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Kennedy Street Stormwater Project

Started in 2023 by a passionate group of neighbors looking to address frequent and dangerous flooding on their block, the Kennedy Street Stormwater Project explores solutions in the public right of way that will reduce flood risks. From its inception, this project has sought to bring attention to the conditions faced by neighbors at the low point of the area and provide resources to help upstream neighbors lessen flood risks.

The Problem:

Neighbors along the 3900 - 4000 blocks of Kennedy Street reached out to the City following several storm related floods affecting roads, sidewalks, yards, and homes.

Because the drainage area that collects and feeds stormwater into the street is mostly on private, residential property, the City's Department of Public Works met with homeowners to discuss a collaborative approach.

Project area, bounded by 39th Avenue, Longfellow Street, 41st Avenue, and Jefferson Street. 40th Avenue and Kennedy bisect the project area.
Kennedy Street Drainage Area - Big Picture. 188 acres total, 110 acres of impervious (58% of watershed), 28 acres within the right-of-way (25% of impervious), 82 acres within property boundaries (75% of impervious), Neighborhoods at bottom greatest impact from flooding, History of flooding in lower areas.

Proposed solution:

The City contracted with the Low Impact Development Center (LIDC) to review watershed data and develop proposed next steps for both the City and residents.

Review the timeline below for the design concept and next steps in the implementation process.

Phases

Phases overview
Phase 1: Community Meetings & Data Collection
Community Meetings & Data Collection
Phase 2: Community Feedback: Preliminary Proposal
Community Feedback: Preliminary Proposal
Phase 3: Community Feedback: Updated Proposal
Community Feedback: Updated Proposal
Phase 4: Engineering and Construction
Engineering and Construction

Community Feedback: Updated Proposal

January 29, 2026 5:00 AM - May 28, 2026 3:59 AM

A community meeting was held to share updates to the proposed plan based on resident feedback.

View January 29 Presentation

A follow up meeting was held on-site on May 28, 2026 discuss the proposed design and answer questions.Residents meet in the middle of Kennedy Street at the May 28 Community Meeting

DPW Staff demonstrate native plantings that can be used in bioswales and rain gardens

Sidewalk chalk on Kennedy Street demonstrates park lanes with pervious paving vs. asphalt drive lanes