What We’ve Learned So Far

We wanted to share an important update with everyone who has supported and signed this petition.

Since the September 26 flooding, we have been in contact with the City of Brockton, including Conservation, Engineering, DPW, City Council, and other officials, to better understand the history of flooding in the Belmont Avenue area and what may be done to prevent this from happening again.

Through those conversations, we learned that four homes in this area were purchased and demolished around 2001 through FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Program because of flooding concerns. The large vacant field next to our property remains undeveloped today and continues to flood when Salisbury Brook rises.

We have also learned that there does not appear to be a specific long-term flood-mitigation plan for the Belmont Avenue side of Salisbury Brook beyond keeping that land undeveloped.

During the September 26 flood, Salisbury Brook overflowed directly into the vacant field and toward Belmont Avenue. Our side of the brook has no meaningful flood barrier or retaining structure, and the land is essentially level with the brook. Once the water rose, there was nothing to contain it. Our home became surrounded by water from the rear, side, and front, and approximately four feet of water entered our basement.

City officials have also informed us that Brockton has received FEMA funding for work at the Ellis Brett Pond Dam, which is expected to include improvements intended to better control water flowing into Salisbury Brook. We are grateful that this project is moving forward, but we have also been told that major work may not begin until 2027.

We understand that there is no overnight solution to a problem this large. However, after learning that flooding in this area has been documented for more than 25 years, we believe there needs to be a broader discussion about what additional protection can be provided for the families who still live along Belmont Avenue.

We are continuing to ask the City and state officials to evaluate Salisbury Brook, drainage capacity, culverts, the vacant FEMA-acquired property, and possible flood-mitigation measures for our side of the neighborhood.

Thank you to everyone who has signed, shared, and helped bring attention to this issue. Every signature helps show that this is not just one family's concern — it is about preventing another family from experiencing the same devastation.

Please continue to share the petition and help us push for a long-term flood-safety plan for Belmont Avenue and Salisbury Brook.