During a recent government meeting, community members voiced significant concerns regarding ongoing development and its impact on local flooding and traffic issues. The meeting, which included public comments, highlighted the frustrations of residents living near a Walmart that has reportedly exacerbated flooding in the area since its construction in the early 2000s.

Viennese Black, representing her family, expressed deep concerns about the flooding that has plagued their properties on Cornflower and Fennewick Roads. She recounted personal experiences of severe flooding that made it impossible for her family to access their homes, emphasizing the long-standing nature of these issues and the lack of consideration for long-term residents amidst new developments.

William Hicks, a Navy veteran and relative of Black, echoed these sentiments, detailing how the flooding has rendered his family’s ancestral home uninhabitable. He criticized the lack of action from local authorities and called for reparations, citing the historical significance of his family’s property and the detrimental effects of the Walmart development on their quality of life.

The public comments were met with responses from representatives of Newkirk Engineering, who assured attendees that a traffic impact analysis would be conducted and that they would work to mitigate flooding issues as part of the development process. They acknowledged the existing problems and committed to adhering to regulations that prevent increasing runoff from new developments.

The meeting underscored the tension between community development and the needs of long-standing residents, with many calling for more proactive measures to address flooding and traffic safety. As the city moves forward with development plans, the concerns raised by residents will likely play a crucial role in shaping future discussions and decisions.