Hampton-Eton Storm-Sewer Sub-Basin vs. Allen St. Storm-Sewer Basin

Former Public Works Director Carilli PE wrote the following to my neighbor. He indicates city engineers verified all of this:

Late 1996

“We are aware that the storm-sewer system in the Hampton-Eton area fails to handle certain rainfall intensity storms. However, the situation is one that is not limited to those particular streets alone, but as a subsystem to the storm-sewer system which serves the area of Allen St.”

Early 1997

“We have determined that the entire Allen St. basin, of which the Hampton-Eton area is one segment, needs storm-sewer upgrades.”

PW Director Moriarty PE reports that the Allen St. Storm-Sewer System and Hampton-Eton Storm-Sewer System are 2 independent drainage-sanitary systems. The flooding in our neighborhood is related to Allen St. overtopping into our area. So what about the status of the Hampton-Eton Storm-Sewer upgrades as definitively noted by Director Carilli?

As concerned constituents and flooding victims, we asked Director Moriarty to verify all of this for us. He agreed to have his engineers research the Hampton-Eton System back on 12-13-23. We asked for an update 1-11-24. To date no response from Director Moriarty. When a constituent requests information from City Officials we are entitled to this information. It’s called transparency. We have been waiting patiently for over 7 months.

Now we have learned that our neighborhood may not stay flood free after the Allen St. Project #2 is completed because of the retention pond and the typography in our neighborhood. We find this fascinating. Has the topography in our neighborhood changed since we purchased our dry, flood free property back in 1973? Yes, water infiltration and soil saturation and the resulting erosion, settling and shifting because of the uncontrolled flooding is threatening our properties. The retention pond has flooded for the past 30 years because of the compromised storm-sewer systems. See these photos.

The storm-sewer systems (Allen-Hampton-Eton) serving Allen St. and the surrounding neighborhoods have been allowed to deteriorate over the decades by our City Officials. Additionally, these systems utilizing clay pipes are outdated and undersized. It is imperative to know, now more than ever, the current status of the Hampton-Eton Storm-Sewer Sub-Basin and the definitive plan to upgrade this vital infrastructure system. Based on Director Carilli’s findings the Hampton-Eton Sub-Basin must be upgraded. Carilli accurately determined the status of the Allen St. System 30 years ago. It’s logical to conclude that his findings are accurate regarding the Hampton-Eton system as well.

Hampton-Eton is a smaller project, less complex therefore, we do not foresee the related drama as we encountered with the Allen St. Project. But you never know. Our neighborhood, block and property must be protected by a fully functioning, upgraded Hampton-Eton Storm-Sewer System along with the upgraded Allen St. Storm-Sewer System.

Once again, Mark and Erin, “What is the status of the Hampton-Eton Storm-Sewer Sub-Basin?”. It would be especially awkward for all of our City Officials and for our flooding victims in the Hampton-Eton-Newbury-Roxbury neighborhood to flood again after the Allen St. Project is completed. We continue to sound the alarm for the benefit of all.

The photo, below, depicts an additional expense for us, new pump discharge outlets replacing 200′ of hoses. We have 2 back up pumps in case we have pump failures and 13K watts of back-up generator power. We are responsible home owners making every effort to save our home. We have provided you with the facts, evidence and reasonable solutions.

Silence is a delay tactic. We await your follow-up…It’s been 7 months. As responsible constituents and tax payers we continue to demand the truth.

Thank you.

F&S Chase