The city of DeKalb will investigate building detention areas to prevent flooding in local neighborhoods.

Updates to the city’s 2005 comprehensive plan includes designated areas for stormwater retention and detention ponds.

Occasional flooding has been an issue in the Dodge Avenue neighborhood for about 25 years, with isolated pockets of flooding in older neighborhoods as well, City Engineer Joel Maurer said.

A proposed detention area, intended to curb flooding around Dodge Avenue, would be built near Industrial Drive and Lincoln Highway and cost about $300,000, Maurer said.

The city’s proposed plan still requires more study to see if it would be effective, Maurer said. Nothing would be implemented within the next 12 months.

Maurer said while there has been some street flooding, he was not aware of any permanent damage.

City Manager Mark Biernacki said overland flow from farm fields to the south and east can sometimes inundate nearby homes after heavy rainfall.

“We have a relatively flat topography, so standing water lasts longer,” Biernacki said.

Last year offered one example of flooding caused by the Kishwaukee River and stormwater, Biernacki said. April through June were the heaviest times of the year for rain.

Dodge Avenue resident Thomas Lenker said he thought a plan for a nearby detention area would be a great idea.

Lenker said his basement was flooding with water and waste several weeks ago despite being told the problem had been corrected.

Lenker said the flooding was the first in about a year of living in the residence and had not caused significant damage.