Commission approves several preliminary plats after residents raise flooding, runoff and traffic concerns

The Mobile County Commission on April 14 approved preliminary plats for several residential subdivisions after extended public comment from nearby homeowners who say past and current development has increased flooding, siltation and traffic in the Dolls Lane / Belmont Park area. Commissioners approved the Preserve (preliminary plat only) and a slate of other plats, and they removed the Mobile Oaks Industrial Subdivision from today’s vote to allow staff to resolve a resident’s easement question.

Residents said recent subdivision construction has increased erosion, sent silt into private lakes and damaged a dam that had previously required expensive repairs. Toby Bruette (identified in public comment as a long-time resident) told commissioners: "I know the development's gonna happen, but I'm asking you to require these developers to control their runoff." John Kelly, a neighbor, said the county had limited authority but asked for help in…