Story posted Friday, June 12, 2009
Cottages Ready To Be Raised
Work To Begin Soon On Elevating Each House 3 To 4 Feet
By TODD WESSELL Journal & Topics Editor
The most significant flood prevention effort in the 140-year history of the Methodist Campground will soon kick off with the elevating of 14 cottages on the grounds located along the Des Plaines River and Algonquin Road.
Elevating the aging frame houses three to four feet will keep water from the nearby river from flowing into the structures causing major property damage. The 14 cottages represent about one third of the total number of campground buildings that might eventually be raised. The 14 will hopefully encourage owners of the other structures to allow their buildings to be raised as well, according to City Engineer Tim Oakley.
Des Plaines aldermen Monday night will discuss the plan and decide whether it will agree to serve as a sub-grantee on a federal grant needed to finance the project. The city has been working with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and the campground on the flood relief program on property that's located within a designated floodway. Most of the cottages are privately owned, however, the campground association owns some of the common buildings. IEMA requires that a governmental agency serve as the sub-grantee on this type of grant. The estimated total cost of the elevation project is $536,400 with the grant amount being $402,299 or 75%. The homeowners will pay for the remaining sum of $134,100 with funding for that coming from another federal grant.
The Methodist Campground's roots date back to Civil War time when religious revivals were held there.
Oakley explained that some of the cottages will be raised by installing new piers while others will require new foundation blocks or footings. New stairways will be added to enable the homeowners to gain access and to exit.
Not only will the raisings assist the homeowners, but also the city will have to respond to calls for evacuations due to flooding on a less frequent basis.
Oakley said if city council approval is given, work could begin this summer. Construction bids will soon be sought.
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