Montpelier Residents Demand Action on Chronic Flooding

Location: Montpelier

From the Montpelier Board of Works and Safety meeting on April 15, 2026

Multiple residents appeared before the Board of Works on April 15 to report severe flooding after a heavy rainstorm the previous night — approximately 1.7 to 2.25 inches in under an hour. Two problem areas dominated the discussion.

On Elm Street near the local racetrack, resident Tracy Alexander of 609 South Elm Street reported that the racetrack brought in an estimated 200 to 300 loads of dirt over the past year, effectively redirecting stormwater onto residential properties. The mayor said he and Water Superintendent Chase Perry had spoken with Paul Shriber that morning about the issue and committed to getting Shriber more involved to assess whether the racetrack's earthwork violated waterway disturbance laws.

In the Standard Oil and Windsor Street area, a longtime resident reported more than 40 years of recurring flooding and sewer backups. A 10-inch storm pipe installed years ago is undersized for current drainage loads, and the combined sewer system backs up during rain events, causing sewage to surface in residential yards. The Board of Health previously tested standing water in the area and found contamination levels "off the charts." Perry acknowledged the pipe is inadequate and said upgrading to a larger line would fix the west side problems, but the combined sewer issue is a "major project" requiring separation.

The city committed to involving Shriber to evaluate elevations and develop a plan. Standard Oil Road is scheduled for repaving, and the mayor agreed drainage should be addressed before paving begins.

Source: Montpelier Board of Works & Safety meeting video, 4/15/26 (YouTube)