quest to circulate petitions objecting to the project. The physical petition has over 1,500 signatures to date, organizers told the HWH Tuesday. A similar online petition has over 250 signatures.
The project’s price tag is $9.85 million, and will be financed by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. The District has sought $5 million in federal funding. FEMA is currently reviewing applications. Approved applicants will be awarded by end of summer 2024, but there currently isn’t a final award date.
The project has sparked outrage citywide. Knowing displacement was possible, Mayor Chris Clark’s office held meetings for several years without telling Myrtle Ave. residents or Alderwoman Colby Chapman (2nd), even though the project is in her ward.
And the District has been accused of cow towing to Harvey electeds, critics charge.
The District told residents the city’s desire to construct a civic center and park influenced the site location. Then, at a September 2023 town hall related to the stormwater project, Clark said he wished the District would “correct the record,” in response. A week later, the District changed its tune, claiming the area of 153rd Street and Myrtle Avenue provides the greatest benefit for impact. The District has stuck to that claim ever since.
The civic center and park project recently hit a road-block, as the state denied Harvey’s application for funding to purchase additional land to convert Ascension-St. Susanna Catholic Church for the project.
That comes as a man died on the property, owned by Harvey, days before Christmas 2023.
We’re filling the void after the collapse of local newspapers decades ago. But we can’t do it without reader support.
Help us continue to publish stories like these
Author
Related Articles
Harvey seeks $500,000 for aging water infrastructure
The city will apply for the federal funding to ease water main breaks after the City Council approved the measure during the March 9 meeting.
PHOTOS: In Dixmoor, a Cook County commissioner’s home languishes
While the 5th district’s Kisha McCaskill claims tax exemptions that reduce her bill on a Dixmoor home, it’s become an eyesore without proper upkeep.
Cook County Commissioner Kisha McCaskill claims tax exemptions on abandoned Dixmoor property
Although she claims homeowner and senior exemptions, McCaskill does not reside in the home, which is a vagrant. The Cook County Assessor’s Office has referred the matter to its erroneous exemption department for investigation.
