Skip to content
  • Subscribe
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Email
  • Home
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Entertainment
  • Features
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
Suburban Chicagoland

Suburban Chicagoland

Original News, Features & Opinion on local and regional news you won't find anywhere else

  • About
    • About
    • Advertise
    • Our Writers
      • Ray Hanania
      • Bill Lipinski
      • Biography: Aaron Hanania
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Reach Out
  • Sections
    • Events
    • Opinion
    • News
    • Features
    • Seniors
    • Comic Strip
  • Library
    • “MIdnight Flight” Online Book
      • Midnight Flight Book Overview
      • Midnight Flight Introduction
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 1
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 2
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 3
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 4
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 5
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 6
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 7
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 8
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 9
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 10
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 11
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 12
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 13
    • Villages, Cities & Towns
    • Federal Office Holders
    • County Officials
    • Legislators
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
  • Comment
  • Podcast
    • Ray Hanania on Politics
    • Two Guys on Politics
    • Hanania on Tiktok
  • News Wire
  • Archive 2004-2013
  • Toggle search form
  • Father and two daughters Jeffery M Leving
    Father’s Fight to Protect his Abused and Badly Beaten Daughters Dads' Rights
  • Illinois Senator Michael Hastings addressing the Orland Township Democratic Organization Wednesday Oct. 12, 2022
    Hastings announces $75,000 grant for Olympia Fields Bicentennial Park renovations Illinois Legislature
  • Alleged Member of Chicago Street Gang Charged With Soliciting the Murder of Senior Law Enforcement Official Involved in “Operation Midway Blitz” Crime
  • IIEC Logo
    The Energy Omnibus Bill will increase rates over the rest of this decade as Illinois families and businesses toil under higher utility costs Business
  • Thaddeus Kosciuszko, Polish hero of the American Revolution. After arriving in America in 1776, Kosciuszko joined the Continental Army. As a skilled engineer, he made significant contributions to the war by designing fortifications for several strategic places such as Philadelphia, West Point, and Saratoga. Kosciuszko later returned to Poland to lead his native military in a 1794 uprising. In Detroit, Courtesy of WIkipedia
    Cook County Treasurer Pappas showcases Polish photographer’s first-ever American exhibit and honors Polish American Heritage Month in Chicago Cook County
  • On Saturday, October 4th, Cook County Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar hosted the Fifth Annual 16th District Dia de los Muertos Resource Fair at his district office. Partnering with Commissioner Aguilar were the Village of Lyons, Lyons School District 103, Teamsters Local 777, and Rincon Family Services.
    Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Hosts Fifth Annual Dia de los Muertos Family Resource Fair  Cook County
  • Jesse Jackson Jr July 2025
    Jesse Jackson Jr. Launches Candidacy for Congress Civil Rights
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas to Celebrate Diwali by Recognizing Indian Community Leaders Cook County
  • Andrew Boutros US Attorney Illinois
    Statement of US Attorney Andrew S. Boutros and Federal Law Enforcement Leadership in Chicago on Ongoing Criminal Immigration Enforcement Operations Chicago
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    The 5 Most Common Mistakes Homeowners Make with Property Taxes Cook County
  • Road construction cement truck. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Hastings: $123 million in IDOT projects will improve South Suburban roads through collaboration with local leaders construction
  • Source: Electric Power Monthly - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
    Ratepayers will lose in the rush to approve battery storage electricity legislation in Springfield Business
  • Joyful reunion photo courtesy of Jeffery M. Leving & Assc law firm
    Leving Team Prevented a Father’s Wrongful Separation from His Child Dads' Rights
  • CTF Illinois Orland Park, 18230 Orland Pkwy, Orland Park, IL 60467
    Hastings, Giannoulias announce opening of temporary driver services facility in Orland Park Baby Boomers
  • Emagine Theater Pink popcorn
    Popcorn with a purpose: Emagine Theatres brings back Pink Caramel Corn to support Pink Fund during Breast Cancer Awareness Month Business
Officials demand that BNSF Railways stop lying and be accountable for the flooding problems being caused by their cement resurfacing of property. BNSF owns 7 percent of the land in the Town of Cicero. Flooding from BNSF property has impacted homes in suburbs throughout the Chicagoland suburbs. BNSF refuses to be accountable. Pictured are Cicero Trustee Victor Garcia, Clerk Maria Punzo-Arias, Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar, State Rep. Lisa Hernandez, State Rep. Mike Zalewski and State Senator Steve Landek.

BNSF Railway criticized for causing flooding of residential homes in Chicagoland Suburbs

Posted on December 8, 2021December 22, 2021 By News Editor No Comments on BNSF Railway criticized for causing flooding of residential homes in Chicagoland Suburbs
SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  

BNSF Railway criticized for causing flooding of residential homes in Chicagoland Suburbs

Town President Larry Dominick and officials of Cook County and the Illinois Legislature demanded that the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway be “held accountable for flooding problems” they have caused to neighboring residences as a result of concrete resurfacing of their properties.

At a press conference Wednesday Dec. 8, 2021 at Cicero Town Hall, State Senator Steve Landek, State Senator Antonio “Tony” Munoz, State Representative Lisa Hernandez, State Representative Michael Zalewski, Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar joined President Dominick in denouncing BNSF for refusing to be responsive for the problems they have caused.

Saying BNSF “is not above the law,” the officials reported that many residential homes and properties, not just in Cicero but throughout the Chicagoland suburbs adjacent to BNSF properties have suffered damaged as a result of rainwater run-off from the railroad’s property.

Zalewski said he introduced HB 1357 to require all railroad companies including BNSF Railway that own a minimum of 5 percent of the land in any community to adhere the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Watershed Management Ordinances managing rainwater run-off.

BNSF owns more than 7 percent of the land in Cicero, officials said.

State Rep. Mike Zalewski talks about legislation of force the BNSF Railway to be accountable to residents of Cicero and other suburban communities whose properties have been damaged by BNSF rainwater run-off flooding caused by BNSF resurfacing projects
State Rep. Mike Zalewski talks about legislation of force the BNSF Railway to be accountable to residents of Cicero and other suburban communities whose properties have been damaged by BNSF rainwater run-off flooding caused by BNSF resurfacing projects

“We filed legislation in the Fall, a very simple piece of legislation, that says a parcel of property owned by the railway has to conform with the state, the county and the Water Reclamation District’s drainage law, as they own 5 percent of that property,” Zalewski said.

 

======================

“It doesn’t help that a company like BNSF that owns so much land in many of these communities and many resources is unresponsive and uncaring, ignoring the flooding problems it is causing to its neighboring communities and homeowners.”
— State Senator Tony Munoz

======================

“We are blessed in Cook County and the MWRD region with a very modern drainage law, an ordinance that makes sure the water shed is being managed properly given the flooding issues that we have. We just simply want the Town of Cicero and the residents effected by flooding to be protected by this ordinance.”

Zalewski noted that BNSF refuses to abide by the MWRD’s Watershed Management Ordinances adding that his legislation has the support of both the Illinois House and the Illinois Senate.

State Rep. Lisa Hernandez talks about legislation of force the BNSF Railway to be accountable to residents of Cicero and other suburban communities whose properties have been damaged by BNSF rainwater run-off flooding caused by BNSF resurfacing projects
State Rep. Lisa Hernandez demands that the BNSF Railway to be accountable to residents of Cicero and other suburban communities whose properties have been damaged by BNSF rainwater run-off flooding caused by BNSF resurfacing projects

“There will be a push to make the BNSF accountable for their role in rainwater flooding issues,” Zalewski said.

Hernandez, a resident of Cicero for nearly 40 years, said that her home has flooded and that she has noticed increased flooding coming off of the BNSF properties including the flooding under the railroad viaduct on Austin Blvd just north of Ogden Avenue.

“We are calling on BNSF to do whatever they can to alleviate the flooding issue,” Hernandez said.

Hernandez noted that several areas of Cicero have seen flooding as rainwater has poured off of the BNSF resurfaced properties including along 58th Court between 27th Street and 28th Streets, and the viaduct on Austin Blvd north of Ogden Avenue.

In a statement read at the press conference, Munoz vowed that BNSF will be accountable for the flooding they are causing in the Town of Cicero and in many other suburban communities adjacent to their properties.

Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar demands that the BNSF Railway to be accountable to residents of Cicero and other suburban communities whose properties have been damaged by BNSF rainwater run-off flooding caused by BNSF resurfacing projects
Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar demands that the BNSF Railway to be accountable to residents of Cicero and other suburban communities whose properties have been damaged by BNSF rainwater run-off flooding caused by BNSF resurfacing projects

“Over the past two decades, BNSF has irresponsibly replaced soft ground that absorbs rainwater with concrete and asphalt causing rainwater to wash off onto the properties of nearby homes and private properties causing flooding, without providing meaningful and effective safeguards,” Munoz said.

“We work hard to provide programs to help homeowners deal with the flooding problem, which impacts all communities in the Chicagoland region. It doesn’t help that a company like BNSF that owns so much land in many of these communities and many resources is unresponsive and uncaring, ignoring the flooding problems it is causing to its neighboring communities and homeowners.”

Aguilar said Cook County is prepared to help all residents who are dealing with flooding problems, noting that acting today will help prepare the region for possible flooding in the Spring.

Officials demand that BNSF Railways stop lying and be accountable for the flooding problems being caused by their cement resurfacing of property. BNSF owns 7 percent of the land in the Town of Cicero. Flooding from BNSF property has impacted homes in suburbs throughout the Chicagoland suburbs. BNSF refuses to be accountable. Pictured are Cicero Trustee Victor Garcia, Clerk Maria Punzo-Arias, Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar, State Rep. Lisa Hernandez, State Rep. Mike Zalewski and State Senator Steve Landek.
Officials demand that BNSF Railways stop lying and be accountable for the flooding problems being caused by their cement resurfacing of property. BNSF owns 7 percent of the land in the Town of Cicero. Flooding from BNSF property has impacted homes in suburbs throughout the Chicagoland suburbs. BNSF refuses to be accountable. Pictured are Cicero Trustee Victor Garcia, Clerk Maria Punzo-Arias, Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar, State Rep. Lisa Hernandez, State Rep. Mike Zalewski and State Senator Steve Landek.

“Flooding is not only an issue in Cicero it is an issue throughout Cook County and the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe railway should be held accountable to all levels of government and especially to the citizens here,” Aguilar said.

“It is a problem me and my colleagues at the county board are working on infrastructure funding to address the issue, but the lack of cooperation is making it more difficult. So to echo the words of my colleagues here, the railway should be held accountable.”

President Dominick said that the Town appreciates the support the legislators and county officials, saying, “Every government and public entity, including BNSF, must be held accountable for the impact they are having on the rainwater run-off that is damaging residential homes. I appreciate all of the legislators and officials who are standing up for the rights of residents to protect their homes.”

Click here to watch the video of the press conference or use the widget below to watch.


 

You can complain to BNSF officials by:

1 – Calling BNSF and making an anonymous complaint: 1-800-832-5452 option 4

2 – Email the BNSF Officials

Will Johnson. Chief of Police

Bryan Laurie. Assistant Chief of Police, East Corridor: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee, Wisconsin

Contact them using their online form:

Please use our Contact Us form. Use of this form will help us to direct your inquiry to the right person and track the progress of our response.

newswire info
  • Author
  • Recent Posts
News Editor
News Editor
News Editor at Suburban Chicagoland
Managing Editor and News Editor for stories published in SuburbanChicagoland
News Editor
Latest posts by News Editor (see all)
  • Court vacates order of protection, reuniting dad and daughter - September 18, 2025
  • Nick Uniejewski challenges anti-Arab Illinois State Senator Sarah Feigenholtz - September 11, 2025
  • Chicago Man Sentenced to Two Years in Federal Prison for Immigration Fraud - September 9, 2025
NPV: 31
  • Tweet

SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  
 
 
 
           
Chicago, Cook County, Federal, Flooding, Government, News, NewsWire, Suburban Chicagoland, Transportation Tags:BNSF Railway, BNSF Railway criticized for causing flooding, Burlington Northern and Santa Fe, Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar, flood damage, flooding, railroad company, resurfacing, State Representative Lisa Hernandez, State Representative Michael Zalewski, State Senator Antonio “Tony” Munoz, State Senator Steve Landek, Town of CIcero, unaccountable

Post navigation

Previous Post: Reader slams Ted Bojanowski for his lies
Next Post: Casten announces endorsements from 40+ local elected officials and community leaders

Related Posts

  • Wind energy mills, also known as the Green Mountain Energy Wind Farm. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
    Foster Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Promote Better Energy Storage breaking news
  • Dads' Rights Attorney Jeffery M. Leving
    Leving court victory keeps Dad from losing son Jeffery Leving
  • McCook Police Chief Steve Svetich  plans to retire in June, ending 35 years in law enforcement. McCook is his hometown. (Photo by Steve Metsch)
    “It’s time,” says McCook top cop Svetich News
  • Amos Alonzo Stagg High School Palos Heights. Courtesy of Stagg High school
    Stagg High School Selected to Participate in teen Mental Health First Aid Pilot Program Education
  • Police in the schools News
  • Andrew Boutros US Attorney Illinois
    Former Chicago Attorney Sentenced to Two and a Half Years in Federal Prison for Tax Fraud and Witness Tampering Crime

More Related Articles

Civil rights attorney ShawnTe Raines-Welch Civil Rights attorney ShawnTe Raines-Welch to seek 4th Subcircuit Judgeship Cook County
Blockbuster Video store logo. Courtesy Wikipedia Last Blockbuster Store & Last Blockbuster Mansion Business
Police Squad Car, courtesy of Wikipedia Orland Park Police recognize Distracted Driving Awareness Month with a reminder for motorists: Drop It and Drive Cook County
Former First Lady Michelle Obama, courtesy of Wikipedia Arrogance and racism in Michelle Obama’s lecture on White Flight Baby Boomers
Muslim prayer tent, O'Hare Airport Uber/Lyft Staging Area O’Hare Officials say they will pursue “more permanent solutions” for Muslim prayer Tent Chicago
money $20 dollar bill, dollars, cash Pappas: School districts hiked property taxes on Cook County homes, businesses    Chicago

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Login with your Social ID
  • OPINION
  • 06-04-25 Two Guys on Politics Background Zoom LOGO with images
    Video Podcast: Trump Kimmel Kirk Great American Divide Illegal Aliens polling and Illegal Aliens and ICE
    September 20, 2025
  • Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch speaking at a West Side affordable housing dedication
    Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, one of the best candidates to become Illinois Governor
    September 7, 2025
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    What You’re Missing on Your Property Tax Bill
    September 5, 2025
  • 05-23-25 Jeffery M. Leving
    Children of divorce caught in the middle during the holidays
    August 27, 2025
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    We Can Help You Understand Your Property Taxes—In Nearly Any Language
    August 8, 2025
Subscribe to Ray Hanania's column graphic

Enter Your Email to Subscribe to Ray Hanania’s Columns

  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png

Mohammed Faheem The Lightning Strike Radio

  • NEWS
  • Father and two daughters Jeffery M Leving
    Father’s Fight to Protect his Abused and Badly Beaten Daughters
    October 9, 2025
  • Illinois Senator Michael Hastings addressing the Orland Township Democratic Organization Wednesday Oct. 12, 2022
    Hastings announces $75,000 grant for Olympia Fields Bicentennial Park renovations
    October 8, 2025
  • Alleged Member of Chicago Street Gang Charged With Soliciting the Murder of Senior Law Enforcement Official Involved in “Operation Midway Blitz”
    October 8, 2025
  • IIEC Logo
    The Energy Omnibus Bill will increase rates over the rest of this decade as Illinois families and businesses toil under higher utility costs
    October 8, 2025
  • Thaddeus Kosciuszko, Polish hero of the American Revolution. After arriving in America in 1776, Kosciuszko joined the Continental Army. As a skilled engineer, he made significant contributions to the war by designing fortifications for several strategic places such as Philadelphia, West Point, and Saratoga. Kosciuszko later returned to Poland to lead his native military in a 1794 uprising. In Detroit, Courtesy of WIkipedia
    Cook County Treasurer Pappas showcases Polish photographer’s first-ever American exhibit and honors Polish American Heritage Month in Chicago
    October 8, 2025
John Kass Columns

Order the book PoweR PR; Ethnic Activists Guide to Strategic Communications

YOUTUBE VIDEOS

CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE TO RAY HANANIA'S YOUTUBE VIDEOS


Click here to view the video on YouTube or use the widget below.

Follow Ray Hanania at
Twitter
Facebook
TitkTok
BlueSky
RayHanania Columns

Creative Commons License
All works on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source.

Categories

Copyright © 2022 Suburban Chicagoland & Urban Strategies Group

Powered by PressBook Premium theme