Editor,
I read an article in the Current in Carmel about “Be ready to pay $5 storm water fee” and had to share my story. I moved into my home in 2004 and never noticed any storm water collection ditches in front of my home or my neighbor’s houses. That’s because many of the homes storm water collection ditches were cover over a long time ago due to neglect. After a few years passed, I noticed when it rained a substantial amount storm water started running from the front of my neighbor’s yard flooding into his driveway then continuing down between our homes and running off through our back yards. I called Carmel Town Hall and they directed me to the Public Works Dept., a couple of very nice City employees came out and informed me that even though the storm water collection ditch is on property that belongs to the City of Carmel, it’s the homeowners’ responsibility to pay for the upkeep, maintenance and repairs. I was under the impression it’s all part of the City of Carmel’s storm water collection system. I wanted a second opinion and asked for their advice and they gave me the phone number for the Dept. of Engineering of Carmel. After making contact and an appointment with the Engineering Dept., a very nice young man came out and surveyed the situation he agreed with the Dept. of Public Works. So I grabbed my wheelbarrow, pick axe and shovel and started digging out the storm water ditch in front of my next door neighbor’s house and mine. Two seasons have passed and unfortunately, despite my best efforts and back-breaking work, storm water still runs between our houses. The property belongs to The City of Carmel but the expense and upkeep of the collection of storm water is my responsibility. How strange, the City of Carmel claims this property belongs to them but denies any responsibility for any kind of upkeep, funding or maintenance on it. I can’t landscape, plant flowers or trees, alter it in anyway or even put up a sign on it because it belongs to the City of Carmel. But I can be held accountable for mowing it, weed eating it and now as a bonus I’m going to be charged an additional $5 tax while working on the City of Carmel’s storm water collection ditch to insure it functions properly. Former City engineer Mike McBride justified the tax increase saying Indianapolis, Fishers, Noblesville and Westfield have created similar utilities. I know for a fact that one out of these named Cities takes full responsibility for maintaining the entire storm water process from collection to processing.
Rocco Rossano