Residents demand action on flooding crisis in Allentown

During a recent government meeting, community member Gretchen Krasley raised significant concerns regarding stormwater management in her neighborhood, particularly in light of past flooding incidents. Krasley, a resident of 2126 West Allen Street for 40 years, highlighted the severe impact of flooding on her community, noting that many residents, including herself, have lost vehicles due to inadequate drainage systems.

Krasley commended the city of Allentown for its efforts to mitigate flooding through engineering improvements made since a catastrophic storm in 2013, which she described as a \"500-year storm.\" She presented photographs documenting the changes in her neighborhood, emphasizing the effectiveness of the city's interventions in preventing further flooding.

In her remarks, Krasley referenced a stormwater feasibility study commissioned by the Department of Public Works, which recommended additional drainage solutions and the creation of green spaces to absorb rainwater. She expressed gratitude for the establishment of a rain garden in her area, which has helped manage runoff.

Despite acknowledging the city's progress, Krasley urged officials to consider the increasing frequency and severity of rainstorms, as noted in the feasibility study. She underscored the importance of ongoing improvements to stormwater management to protect her community from future flooding risks.