Drainage Talk Dominates Recent City Council Meeting in LG

The City of La Grange recently sent out a stormwater drainage survey to residents. It appears to have generated some interest, because three citizens spoke at Monday’s City Council meeting about drainage concerns.

The first to speak was Theresa Von Rosenberg, who called herself the City’s “drainage czar.” Von Rosenberg has been asking the City to improve drainage for several years.

She speaks at almost every Council meeting about the topic. Monday was no different. She asked for an update on the City’s drainage improvement project.

City Manager Jack Thompson said the City recently received grant funding to undertake drainage upgrades in five areas around town, including one near Von Rosenberg’s home.

“So something is going on,” Von Rosenberg said. “That’s a good thing.”

Next to speak was Billye Beth Baker.

“I know you have a problem, but please do it well and do it right the first time,” Baker said.

Baker said she worries about a large flood inundating Beefhead Ditch and wiping out the railroad tracks in town.

“Please help these people who are having problems,” Baker added.

Charlie Murray, who lives near the corner of Walnut and Franklin St., said the Hurricane Harvey flood got within an inch of his home’s foundation.

“The main problem is Franklin St. flooding,” Murray said.

Murray said his recentlydeceased backyard neighbor who lived on Franklin St. has been flooded three times.

“Shortly before COVID, he went into the hospital with an undiagnosed lung disease,” Murray said. “He was in the hospital for I think four months. They couldn’t fix it. He eventually died. There’s no proof, but I wonder whether it wasn’t because of mold or bacteria in his house from being flooded so many times.

“I know the stormweter main that runs under Franklin is undersized,” Murray added.

Murray said he measured the stormwater inlets at his intersection, which came up to 1.3 sq. ft. in area.

“At Walnut and Madison, the next street over, it’s 25.4 sq. ft. – 20 times as much drainage into the storm sewer,” he said.

Murray asked the City to upgrade the stormwater system on Franklin St.

“Please check into it and make sure it’s on the list,” Murray said. “That house is going to flood again the next time we have a heavy rain.”

Thompson said the City’s stormwater survey will run through the end of the month. The City sent out a questionnaire with utility bills. The survey can also be completed online at https://www.cityoflg. com/departments/stormwater_ drainage_questionnaire.

php. In addition, paper copies are available at City Hall.