COVENTRY, R.I. (WPRI) — Russ Lindley has lived in his Station Street home for more than two decades.

The Coventry resident, who described himself as a “100% disabled veteran,” also claims he’s been struggling with persistent flooding ever since he moved in.

“I’m 65 years old. I should not have to deal with this without any assistance,” he told 12 News Monday. “I don’t ask for help as a general rule. I pretty much go at it the military way. We just overcome, adapt and take care of it.”

But Lindley recently reached his breaking point. He said the flooding has become progressively worse over the years.

“I’m begging for help,” he said.

Lindley is still cleaning up significant flooding caused by a storm earlier this year. He said his front yard became a lake and his home sustained significant water damage.

In total, Lindley estimates the recent flooding has cost him more than $1,000.

“I pumped out 55,000 gallons of water and I didn’t even make a dent … all I can do is watch the water and wait for it to seep off,” Lindley said.

“I can’t freak out every time it’s going to rain,” he continued. “But that’s where I’m at.”

12 News reached out to Coventry Town Manager Daniel Parrillo, who said he’s well aware of the long-standing issue.

Parrillo said the town has installed two dry wells nearby to absorb some of the water and even repaved Station Street with new curbs and brims to keep water off of Lindley’s property.

“Unfortunately, it hasn’t been highly successful,” Parrillo said. “It’s mediated some of it, but not to the extent where it’s totally resolved.”

Lindley describe the town’s efforts as “Band-Aid fixes” and is now worried about what could happen now that the water is puddling in the street.

“It’s only a matter of time,” he said. “Somebody’s going to get hurt or killed on this road because of this if [the town doesn’t] take care of it.”

Lindley said he wants the town to install a storm drain in front of his home to prevent the flooding.

Parrillo said the town can’t fulfill Lindley’s request at this time, but has offered to alter the roadway again so the water flows further down the road and away from his residence.

“We try to serve all of our residents,” Parrillo said. “That’s the main goal — is to serve them the best that we can with the resources that we have.”

“I wish I could do more for him, but right now it’s just not in the budget,” he explained. “That’s not to say it won’t be in the next budget, but it’s definitely not in this one.”

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