Illinois flood-prone homes picked for possible buyouts

Seven flood-prone Highland Park, Ill., homes adjacent to forks of the North Branch of the Chicago River could potentially be purchased, demolished and converted to open space under a voluntary flood buyout.

Of 22 Highland Park homes found eligible for the buyout program after owners submitted applications, seven have been included in the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission's annual application for buyout funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, according to the city.

The purpose of the buyout program is to permanently reduce the public expense and risk of flood-related responses, and create additional storm water detention capacity on properties that have sustained repeated flooding.

The qualified homes are adjacent to the East Fork, sometimes referred to as the Skokie River, which runs east of Route 41; and the Middle Fork, which is west of Ridge Road. Flooding was severe in both low-lying areas following the rains of July 11.

The city said it would pay 25 percent of the home purchase price, with FEMA picking up the other 75 percent. The city would hold title to the properties and be responsible for maintaining the land for detention purposes.

Illinois flood-prone homes
A flooded roadway in the Chicago area on a cloudy day.

Michael Warner, director of the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission, said applications are put through a rigorous cost-benefit analysis to identity those properties that would provide the greatest net public benefit if purchased. The stormwater management commission gives priority to homes with significant flood damage above the first floor, homes in the floodway and those that meet FEMA's benefit cost criteria for a return on investment, he said. FEMA also looks at clustering buyouts to create larger detention areas.

State and federal agencies have final authority over the selection of properties for the project, according to the commission.

Ramesh Kanapareddy, director of public works for the City of Highland Park, said most of the homes were built before 1992 when the City of Highland Park adopted FEMA's flood plain maps and had not been built to flood plain standards.

He said the city may know by the summer of 2018 which of the homes, if any, have been accepted.

The county agency then works with the homeowner and the title company, surveys the property and obtains an appraisal for setting fair market value. Homeowners have the right to contest the appraised value and obtain their own appraisal, according to the stormwater commission.

Kanapareddy said it's a long process and the homeowner can walk away up to the day of closing.

"We don't force it on anyone, or use eminent domain," Kanapareddy said.

In late summer, the stormwater agency notified more than 100 Highland Park homeowners that they were potentially eligible for the program based on their location within a flood plain.

Kanapareddy said the city plans to set aside funds annually for its share of the program. Interested homeowners will need to reapply each year.

Tribune Content Agency
Distressed Flood insurance Natural disasters Illinois
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