Hi Neighbors As you know, many people in TKPK have been dealing with
stormwater problems lately. A group of us have been working together to try
and help the City resolve these things. The letter below was written by a
subgroup to the mayor and council. Please let me know if you have any
questions or would like further information. Dear Mayor Stewart and City
Councilmembers,
As you know, many Takoma Park residents are concerned about the increasing
volume of stormwater in our region and our ability to manage it in a
changing climate scenario. The Takoma Park CIty government has official
jurisdiction over stormwater policy, planning, and implementation, and we
know to fully address the complex impacts of climate change in Takoma Park
would require greater resources than the City has at its disposal at this
time. To support the City’s efforts and the health and safety of our
community, we wish to offer our advisory services to the City’s efforts.
We are among those concerned residents and are working under the banner of
Takoma Park Mobilization’s TALLE/Climate Action Coffee as the Stormwater
Management Sub Group. Some of our members are stormwater professionals who
are willing to address the problems of stormwater management.
Through our neighborhood associations, we have begun the process of
surveying residents about the gravity and scope of stormwater management
problems they are experiencing. The community surveys are a prelude to
organizing a series of public forums exploring challenges and responses to
the rising severity and frequency of stormwater problems.
We have obtained a copy of the report by Drexel University report
commissioned by the Takoma Park Department of Public Works, “STORMWATER
PLANNING UNDER CLIMATE CHANGE REPORT”
http://www.ccrun.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/CIVET580_TakomaPark.pdf
This report is a good starting point for creating an effective stormwater
management plan for Takoma Park.
We understand that the City’s limited resources are primarily directed to
meeting requirements of the MS4 Phase II permit. Given the City’s recent
acknowledgement that effective stormwater management must address both
public and private property, we hope to work side-by-side with the City to
implement a more holistic response.
We are heartened by the increasing attention that you, as the Stormwater
Management Board, and City staff are giving to stormwater issues. We see
positive space for collaboration with the community, Council and staff and
we are hopeful that the new City Manager will also embrace a collaborative
approach.
It is our intention not to burden but to support you in this collective
work so that it may yield the best possible strategy for future stormwater
management in Takoma Park. We look forward to your support and engagement
in this process. Thank you.
On behalf of the Stormwater Management Subgroup of Climate Action Coffee,
Sincerely,
Paul Chrostowski, Ward 1
Randy Gibson, Ward 3
Susanne Lowen, Ward 3
David Reed, Ward 2
Larry Silverman, Ward 1
Roberta Valente, Ward 3
Steve Whitney, Ward 1 Paul C
