March 2, 2009
To Members of the City Council:
I am the homeowner and resident at 3501 Califon Ct. My family and I have lived
in our home since 1984. In 1990 our home was flooded. Over four feet of raw
sewage and flood water rushed through around 11: 00 PM destroying everything.
It was devastating to say the least. I am thankful that my wife and I along
with our four small children were not in the home at the time.
?Tiger Creek? now currently, ?Califon Creek?, runs along the backside of our
home. Our backyard is frequently flooded whenever there is a heavy rainfall. I
have had cars and lawn equipment damaged as a result of flooding. A crew comes
out periodically and clean yet nothing was done to prevent the disastrous and
unsanitary conditions we suffered as a result of inadequate drainage.
Saturday, Feb. 28th our home flooded again.
We were told by council in 1990 that culverts would not be placed in the creek
due to possible increased floods damaging homes in Oakland Park. We were
assured that the "City" would make sure there would be consistent maintenance
in Tiger Creek. It was also proposed as an option that the city would purchase
the property damaged by flood waters. As you can see from the pictures taken,
and forwarded to council last week, what has been done by the "City" is and has
not been sufficient.
It is uncertain at this time the long term health hazards we have faced as a
result of our dwelling infested with unsanitary conditions. Although, noted
damaged materials were removed and sanitized, my daughter was later diagnosed
with asthma as a result of mold trapped in the walls in her bedroom from flood
water damage. Each time it rains, I suffer with anxiety, not knowing if my home
and all of my possessions will be washed away as before. Whether I am home,
working during the day, or during out of town travels, I am concerned that my
family is safe when it rains.
As road constructions, homes, and other structures continue to be built along
St. Marys road, this place that I consider my home is increasingly becoming a
death trap because there are no noted signs of relieving the water flow from
backing up in Califon Creek.
This area has a history of devastation to homeowners in this cul-de-sac. In
1978 & 1979, four homes on Califon Court were affected by rain water flooding.
As stated earlier, we were affected by this same problem to our home, Friday
night, March 16, 1990 and again, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009. It is thirty years
later of flooding from what was once known as an easement ditch. Due to the
increased volume of water flowing in the area, it became ?Tiger Creek?. I was
informed Monday, March 2nd, it is now known as ?Califon Creek?.
It is obvious that this is a situation that's not going away. We have been
unable to sell our home due to the flooding conditions. The existing conditions
cause our home improvement projects counterproductive. We would like to propose
to council to purchase our 2900 sq. ft. home so that we may be able to purchase
a home equivalent to our existing residence. In 1990, the installation of
culverts in Califon Creek was said to be too costly. Not only monetarily but
would pose a problem of neighborhoods in Oakland Park. The occasional cleaning
crew has not been effective in preventing three homes and properties in the
cul-de-sac from flooding.
In the meantime flood insurance guidelines for coverage have changed. It now
states that at least an acre of property must be affected before claims can be
considered for restoration of losses. Although, I have flood insurance, I am
not allotted the benefits granted in 1990. We were able to have temporary
housing until restoration was done to the home. My family has sanitized and
cleaned as best we can yet, the stench of flood water sewage is overwhelming in
the dwelling and on the grounds. I have also begun to make minor repairs. The
process is slow.
We are asking as council empathize our situation, to implement an immediate
plan to resolve the flooding of homes in the cul-de-sac on Califon Court. April
is generally considered the ?rain season?. March 16, 2009 will mark 19yrs. of
us being affected by sewage filled flood waters. These waters rise high enough
in the back and front yards destroying cars and lawn equipment. Saturday, Feb.
28th it flooded our home. It is also continuously causing increased soil
erosion.
Present plans of further development along St. Marys Rd. will continue to
increase the volume of water flowing into Califon Creek. Perhaps the cul-de-sac
could be used as a reservoir instead of our home(s). We propose that council
make a decision to purchase the property and pursue other means to ensure the
safety and well being of homeowners affected by this disastrous event.
Sincerely,
Markus & Frederica Hammonds
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