WMC Windings Maintenance Corporation
PO Box 5001, Waukesha, WI 53187-5001
August 13, 2020
Dear Neighbor:
I am contacting you because your property is adjacent to the creek bed that runs along Rolling Ridge DR.
In the past few weeks, the WMC Board has learned more details about the flood mitigation efforts that are currently underway in the City of Waukesha. This includes the plans to control storm runoff along the creek.
During the current repaving of Rolling Ridge DR, one of the many projects that are being completed prior to actual repaving concerns the “box culverts” that are being installed between University DR and Devonshire CT. These culverts are larger than the previous versions to help mitigate flooding. One fact we learned recently was that a second phase is planned to remove all of the vegetation and trees along the creek and to reshape and deepen the creek bed. The City was actually planning to complete this project during the current repaving, but the DNR would not grant permission. Below is a summary of the plan written by Craig Ausen, head engineer of the Rolling Ridge DR repaving project.
“In 2014 the City of Waukesha hired a consultant to analyze the entire City for flooding issues and areas where the City can cost effectively solve flooding issues. One of the areas noted in the report is Area 1 and 2 (Rolling Ridge Drive) which was further analyzed in 2017 to determine the best and most cost effective solutions. The study called for a need to upsize all culvert crossings along Rolling Ridge Drive from Devonshire Ct to University Dr and re-grading / cleaning the ditch to increase capacity. Due to WiDNR constraints the City has decided to split this project into two phases. The first phase which is being completed right now includes the upsizing of the existing culvert crossings. Phase 2 which is tentatively scheduled for 2021 will include the clearing of trees/shrubs/invasive species within the ditches of the project grading limits, grading/lowering of the existing ditch line, and restoring areas with rip rap and sod.”
This is good and bad news. The good news is that many dead, eroded and diseased trees, as well as a plethora of invasive vines and buck thorn bushes, will be removed by the City instead of the WMC. The bad news is that many healthy trees may be removed, changing the appearance significantly along Rolling Ridge DR.
If you would like to ask questions or express your feelings about the plans for the creek, I have included contact information for Craig Ausen and your elected officials below. The WMC Board has not taken a stand on this proposal at the present time.
Craig Ausen: (262) 349-6516, CAusen@waukesha-wi.gov; Mayor Shawn Reilly: (262) 524-3700, sreilly@waukesha-wi.gov; Alderman Peter Bartels: (262) 442-4998, alddist5@waukesha-wi.gov
Regards,
Frank Remfrey, President
Windings Maintenance Corp.
