LIMA — An unused alley on Lima’s south side will soon become a prototype that the Public Works Department hopes will help address drainage issues in parts of the city.
Lima City Council approved an ordinance Monday that would vacate an unused alley on the 900 block of Second Street between Milburn and Carlisle Avenues to allow that space to be converted into a drainage swale to allow for better drainage in the event of heavy rains. Previously, rains would cause flooding in the backyards of several properties.
According to Public Works Director Howard Elstro, the alley was not being used by any residents, as any garages in the affected area exited to the street. This made the alley ideal for this project.
“The contoured lanes lent itself to where the alley could be used as a collection swale, as well as storage,” he said. “The problem that we were facing in this particular neighborhood was that it was extremely flat and that it’s a combined sewer servicing this neighborhood. This combined sewer, like many in other neighborhoods around the city, is pretty much at capacity during extreme rain events. So we knew we could direct additional water to the combined sewer, but it’s just as important to control the rate at which we do direct that additional flow to the city. Otherwise, we risk surcharging the sewer system and forcing it into people’s basements or flooding additional streets.”
This swale would not be as deep as a drainage ditch, but it would create a pathway for water to flow and collect, allowing for slower, more controlled drainage into the city’s sewer system. Additionally, the stored water would not stay in the area long enough to become a hatching area for mosquitoes.
“We’re talking about drainage in hours, not days,” Elstro said.
Elstro said that he will have a better idea of whether this project could be added to this year’s list of projects by the end of the week. If it cannot, the council could approve a separate measure to put this project out for bid, which could possibly delay the beginning of construction.
For 5th Ward Councilor Teresa Adams, this project represents a respite for residents from frequent flooding during heavy rains.
“This could be the first of possibly many to resolve these issues where you’re not near a creek or another avenue to obtain drainage,” Adams said. “I think this will be a showpiece when it’s done.”
