Royal Oak residents fearful of more flood damage

Aug 11 marks latest in string of problems

ROYAL OAK, Mich. – Residents of Vinsetta Street in Royal Oak were happy to see trash haulers arrive Friday morning after they lost everything in their basements during the flood on Aug 11.

This isn't the first time residents of neighborhood have seen the sewers backed up and the road flooded, even if it is the worst damage thus far. 

After water main construction last June, neighbors report at least two other sewer backups and several instances where the street has flooded. Although, it is uncertain if the construction is the cause. 

Vinsetta Street sits above a former river and that particular stretch of road is a low spot.

The mayor and city manager say that the problems are unrelated to construction and that they were unaware of any earlier problems.

The city will also, occasionally, allow streets to flood to prevent sewage backups.