Flooding solution sought by Vollmer Associates.

Vollmer Associates has been awarded a contract to develop measures to control flooding at the National Historic Landmark Sunnyside property in Tarrytown, NY.

The Sunnyside property is the former home of Washington Irvin (best known as author of "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow") and is owned and operated by Historic Hudson Valley, a non-profit organization which maintains the grounds, gift shop and provides educational tours of the property.

Over the past century, upstream development has significantly increased runoff rates in Sunnyside Brook, which flows through the property. Large storm events overtop the river banks and have caused significant destruction to historic features such as stone walls, a cobblestone roadway and a pond. The pond, named the "Little Mediterranean Pond" by Irvington, was used for producing ice for the large homestead complex.

The project will involve a new storm drainage culvert beneath the property to carry the majority of the river flows underground. Low flows will be directed through the pond via a historic stone channel and the existing pond spillway will be repaired. Along with the drainage improvements, park features such as the cobblestone roadway, stone walls and entry pillars and will be reconstructed to replicate the historic nature of the site.

Construction is expected to commence in Fall 2007 with completion slated for Spring 2008.