3 Proposed Dams Could Save Some From Flooding

Much-needed relief could be on the way for homeowners in some Harrison neighborhoods where flooding has become a constant threat to their properties over the last few years.

Town/Village Engineer Michael Amodeo unveiled an informal proposal Monday that includes three new dams he said will directly help several flood-prone neighborhoods in Harrison's trail neighborhoods. Although not a cure-all for the town's widespread flood problems, he said building three new dams and a stream diversion in a wooded area upstream from the neighborhoods is a logical first step to alleviate some of worst hit areas.

The plan was presented to the Town Board and public as an update as Amodeo's office continues an intensive study of flooding problems town-wide.

"We wanted to find jobs that we could get done and make a difference," said Amodeo, pointing out that he wanted to first focus on flooding of the Brentwood Creek because it has caused some of the most intense flooding.

The proposed dams would help homes on the Shawnee, Genesee and Tamarac Trails the most, Amodeo said. They would help other trouble spots slightly, depending on their distance from the dams and proximity to other sources of floodwater.

The dams would be built on town property in wooded areas between the trail neighborhoods and Harrison Avenue. The project would cost approximately $1.5 million according to town estimates and, with the support of the town board, take approximately a year to complete.

The first proposed dam would be located on Woodland Road Brook off of Genesee Trail; it would be approximately 10 feet high and 300 feet long. The second dam would be located on Nelson Creek at the end of Shawnee Trail and would be approximately 16 feet high and 325 feet long. The final dam would be in the same wooded area and be approximately 8 feet high and 200 feet long.

The proposal also includes a stream diversion to split floodwaters between the three dams. In the event of a storm the dams would regulate water flow, holding floodwaters back and keeping them from pipes and sewers that frequently back up during heavy rains.

The flooding on Nelson Avenue and homes nearby would be only moderately affected by the plan, and other flood-prone neighborhoods in town south of Interstate 95 wouldn't be affected at all.

"It's not the final answer," Amodeo said. "But it is the first step and will solve a lot of problems."

The study of Harrison's flooding issues, originally approved six months ago, is only 65 percent complete and still in its early phases. Flood issues in the town date back decades, Amodeo said, and finding complete solutions will take time.

But in the meantime the project makes sense, Amodeo said, because it can help a major trouble spot without affecting downstream homes. Since water will be held back, and not passed downstream, it would not negatively affect other homes, Amodeo said.

"This stood out as enough of a top priority that I wanted to go ahead with it," Amodeo said, emphasizing that any project that could pass floodwaters into other residential areas will not be considered.

"We have to find a way to help people without affecting other people," he said. "That was the golden rule."

If the Town Board approves an official proposal it would need to seek permits from the Army Corps of Engineers and the New York State DEC since Harrison would be altering a waterway.

About two-dozen people attended Monday evening's presentation, some of whom would not be helped by the current project. To them, the board urged patience as they continue to look at other options for neighborhoods in places like Ramapo Trail, Nelson Avenue and the Beaver Swamp.

"Our whole thing is we want to move forward and solve these flooding issues," said Mayor/Supervisor Ron Belmont.

The town board is expected to vote on whether or not to provide funds for a final design for the dam project at this week's town board meeting. If a final project is eventually approved the cost would likely be bonded, but Belmont said he hopes to apply for state and federal grants down the line.

This is not the first time Harrison has considered a project to alleviate flooding. Amodeo showed newspaper headlines dating back more than 40 years that documented the town board considering changes to the flood-prone trail neighborhoods.

That being said, Amodeo is still confident that the latest study has found some possible new solutions to the long-lasting problem.

"We've gone though more efforts than the town ever has (before)," he said. "I don't think we could do anything else in town and get results like this."