HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 7393 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No.- 7393 F`1
4M'pft�lG July 18, 1989
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
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Subject: FLOODING AT 4912 BIRCHMAN
On July 6, Mr. Mark Travis appeared before. City Council to voice his
complaint of flooding of his residence at 4912 Birchman. The area
around 4912 Birchman has been the subject of many complaints over the
past two decades and the Transportation and Public Works Department is
aware 'of the severe 'flooding problems experienced in this area.
Several factors combine to make this area particularly prone to flooding.
The existing storm drain system was constructed in 1926 and was designed
to criteria considerably less than that required today. Also, the
drainage system was designed to follow a natural creek bottom which
created numerous mid-block low points . Subsequent platting of
surrounding property followed a grid pattern rather than the natural
topography. As a result, the storm drains are located through the
interior of blocks rather than in the streets. Any amount of rainfall
greater than the existing storm drain pipe can carry must go overland,
which results in flooding of residences. According to drainage studies
conducted by the Transportation and Public Works Department, the
existing storm drain system is capable of handling a storm of
approximately a 2-year frequency. Rain experienced during May and June
0", of this year have been estimated to be at a 25-50 year frequency.
Mr. Travis had inquired if his property was located in the floodplain;
it is not. However, three residences (4908, 4910 and 4912 Birchman) are
located mid-block in a natural low area which collects and channelizes
runoff from the north at least to Carp Bowie.
Over the years the Transportation and Public Works Department has
explored many alternatives to relieve this flooding problem. One study
done in 1986 isolated a small sub-drainage area and proposed a relief
storm drain system which would channel all runoff south to the Trinity
River. The cost estimate for this proposal was $4.2 million. These
proposed improvements would relieve flooding only in the 4900 blocks of
Birchman and Pershing. When examined from a cost benefit perspective,
the expenditure of such a large amount of money for the few homes
benefitted could not be justified and was considered impractical .
Unfortunately, the problem is a system-wide problem which affects to
some degree the entire Arlington Heights area generally north of 1-30.
The only practical solution to the problem would be the construction of
a major storm drain relief system called the Collinwood Storm Drain
Relief System. This system, as proposed, would extend from just
southeast of Westover Hills, southeastward to the Clear Fork of the
Trinity River. When the construction estimate was prepared in
December, 1980, the cost was $18,000,000. Our estimate of cost today
would be nearer to $30,000,000.
[ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS NQ. 7893 p.2
* `oF soar To the Mayor and Members of the City Council July 18, 19$9
v�s
" xAy' Subject; FLOODING AT 4912 BIRCHMAN
When preparing for the 1986-88 bond program, such a large expenditure of
bond funds was not deemed cost effective when compared to other vital
needs throughout the City.
Since the City of Fort Worth is a participating member of the National
Flood Insurance Program, residents of known flood prone areas qualify
for relatively low cost flood insurance. We would recommend that Mr.
Travis contact his local insurance representative for more information
on this available program.
ouglas Harman
City Manager
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ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS --