Crystal River flooding compromises The Mill, residents downstream
Photos by Norm Wheeler
From staff reports
The riverside dock at The Mill is now submerged.
Heavy rain in recent days has resulted in flooding at The Mill, the iconic restaurant and cafe just east of Glen Arbor, which remains open with regular operating hours despite the hurdle.
Three culverts were removed in the past couple years upstream and under County Road 675. A remaining culvert downstream from The Mill, beneath Overbrook Drive, is underwater and stemming the flow of the river. The problem could worsen with more heavy rain expected tonight and in the days to come.
The problem is not new, but has exacerbated since a late winter snowstorm in March and ensuing spring melt overwhelmed the river’s watershed.
Corey Smith, The Mill’s general manager, patrolling the Crystal River downstream last winter.
The Mill’s general manager Corey Smith told the Sun that he spent last winter on his kayak clearing the culvert downriver from The Mill.
“Anytime the river level would rise, I took it as an indication to clear blockages at the culvert with a metal rake and sledgehammer,” he said. “Each time I did this, river flow would continue into Lake Michigan, lowering the high water level at The Mill.
“The snow has all melted and we have now entered the rainy season. The [Overbrook Drive] culvert is completely overrun, unable to keep up with an increased river flow rate as a direct result of the removal of all culverts upstream from it. The Mill and community downriver from Crystal View Road is suffering from this,” Smith said.
The Mill continues to operate its cafe and provide meal service upstairs, but the dining room downstairs is flooded.
“We look forward to opening the river level space soon, however the greater problem will remain to be addressed.”
The submerged culvert beneath Overbrook Drive, downstream from The Mill.
The new bridge where culverts were removed, near the intersection of CR-675 and M-22, upstream from Glen Arbor and The Mill.
