Lorain residents are hoping their city is heading in the right direction when it comes to chronic neighborhood flooding issues.
Homeowners like Marilyn Szeto, who lives in the area of Ashtabula Avenue, are upset about repeated flooding and wondering when a permanent solution will be found.
"I'm praying that it doesn't flood again, it was up to the sidewalk on June 30," said Szeto. "Your heart starts going pitter patter every time you think it's going to rain."
Szeto says residents on her street have suffered tens of thousands of dollars in damage over the past few years. She believes Lorain's old sewer system and inadequate network of creeks need major improvements.
Lorain Councilman Angel Arroyo reports sewer improvements are on the way. If doesn't happen soon, his city could face massive fines imposed by the EPA.
"They would've fined us $20 million and they would've fined us daily thousands and thousands of dollars," said Arroyo."They also would have fined us nine years previous."
Arroyo said city council approved a sewer rate hike to fund critical sewer improvements just last week.
Arroyo explained the sewer rate increase will cost residents $5 more per month in 2017, and $10 more per month in 2018.
He said the money will be used to help fund $65 million in critical underground tunnels, which are near the first phase of completion.
"I understand why residents are frustrated," said Arroyo. "I want to let them know that right now we're doing everything we can."
