Residents urge city inspection after erosion floods yards behind Dewey/Snowville development

Two Brecksville residents told the utilities committee on March 18 that runoff from recent development off Dewey Road is channeling through a small stream behind their homes and causing severe erosion, loss of decking and collapsing yard soil.

Resident Allen (10230 Lark Cabin) said he and neighbors paid for soil testing and found poor fill material contributing to destabilized yards. "I lost my deck," Allen said, and described recurring flows that now resemble a "miniature Cuyahoga River" after storm events. He said he has contracted for a retaining wall at his own expense but fears ongoing erosion if the upstream flows are not addressed.

Neighbor Joanne Scudder (10234 Log Cabin Court) described similar damage and told council she has seen a significant change in the stream’s flow pattern since recent retention work on Dewey Road. She said the Army Corps of Engineers had previously performed work nearer Hickory Ridge but that the slope failure there is beginning to recur.

City response and next steps: Staff present asked the residents for details and noted prior work in the area. City Engineer Jerry Wise and other staff indicated they would review the residents’ concerns and that engineering would examine options to redirect or manage the runoff. No formal council action was taken at the committee meeting; residents requested an inspection and further study.

Why it matters: The residents reported property damage and safety concerns from soil loss and unstable slopes. City engineering review will determine whether municipal stormwater, private development drainage or both are contributing and whether mitigation or remediation falls to private property owners, developers or the city.

Ending: The utilities committee recessed after receiving the statements and indicated staff would follow up; residents were invited to provide site access and documentation for an engineering inspection.