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Save Elden Ditch and Halt Unnecessary Construction
What is happening?
What is happening?
The City of Sylvania has promoted the Elden Ditch Watershed Improvement Project as a necessary step to address stormwater and flooding concerns. However, the data being used to justify this project dates back to the 1980s, and the Department of Public Service has since stated that resolving flooding is not actually the project’s goal. Meanwhile, the community continues to bear the cost of a project without clear intent or purpose.
The Memorial Grove—a war memorial located in Veterans Memorial Park—has been desecrated. Memorial trees were cut down, and tribute markers meant to honor loved ones were ripped from the ground with construction equipment, leaving them damaged. How much more of Sylvania’s charm, character, and history will be lost in the name of a project with shifting justifications?
Mission of the project
Mission of the project
We believe that the Elden Ditch can be preserved while still addressing any drainage issues. We urge you to join us in advocating for alternative solutions, such as:
Natural drainage solutions that maintain the Elden Ditch: Explore options like creating a more sustainable drainage system that utilizes the ditch as a natural feature, ensuring that the flow of water is not diverted away from it. Given that there have been no recent flooding concerns, it's likely that the current capacity of the ditch is sufficient and surpasses the performance of any artificial pipe system.
Improved maintenance: Enhancing the ditch's functionality through regular cleaning, debris removal, and vegetation management.
Community involvement: Participating in ditch maintenance and conservation efforts.
By working together, we can ensure that our community remains a vibrant and sustainable place to live while minimizing the negative impacts of construction.
Outdated Ditch Removal Practices
Outdated Ditch Removal Practices
Ditch removal was once a common practice, but it is now recognized as an ineffective and often harmful approach to stormwater management. Removing ditches can disrupt natural ecosystems, increase erosion, and contribute to the proliferation of harmful algae blooms in Lake Erie. These blooms are caused by nutrient runoff from agricultural and urban areas, which can be exacerbated by the loss of natural features like ditches that help filter and absorb pollutants. By preserving the Elden Ditch, we can help protect our local waterways and contribute to the overall health of Lake Erie.
Negative Impacts on Residential Quality of Life
Negative Impacts on Residential Quality of Life
The proposed removal of all trees along the Elden Ditch could lead to several adverse consequences for nearby residents. Exposing power lines would create a visual nuisance, while the proximity of a preschool playground could increase noise pollution and safety concerns. Additionally, the loss of shade and privacy would significantly diminish the overall quality of life for homeowners in the affected area.
Wildlife Habitat Impact
Wildlife Habitat Impact
Removing the ditch would disrupt the natural ecosystem and displace numerous wildlife species that rely on it for food, shelter, and reproduction. This could lead to population declines and habitat fragmentation.
Lack of Flooding Justification
Lack of Flooding Justification
It's important to note that there have been no recent reports of flooding concerns from residents in the area. My personal experience aligns with this observation, as I have not witnessed any flooding issues that could be attributed to poor drainage in the Elden Ditch area. This suggests that the original justification for the project's scope may be flawed, and the remaining phases may be unnecessary.
Get Involved
Get Involved
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