$8.15 Million Land Purchase Advances South Glenview Flood‑Control Project

After years of planning and community meetings, a critical piece of the South Glenview flood‑control puzzle finally fell into place. On September 8 the Northfield Township Road District closed on a 15.82‑acre parcel – plus a tiny 0.91‑acre easement – for just over $8 million.

The seller, Ridgewood Cemetery Company Inc., transferred the land to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD), which is footing the bill for the purchase, the design work and the eventual construction.

Why does this matter? The site, tucked near Dee Road and Central Avenue, will become the heart of a new storm‑water detention basin. When heavy rain hits, the basin will temporarily hold runoff, easing the strain on existing drains and keeping water off driveways, streets, and—most importantly—homes.

Northfield officials estimate the project will directly benefit about 130 single‑ and multi‑family residences along the Central Road corridor, plus several local roadways that have been prone to washouts during past storms.

“For the families in South Glenview who have watched water creep up their driveways year after year, this property acquisition means the detention basin is no longer a line on a drawing—it’s on its way to becoming real,” said Highway Commissioner Michael J. Korman. He added that keeping Central Road open during big storms will be a boon for commuters, emergency responders, and anyone who simply needs to get from point A to B.

The basin is just one component of a broader plan that also includes new mainline storm sewers beneath Central Road and Dearlove Road, plus lateral lines on Glenwood Lane, Glendale Road, Glenshire Road and Hillside Road. Together, these upgrades should protect pavement, culverts, and other infrastructure well beyond the immediate neighborhood.

MWRD is not only funding the land purchase; it will also lead the design and construction phases. Once the work is finished, the Northfield Township Road District will take over long‑term ownership and maintenance of the improvements.

Next steps involve detailed surveys, staking, and environmental assessments. Biologists from MWRD will check for turtles, fish, and other wildlife that might need relocation, and an environmental suitability study is slated for September.

“Strong partnerships are essential to building more resilient communities, and we appreciate the collaboration with the Northfield Township Road District,” said MWRD President Kari K. Steele. She emphasized that expanding storm‑water storage is key to reducing flood risk and delivering lasting benefits to residents of Northfield Township.

As the project moves from paperwork to ground‑breaking, officials promise to keep the public informed. Residents can expect updates on construction timelines, any temporary road impacts, and the eventual opening of the detention basin that promises to keep South Glenview drier for years to come.