Community Divided Over Stormwater Management and Development Plans
October 24, 2024 | Monongalia County, West Virginia
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In a recent government meeting, community members and developers engaged in a heated discussion regarding stormwater management and proposed residential developments in the Acorn, Tanglewood, and Park Hills areas. Residents expressed concerns about flooding and safety, emphasizing that the current infrastructure is inadequate to handle increased density from potential new developments.
One resident highlighted the pride in their community and the need for better utilization of land designated for residential use (R2). They argued against encroaching on existing single-family homes, citing safety concerns as the area evolves. Another speaker, Steven Solomon of CCS Development, acknowledged the significant flooding issues stemming from upstream developments and expressed a willingness to collaborate on solutions. He noted that past flooding has cost his company over $1 million and emphasized the need for further engineering work to address stormwater challenges.
Concerns were raised about the potential impact of increased development on stormwater runoff, with some residents questioning the adequacy of the proposed plans. Travis Rolian, co-owner of a local auto service, voiced support for his neighbors, stressing that the existing infrastructure cannot handle additional runoff and that the planning commission must consider these issues seriously.
In response, developer representatives argued that the proposed R4 designation would provide necessary funding for stormwater improvements, which would not be feasible under the R2 designation. They clarified that the stormwater management plan had been submitted to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and that the project aims to alleviate existing flooding issues in the area.
The meeting concluded with a call for further discussions and clarifications regarding the stormwater management plan, with stakeholders expressing a commitment to finding a viable solution that addresses both development needs and community concerns.
One resident highlighted the pride in their community and the need for better utilization of land designated for residential use (R2). They argued against encroaching on existing single-family homes, citing safety concerns as the area evolves. Another speaker, Steven Solomon of CCS Development, acknowledged the significant flooding issues stemming from upstream developments and expressed a willingness to collaborate on solutions. He noted that past flooding has cost his company over $1 million and emphasized the need for further engineering work to address stormwater challenges.
Concerns were raised about the potential impact of increased development on stormwater runoff, with some residents questioning the adequacy of the proposed plans. Travis Rolian, co-owner of a local auto service, voiced support for his neighbors, stressing that the existing infrastructure cannot handle additional runoff and that the planning commission must consider these issues seriously.
In response, developer representatives argued that the proposed R4 designation would provide necessary funding for stormwater improvements, which would not be feasible under the R2 designation. They clarified that the stormwater management plan had been submitted to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and that the project aims to alleviate existing flooding issues in the area.
The meeting concluded with a call for further discussions and clarifications regarding the stormwater management plan, with stakeholders expressing a commitment to finding a viable solution that addresses both development needs and community concerns.
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