Sunbury begins investigation after resident reports yard flooding and house settlement

A Sunbury resident told council Wednesday that stormwater is pooling on a yard adjacent to a raised roadway and that the settling could be damaging nearby homes. The resident said the issue was first raised with the city on April 2 and repeated the concern during the meeting.

Council members and City Administrator Joe Hennessy confirmed the city has begun an investigation, including a camera inspection of the storm sewer and visits from the wastewater team and an engineer. “We have begun the city investigation. We have sent a camera down through the storm sewer system,” Hennessy said. He added that the city is working with its insurer and awaiting a response from the insurer to determine next steps.

At the meeting a neighbor identified as Dennis spoke in support of the resident’s account and described visible settlement and water routing across driveways and yards. Staff said they expect a response from the insurer in early June and will follow up with the resident once the insurer provides guidance.

Council did not take any formal action at the meeting beyond directing staff to continue the investigation and report back; staff characterized the matter as an active infrastructure/claims investigation.