ANNAPOLIS, Md — Sveinn Storm, the proprietor of Storm Bros Ice Cream located on Dock Street, has expressed growing concerns about increased flooding near his establishment since the commencement of construction work in January. He finds the city’s response to his apprehensions unsatisfactory.
According to Storm, the parking area just in front of his store has experienced flooding more frequently, even during milder rainstorms, following the start of Whiting Turner’s construction activities on Dock Street.
“It has actually become worse. We were assured during meetings — and I have the notes from those discussions — that we wouldn’t face any further flooding issues since Whiting Turner, a prominent construction firm, promised us they would implement effective flood management systems. They stated that the pumps they had in place would alleviate our concerns, except in extreme circumstances,” Storm remarked.
Storm also noted that a sediment filter membrane, installed by Whiting Turner in one of the storm drains, is exacerbating the flooding situation.
“They installed a membrane in the storm drain to capture sediment runoff from their construction site. However, what’s concerning is that the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) never requested this installation; yet that’s the justification we’re given,” Storm added.
He indicated that the pumps and other flood prevention measures that previously mitigated the flooding are now inactive. The pumps currently in use by Whiting Turner are failing to prevent the flooding issues.
“Whiting Turner is a large company; they have the capability to resolve this. They made commitments to us that they need to uphold,” Storm emphasized.
Storm has raised these concerns with the city’s mayor and various officials but has not found their responses satisfactory.
“Upon discussing these flooding issues, the Mayor’s response to my concerns about businesses closing and the flooding was shockingly brief. Jared Littmann simply said, ‘That’s too bad,'” Storm recounted.
On July 28, Storm shared an image during a rainstorm that vividly depicted the ongoing flooding, which garnered significant attention online, resulting in a surge of communications from across the country.
“I’ve received numerous letters, phone calls, emails, and texts from people nationwide. Many have visited our establishment over the past 50 years and are vocally supportive of our situation. I encourage them to reach out to the mayor and the city council to express their views,” Storm suggested.
He voiced concerns that if conditions do not improve, some businesses may be driven to close their doors.
“We are facing the prospect of enduring at least another year, if not more, of these flooding issues,” Storm mentioned.
“In the 50 years I have been here, I have never seen more flooding in front of my store than I do now,” he added.
Starting in May 2027, the section of Dock Street between Randall and Craig streets will undergo total closure until March 2028.
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