Much of the city of Englewood found itself underwater on Monday evening due to an intense rainstorm that left neighborhood streets flooded, cars submerged, and local parks engulfed in water. 

The storm marked the third time in three years that the city experienced severe flooding. Despite the likelihood of more frequent and intense storms due to climate change in the future, by a 4-1 vote the City Council chose to approve a new Overlay Zones Map in August that will lead to overdevelopment of a potential 1,000 apartments in areas already vulnerable to flooding. Residents impacted by the floods in these areas - particularly those on Florence, Durie, Forest, and Pindle neighborhoods - have expressed concerns over further development would spur more flooding and potential for damage. 

Nearly half of the zone locations in the Overlay Zones Map - 7 out of 15 - are in FEMA Flood Hazard Zones. Adding development in these areas will worsen flooding during inevitable major weather events, creating public health and safety concerns for residents. 

The rules are aimed to better protect communities from worsening river line flooding and storm water runoff. Those 4 members of the of City Council flagrantly ignored the new regulations, instead choosing to approve overlay zone locations that will put the community at further risk of severe flooding.