Oshkosh residents took to the public comment section of the Oshkosh Common Council this week to complain about increased basement flooding in the area. The flooding began with the reconstruction of 7th Avenue earlier this fall.
By Lisa M. Hale
OSHKOSH, WI – (WISS) – Oshkosh residents took to the public comment section of the Oshkosh Common Council this week to complain about increased basement flooding in the area. The flooding began with the reconstruction of 7th Avenue earlier this fall.
Lee Faust complained of standing water in his father’s basement and the sump pump running every 20 seconds.
“Water is flowing into his foundation and through the block and is pouring into the sump pump at an alarming rate,” Faust told the Common Council on Tuesday. “The basement is constantly wet with standing water on the floor, even after cleanup because the water is coming in right through the block. There is a lot of pressure around the foundation and walls because of the excessive groundwater.”
Alia Carroll reported that with no rain, the sump pumps at her property have been running constantly since September 19th when the 7th Avenue construction began.
“How long before my foundation begins to deteriorate from being submerged under water? What if my basement walls cave in due to too much pressure?” asked Carroll. “How much has the value of my property depreciated because of this project?”
Julie Klintworth has lived in her home for 14 years. Now she is facing flooding in the basement, a shifting foundation, and other problems.
“Basement water infiltration is now a common occurrence,” said Klintworth. “In a basement for 14 years that was dry.”
The Common Council was not able to discuss the comments because the issue was not a part of the Common Council Agenda.
City Manager Mark Rohloff said the city public works department and the insurance company will investigate the issues.
“Groundwater is very high in this area. It’s always been very high in this area,” said Rohloff. “So underground water movement is a difficult thing to track, but we are actively working on it.”
Council Member Kris Larson requested the city staff provide an update to the council about the flooding issues near 7th Avenue at its next meeting on October 22nd.
“To not be able to discuss it after hearing about it tonight, is pretty daunting. It doesn’t feel great,” said Larson. “We want to learn about it. We want to know about it. We all want to help. That’s the point.”
