Staff report
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — September 12, 2023
Concerned residents Ted and Kathy Frick of 1812 S. Weimer Rd. are voicing their worries about the potential stormwater runoff consequences of the proposed Summit District Planned Unit Development (PUD). The Fricks, who have resided in the area since 1977, recently received notice of the Bloomington Plan Commission hearings regarding the PUD, prompting them to raise questions about flooding issues that may arise if the development moves forward.
Their concerns are primarily centered around the increased stormwater runoff from the western portion of the proposed Summit District PUD. This runoff would flow into the Clear Creek basin along Weimer Rd., directly across from the Twin Lake drainage basin. The Fricks note that the current runoff from this area is already considerable, with visible signs of soil erosion.
The proposed PUD is designed to accommodate up to 6,000 new housing units, mostly in multi-story buildings. These larger structures would result in non-permeable rooftops, parking lots, sidewalks, and streets. The Fricks fear that without effective mitigation measures, stormwater runoff could exacerbate flooding issues along S. Weimer Rd. and further south along the Clear Creek Trail during heavy rainstorms.
Ted and Kathy Frick also mentioned that the removal of the dam and drainage of Weimer Lake in the Wapahani Mountain Bike Park several years ago had already contributed to increased flooding issues around the narrow bridge on the southern portion of Weimer Rd. Although not directly related to the proposed PUD, the Fricks believe it’s a contributing factor to the ongoing flooding problem, which could potentially worsen with the additional runoff expected from the PUD.
In conclusion, the Fricks’ primary concern revolves around stormwater management and its potential impact on flooding in the area. They highlight the challenge of increasing non-permeable surfaces in hilly terrain, which can lead to more water running downhill instead of being absorbed into the soil. The stormwater impact will be a key point of discussion as the proposed Summit District PUD moves through the approval process.
