In Wichita’s Crown Heights neighborhood, Bleckley Street has long been infamous for its dangerous flooding, and now, after years of growing concern, the city is taking major steps toward a solution.
On Tuesday, officials held a public information hearing to outline their $36 million flood mitigation plan, aiming to protect the area from future disasters.
When it rains, residents say Bleckley becomes a river. During early June flash floods, the Wichita Fire Department had to perform boat rescues to save people trapped in vehicles swept away by high waters.
“Cars have been washed away. It’s terrifying, it’s a matter of time before somebody dies,” said Colin Fee, a resident of four years.
Long-Term Solution Involves Major Construction and Trade-Offs
The city’s plan calls for a three-year project that will significantly alter the landscape of Bleckley Street.
An 80-foot-wide section will be cleared to install a 16-by-8-foot sewer drainage pipe beneath the street, aiming to reduce floodwaters from feet to mere inches.
“The system is going to really mitigate and help minimize the depth of that flooding,” said Steve Degenhardt, Wichita’s Public Works Assistant City Engineer.
The massive infrastructure effort will cut through residential yards, remove trees, and potentially impact the visual appeal and charm of the neighborhood. For some residents, that raises concerns about what’s being lost in the process.
“I love the place, I love the neighborhood. It’s like College Hill without all the marketing,” said Fee. “But the flooding is the biggest issue. There’s still debris from the last flood.”
City Officials Stress Urgency and Public Safety
District 1 City Council Member Brandon Johnson acknowledged the community’s concerns but stressed that public safety outweighs the inconvenience of construction and temporary disruption.
“That’s risking lives. Tearing up the street is an inconvenience—but it’s not life-threatening. These floods are,” Johnson said.
“People are telling me, ‘It’s about time, we need to get going.’”
Johnson has been aware of the problem since taking office seven years ago, and says the time for action has come.
Phase One Set to Begin Next Week
The project will begin with Phase One, focused on reconfiguring the waterway near Kellogg and Waterman to prepare for the new drainage system.
Construction is set to start next week, with the full project expected to be completed by 2028.
Residents who attended the information session voiced both support and concern — but agreed something must be done.
“It’s a good start, we’ll see what happens. The alternative is nothing happens, which is terrible,” said Fee.
The Bleckley Street flooding fix is a long-awaited and costly undertaking with major implications for the neighborhood’s look and feel.
Still, city leaders and residents agree that inaction is no longer an option. As construction begins, the focus will remain on safety, accountability, and community impact.