South Glenview Flood‑Control Project Gains Momentum with $8.15 Million Land Purchase

After years of studies, community meetings and a few sighs of relief, the flood‑control effort in South Glenview finally has a piece of real‑world land to work on. On September 8 the Northfield Township Road District closed on a 15.82‑acre parcel – plus an extra 0.91‑acre easement for construction – bought from Ridgewood Cemetery Company for $8.15 million plus closing costs.

The plot sits right where Central Road meets Dee Road, a spot that has long been a bottleneck when heavy rain turns the Des Plaines River into a rushing river. The plan? Build a storm‑water detention basin that can temporarily hold runoff during big storms, easing the pressure on aging culverts and keeping the road open for commuters, emergency crews and everyday families.

“For the families in South Glenview who have watched water climb their driveways year after year, this property acquisition means the detention basin is no longer just a line on a drawing – it’s on its way to becoming real,” said Northfield Township Highway Commissioner Michael J. Korman. He added that keeping Central Road usable during major storms is a huge win for everyone who relies on that east‑west corridor.

The basin is only one part of a broader scheme that includes new mainline storm sewers beneath Central Road and Dearlove Road, plus lateral lines feeding into Glenwood Lane, Glendale Road, Glenshire Road and Hillside Road. Altogether, the infrastructure upgrades aim to protect about 130 single‑ and multi‑family homes, several roadways, and even the pavement and culverts that connect the neighborhood to the rest of the region.

Funding and oversight come from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD), which also handles the design and construction phases. Once the work is finished, the Northfield Township Road District will own and maintain the improvements within its borders.

“Strong partnerships are essential to building more resilient communities, and we appreciate the Northfield Township Road District’s collaboration on the Central Road Flood‑Control Project,” said MWRD President Kari K. Steele. Steele emphasized that expanding storm‑water storage will not only cut flood risk but also deliver lasting benefits for residents across Northfield Township.

Next steps involve detailed surveys, staking, and a slew of environmental checks. MWRD aquatic biologists will evaluate whether any turtles or fish need to be relocated, and an environmental suitability assessment is slated for September. The Road District promises to keep the public posted as the project moves from design to construction.

With more than $53 million earmarked for regional storm‑water work over the next few years, this land purchase is a tangible sign that the larger flood‑mitigation vision is finally taking shape – one acre at a time.