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Wednesday, April 21, 2021

Stormwater Safety Hazard and Next Steps

Good afternoon County Executive Alsobrooks, Board of Education Members, and Agency Directors,

 On behalf of Council Member Anderson-Walker, I would like to share the situation of two District 8 residents impacted by stormwater flooding. Our office received the photos and videos below from homeowners, one of whom lives on Swan Creek Road, not far from the proposed Southern Area K-8 site. Their video shows stormwater being propelled out of the storm drain. We continue to feel helpless and disheartened with every instance of flooding devastation that comes in front of our team...no family should have to endure this.

 In addition to the video we've seen of the flooding at 106 Swan Creek Road, we also have Zaneta's video at 12707 Norwood Lane on August 13, 2020, and there's video taken by Virginia Boldon on the same day at 105 Swan Creek Road. **Videos are hyperlinked**

 Ms. Walthour, who lives with her mother on Norwood is not only faced with caring for her aging parent but is now worried about what they will be facing with the pending school construction and the likelihood of increased flooding that can further impact the home their family has lived in since 1984. Flooding also totaled the mobility conversion van Ms. Walthour used to transport her brother who was wheelchair-bound.

 Zaneta Walthour: "Like so many in our community, I attended the meeting with the County Executive who has indicated that the County intends to proceed with the proposed K-8 school project on Swan Creek Road.  However, the infrastructure cannot support this undertaking.  The recent maintenance performed by the County has not resolved the issues presented on August 13, 2020 and will not resolve the new issues presented by the proposed school site if they proceed without delay.  The clearing of the new school site will only speed up the timeline for the imminent catastrophe posed by this public safety hazard."

 There continues to be anxiety and concern about the Southern Area K-8 site, more so once the trees and existing vegetation are cleared. We recognize and appreciate the efforts being made to begin addressing stormwater management, but unfortunately, the frequent "rain bombs" won't hold up to fit that timeline. I was driving in a downpour earlier today and my thoughts were heavy for the homeowners who are battling the deluge.

 In a separate issue, last night, another of our community advocates shared an email from a Fort Washington resident about a new development project that is now creating flooding in their basement and impacting other homes on Pitt Drive. Can anyone share a bit more on this project and whether anything is being done to address the flooding that Mr. Dixon described (below)? For location context, Pitt Drive is near to the Asbury/Halwood area where the failed retaining wall has led to condemned two homes.

 Freddie Dixon: "My name is Freddie Dixon and my home is on Pitt Dr., directly behind construction. Since they started digging holes for the basements my backyard has flooded when it rains. I contacted the county, but was informed it could take up to 30 days for someone to contact me. I am afraid my basement will flood before then."

 Thank you for taking the time to review this lengthy email, but we wanted to keep everyone abreast of the ongoing concerns for homeowners, especially those who are on Swan Creek Road.

 Thanks and best,

 Marise Gibbs

Legislative Aide & Scheduler to

Council Member Monique Anderson-Walker, District 8

Click here for the Council Member's 2019 Year End Review

County Administration Building

14741 Governor Oden Bowie Drive

Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

District 8 Website