‘I’m still stuck’: Petersburg homeowner waits for city to address flooding damage 6 years later

PETERSBURG, Va. (WRIC) — A Petersburg homeowner spoke with 8News about his growing frustration as he continues to wait for the city to address flooding concerns at his home, six years later.

Alonzo Saunders said that when he first bought his Washington Street home in 2019, he had hopes and dreams of flipping the abandoned home and turning it into a rental property for the community. However, nearly six years later he found himself investing way more than he ever bargained for.

(Photo: Jakobi Davis, 8News)

8News first spoke with Saunders in 2021 when he shared that his home would flood every time it rained due to the city's drainage issues. The problem was worsened by piles of trash and fallen brinks that were left behind further backing up the waterway.

"I'm just glad that your way will come back out for me, you know? Because nobody else seems to be on my side," Saunders said.

(Photo: Jakobi Davis, 8News)

(Photo: Jakobi Davis, 8News)

(Photo: Jakobi Davis, 8News)

In 2021, 8News learned that the state had told the city to clear the stream and address stormwater drainage problems. The city said they were aware of the issue and would work with the state and Saunders to find a plan and fix the problem once they received the needed funding.

“When they started working with me and the city, I felt it was going to be something to be taken care of," Saunders said. "And I figured it would take a while, but not five years. And so I'm still stuck."

Between 2021 and 2024, the city received millions of dollars in funding from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. A spokesperson from the department said the city received $2 million in grant money to acquire hazardous properties like Saunders' and demolish structures to improve water flow. In addition, a total of $8.1 million in grants was received for flood improvement projects.

Despite receiving the funding to buy back Saunders' property, he told 8News that, for nearly a year, he has had no luck getting answers as to when the city would close the deal.

8News asked city officials about possible delays and was told "The city is and has been working with Mr. Saunders."

“Up to this point, the only person that -- only people -- are making money off this house is the city," Saunders said.

The city declined to comment further despite additional questions. After 8News' inquiries with the city, Saunders said the city reached out to him to set up a meeting and discuss the next steps.