Residents Invest in Pumps as County Plans Conveyance Swale to Stop Repeated Flooding

*KALAMAZOO, Mich.* — A neighborhood on Kalamazoo's Northside has been fighting water for decades.

Cheryle Alfieri has lived at her home for 30 years. She has experienced flooding approximately 20 times in that period.

"I've invested in two pumps," Alfieri said. "My pumps are the only thing that is saving me right now."

Alfieri is one of around three dozen homeowners on Cobb and West Paterson Street whose basements and yards remain damp after last week's heavy rainfall put the city under a state of emergency.

The Kalamazoo County Drain Commissioner's office has prepared a preliminary design document for a new drainage system that will address the repeated flooding in the area.

The project involves creating a conveyance swale that will contour yards along West Prouty Street to drain stormwater into the nearby state ditch and eventually the Kalamazoo River.

Crews plan to begin work later in 2026.

The county project is estimated to cost between $150,000 and $250,000 at no cost to homeowners.

City Public Services Director James Baker said the planning process began last year after numerous complaints from residents.

"Flooding is no stranger to Kalamazoo," Baker said. "We've got a lot of issues and a lot of different neighborhoods."

Baker noted that the city is also planning a double storm inlet project at West Paterson Street. This would include two connected drains so that one can continue working if the other is plugged from debris.

Baker explained that each flooding situation requires a different solution.

"While Kalamazoo County is working to alleviate backyard flooding," Baker said, "the city hopes to keep potholes and water deterioration on the road from developing further."

For residents like Alfieri, any drainage help cannot come soon enough.

"My pumps are running as we're talking," Alfier said. "In fact, my pumps are the only thing that is saving me right now."

The City of Kalamazoo expects the Kalamazoo River and Portage Creek to begin lowering this week, despite some additional rainfall.

Area Impacted

The flooding has affected approximately 30 homes on the Northside. The area includes:

  • Cobb Avenue
  • West Paterson Street
  • West Prouty Street
  • Lulu Street

Neighbors Speak Out

Lamont Ayers is one of the neighbors who has dealt with this kind of flooding multiple times a year.

"We don't even have drains out on the street," Ayers said. "I think it's maybe one drain out in the front of the house."

Ayers said the flooding can take weeks to recede.

"I've got young grandkids that like to play out here," Ayers said. "And this is dangerous for them to be out here in this type of water."

County Response

News Channel 3 took the residents' concerns to the Kalamazoo County Drain Commissioner's office, which sent a preliminary design document outlining the proposed conveyance swale.

The project will contour yards along West Prouty Street in order to drain stormwater into the nearby state ditch, and eventually the Kalamazoo River.