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Neighbors raise flooding and wildlife concerns; Lee County tables Kenneth Espy Van Estate subdivision
Summary
Residents told the commission they fear increased flooding, erosion and loss of wildlife habitat if a proposed six‑lot subdivision off Leroux roads is approved; commissioners tabled the final plat to allow site visits and further review.
Neighbors of a proposed six‑lot subdivision off Leroux 644 and Leroux 2046 urged the Lee County Commission on May 1 to delay final plat approval, citing repeated flooding, deteriorating road drainage and the presence of species they said warrant environmental review. Commissioners voted to table the plat and requested a site visit and follow‑up with highway staff.
The highway department recommended final plat approval from a regulatory standpoint, saying the proposal met the county’s subdivision regulations and had the proper frontage. But multiple neighbors appeared and described local drainage problems and loss of tree cover and wildlife habitat.
Tapia Holmes, a resident who said she lives directly across from the first four proposed lots, told the commission that increasing impervious surface would “lead to more flooding, erosions, and pollution runoff” and that the neighborhood already experiences repeated flooding. Another neighbor, Mandy Muncy, described repeated road erosion and localized flooding near existing houses and requested an environmental review before further action.
Highway staff acknowledged they do not review endangered‑species issues and said the plat meets county subdivision regulations; staff recommended the commission recognize the concerns and allowed a tabling motion so commissioners and staff could visit the site. A motion to table the item to the next meeting was made and seconded and the commission approved the motion by voice vote.
Clarifying details provided during the meeting: highway staff said the plat creates six lots, the smallest just under half an acre, and that letters notifying adjacent property owners were mailed on May 1. The commission recorded no formal decision on the plat itself; the item was tabled pending a site visit and further review with highway staff and the district commissioner.
Next steps: Commissioners asked staff to meet with the neighbors and to inspect drainage and road issues on site. The transcript does not show whether the county will request a formal environmental assessment or contact state wildlife agencies; those items were left for follow up.
