NEORSD explains plan for Parma’s Ridgewood Lake Park retention basin

PARMA, Ohio — City Council is expected to vote Tuesday night (Feb. 22) on the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District’s (NEORSD) proposed Upper Ridgewood Basin.

First introduced late last year, the retention basin project was put on hold when the Save Ridgewood Lakes Committee, which includes 22 homeowners around Ridgewood Lake Park and other residents, raised concerns ranging from a decrease in real estate value to the loss of a beautiful water feature.

At the request of Ward 2 Councilwoman Deborah A. Lime and Ward 4 Councilwoman Kristin Saban, NEORSD hosted a meeting at its district office Feb. 10.

“The meeting included a presentation and open discussion,” Mayor Tim DeGeeter said. “It was at that meeting that the residents and our administration first saw the rendering of the basin. Since then, we’ve shared the rendering and important related facts/information on social media.”

NEORSD Watershed Team Leader Donna Friedman said the meeting with the Save Ridgewood Lakes Committee was designed to answer questions, clarify points of confusion about the design and show photorealistic renderings and a conceptual plan.

“The district’s rendering served to relieve some concerns residents had about the proposed project,” Friedman said. “It illustrates key features of the design, including the amount of water in the basin.

“By showing the walking path and the robust landscaping, it also demonstrates the sewer district’s partnership with the City of Parma, as these features were adjusted based on council and resident feedback.”

If approved, construction of the $3.4 million project would begin this year, with a 2023 completion date.

The move is part of NEORSD’s Regional Stormwater Management Program, which addresses flooding by increasing stormwater storage through retention and stream improvement projects. Its goal in Parma is to increase stormwater capacity.

Friedman noted that more than 150 homes, garages and other buildings in the area experienced flooding during 100-year storm events. The new basin would provide a 40 percent reduction in flooding, with the greatest impact downstream of the park.

“The district has conducted several studies on this part of the Big Creek Watershed,” Friedman said. “Each study has reinforced the need for flood mitigation at this location. And while one project will not solve all of the flooding, we do know this will be a great first step.”

DeGeeter added: “The West Creek Conservancy is very supportive of the project. We believe the project will enhance the park with the added pathways, interpretative boards and other features.

“Additionally, it will reduce flooding over the roadway and, more importantly, in residents’ basements.”

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