Record rainfall in July had many Lincoln Parkers mouthing Wading in the Waters instead of Singing in the Rain as basements, parkways and streets flooded. Waders would have been a solid investment for many city dwellers. Why now? Aging sewers are part of the problem. The much-ballyhooed Deep Tunnel System, which promised so much when first envisioned, was again not able to live up to its hype. It probably never will. The Chicago Tribune's article on our summer floods, Chicago flooding (Q&A: Freak storm, aging sewers and Chicago's topography lead to flooding woes - chicagotribune.com), provides insight into the problem and makes recommendations for homeowners. 

What's a Lincoln Parker to do? Disconnecting downspouts from sewers and allowing the runoff to be absorbed by permeable back yards was one of the simplest and most "do-able" solutions suggested. Simple but ironic. Lincoln Park is losing its backyards to overbuilding and front-to-back lot construction. When it is most needed, permeability is disappearing from our landscape. That's strange, given that City Hall is frantically looking for solutions to soak up rain water, including pervious concrete and permeable pavers for sidewalks and alleys. Yet builders and homeowners in Lincoln Park continue to fill in backyards with  four- and six-foot concrete patios, connecting breezeways and attached garages instead of permeable at-grade back yards.  Some argue that the new zoning code is part of the problem and does not mesh with other city agencies' call for more permeability.  How did this happen? 

Lincoln Central has long been an advocate for the preservation of at-grade rear yards. We emphasize the need for trees and green space.  LCA's website states: "We strongly oppose breezeways, raised decks, multi-story outdoor staircases and masonry walls along property lines that consume rear yards and affect light, views, air and our city's water system. Permeable green space, at grade, is preferred for rear yards. We feel that Chicago's backyards and gardens are unique urban spaces that increase property values and foster communication between neighbors."

LCA is not alone. Alderman Scott Waguespack (32nd) established crystal clear development guidelines for his ward, which encourage the "retention of rear yards that are open, permeable and green." In that ward, garage roof decks are not a suitable "green" replacement for open permeable rear yards.  Waguespack's office discourages "the loss of open yard space to enclosed connectors or breezeways between residential structures and detached garages." 

Newly elected Alderman Michele Smith (43rd) is looking into ways to increase green space and permeability throughout the city. Her position on preserving open space "dovetails" with LCA's position. The alderman "encourages environmentally sound construction projects that maintain the contextual elements" of the surrounding neighborhood. "Breezeways, raised decks and other impairments to rear yard open space" she asserts "not only diminish the classic residential design of Chicago homes with at-grade backyards separating the primary dwelling and the garage/parking area, but, more importantly, create impervious surface conditions ripe for flooding."

Drive or walk through Andersonville, Lakeview, Roscoe Village, Lincoln Square, Wicker Park, Bucktown, Ukranian Village and you'll see that true back yards remain. Chicago's motto is "Urbs in horto." The green corridor that is Chicago rear yards fits the city's motto. There is a beauty to contiguous back yards. We in Lincoln Park must follow our neighbors: embrace and protect green!  All city neighborhoods should promote housing where residents can enjoy a quiet, green backyard retreat. Permeable back yards are a beautiful solution that could ease Chicago's flooding woes.