Residents who live along Buffalo Creek in the Lexington Green neighborhood of West Seneca are now calling on the town to either remove or repair a man-made berm that sits in their backyard.
The berm was installed after destructive ice-jam flooding caused thousands-of-dollars worth of property damage to several homes in early 2014.
Sacks filled with concrete chunks and stone were placed along the creek's shoreline in hopes it would minimize future flooding damage. However, the sacks have since started to sag and rip with residents complaining about their unsightly appearance. There is also concerns the sacks could topple over into yards if another flood were to take place.
West Seneca officials are aware of the complaints and are exploring options.
According to Councilman Gene Hart, the cost of removing the berm could be substantial. Hart said the idea of covering the berm brings with it its own complications because of concerns that future floods could wash away the soil covering causing more sediment and problems in Buffalo Creek. Adding to the complexities, Hart said a high-pressure natural gas line runs close to the berm and along the creek.
For Lexington Green residents, it is another frustration after dealing with the destruction done to their homes three years ago and then finding that insurance companies often refused to pay claims for loss.
Councilman Hart said he hopes to schedule a future meeting with the residents to see what can be done. However, residents are now organizing a collective effort to try and get the berm issue dealt with this year.
7 Eyewitness News Reporter Ed Reilly has more in his report.
