Resident raises safety concerns about collapsed storm drain pipe in Poinsettia; council and staff discuss policy and possible grant steps

Jordan Dodson, a Simpsonville resident, told the council during public comment that a concrete storm drain pipe running near his Poinsettia property is separating and creating sinkholes.

“...it's imperative to the city streets that either I fix it or you guys fix it,” Dodson said, adding the pipe sits about “20 to 30 feet from the road” and is “probably at least 40, 50 years old.” He described elderly neighbors nearby and said the site poses safety risks for his household, including an expected infant later this year.

City staff confirmed they have inspected Dodson’s property and others with similar issues. Director West (Public Works) explained the city’s longstanding policy: the city will repair storm drainage structures only when they lie within a recorded city right-of-way or a documented city easement. If a pipe is outside a recorded city right-of-way — even if it physically connects to city drainage infrastructure — it is treated as private property and the city…