O Brien family fights water problem and legal battle
The O Briens moved to Deerfield in 1992 to start anew but faced persistent basement flooding and a costly dispute with builder Ralph Ausherman and developer Mr Rusherman. They filed a $600,000 lawsuit, spent about $10,000 in legal fees, and rely on a sump pump despite proposals for a gravity drain. Neighbors blame the couple for lower property values amid lasting water concerns. Local officials planned to review preventive measures tomorrow.