Philadelphia tells Eastwick residents apartment complex will help, not exacerbate flooding

Homeowners in the flood-prone Eastwick section of Philadelphia were pleading their case at City Council today.  

They’re trying to block a new apartment complex, but council isn’t taking action yet.

Deputy Mayor Rina Cutler says a parcel of land that Korman wants to develop into more than 700 apartments in Eastwick would help flooding problems in the area somewhat since it would come with a stormwater management plan. Cutler says using the property to expand a nearby wildlife refuge would not help.

“It is not safe for the community surrounding the airport or the flying public to bring the refuge closer to the airport,” said Cutler.

Bryce Baker lives in the neighborhood. He says he’s lucky because he’s only been flooded out twice

“Everytime it rains I got to take off from work and stand around my house to do do water department’s job to make sure the sewer system can handle the water and not ruin my home,” said Baker.

City officials say to make a big difference in flooding, the Army Corps of Engineers could build a berm, an earthen bank to hold back the creek, but that decision would be made in Washington.