MWRD Director Says Mayor's Letter Was Premature

5/14/2015

Burbank Mayor Harry Klein

Local news media organizations converged on the Burbank City Council meeting Wednesday night after reports surfaced that some Burbank residents may be in danger of losing their homes if the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) moves forward with a plan to expand the Melvina Ditch Reservoir.

Approximately 15 families received a letter from Burbank Mayor Harry Klein this week informing them that they may be forced to sell their home, to allow the MWRD to expand the reservoir in an effort to ameliorate the flooding that has plagued Burbank for the last several years.

Klein's letter, in part, reads, "In the very near future, you will be contacted by the MWRD with more definitive information as the land acquisition is being undertaken by this governmental agency." (See full text of the letter below)

“I wanted to personally inform you of this decision before your hearing it via rumor or through the media,” Klein stated in the letter.

However, MWRD Executive Director David St. Pierre said the "letter was premature, and Burbank has final say," according to an ABC7 report.

A statement issued by the MWRD regarding the Melvina Ditch project says, "At this point in the process there are no specific properties that have been identified for removal. There are optional layouts for expansion of the existing reservoir. These options are a part of the public process. It is premature to speculate which properties, if any, will be removed."

The MWRD statement further says, "The District's process is to work with communities and their citizens to decide on alternatives. It is the District's intention to present these alternatives in upcoming meeting in both towns [Burbank and Oak Lawn]. It is the District's intention to help these communities and not to force any particular solution."

Text of Mayor Klein's Letter

May, 8, 2015

Dear __________ Family:

Over the past several months, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) has been engaged in a study to determine how best to expand capacity of the Melvina Ditch Reservoir located on 87th Street. The expansion of the reservoir by the MWRD, will substantially addressed the flooding woes throughout Burbank by doubling the capacity of the existing reservoir. In this regard, the MWRD board voted on Thursday, May 7, 2015 to purchase your property as a means to effect this expansion.

Under State law, the MWRD has the authority for property acquisition as a means of alleviating flooding in areas throughout Cook County.

I wanted to personally inform you of this decision before your hearing it via rumor or through the media. To some of you, this news may be a welcome action and, to others, a hurtful experience. In the very near future, you will be contacted by the MWRD with more definitive information as the land acquisition is being undertaken by this governmental agency. By law, you are entitled to the fair market value of your property.

Even though the city of Burbank is not involved in the property acquisition, as Mayor, I feel a great compassion for everyone involved. My heartfelt wish is that being uprooted will present the least amount of disruption to you and your household. May nothing but good opportunities follow you and your loved ones for years to come.

Most Sincerely,

Harry J. Klein
Mayor

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Statement

"The District received the authority to participate in local stormwater projects with communities in Cook County in July 2014. Upon request from the communities, the District looks for solutions to help alleviate flooding. Flooding is a crucial issue for all of Cook County.

Shortly after the legislation passed, Burbank experienced a significant rain event that resulted in many residents experiencing flooding and property damage. Burbank and Oak Lawn asked the District to help them with this problem. The District immediately embarked on an engineering study to look for an accelerated path forward. This engineering study was recently completed and alternatives were presented to Burbank and Oak Lawn officials. The towns agreed that the next step would be to hold public meetings.

The District's process is to work with communities and their citizens to decide on alternatives. It is the District's intention to present these alternatives in upcoming meeting in both towns. It is the District's intention to help these communities and not to force any particular solution. The District enters intergovernmental agreements with communities before proceeding with any project. At this point in the process there are no specific properties that have been identified for removal. There are optional layouts for expansion of the existing reservoir. These options are a part of the public process. It is premature to speculate which properties, if any, will be removed. These decisions belong to the village and residents. The District looks forward to interacting with these communities to hear their voice in this matter. We are ready to help."

-David St. Pierre, executive director of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District

ABC 7 Eyewitness News: Burbank Residents Could Lose Homes In Effort To Relieve Flooding

See these archived Burbank Beat stories for more information about flooding in the city:

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