BAY VILLAGE, Ohio — Emotions were high at the Bay Village public improvements streets/sewers/drainage committee meeting Thursday night.
"Every single home in this place is now devalued because of this infrastructure," one resident said.
Residents said they are beyond frustrated with the city as their basements continue to flood, some experiencing the issue multiple times just in July, as 3News has previously reported.
"What has the city been doing to maintain these lines?" another resident asked.
Many said they have maxed out their insurance and have dropped thousands of dollars into basement repairs, only for it to be ruined after repeated flooding incidents.
The city of Bay Village hired Chagrin Valley Engineering to conduct research. In a presentation and Q&A with residents, the firm said a number of issues are to blame, mainly above average rainfall and possible outdated or too small drainage lines.
The firm outlined an over $21 million, 10-year plan on behalf of the city that would overhaul the sewage system. The proposed plan begins by reviewing impacted areas, then conducting dye and smoke testing on sanitary and sewer mains, among a number of other steps.
"I've been there, not recently, but I had a flooded home multiple times over a summer so I understand the frustration and what they've gone through, the health and safety concerns," said Bay Village Mayor Paul Koomar.
Koomar and other city leaders said they've experienced the flooding as well and recognized that there are issues on the city side and they're committed to fixing them.
"This year we're spending almost $5.8 million. Next year, we're slated to spend over $14.5 million, so that is an average. When we see an opportunity to make an investment, we'll take it," Koomar said about the sewage system.
The city encouraged residents to take a sewer survey, which you can find here. The deadline to complete the survey is September 18.