Residents urge study of drainage and traffic before approval of Theodore Highlands Estates phase

Two residents of Browder Drive told the Mobile County Commission on Aug. 11 that recent construction tied to the Theodore Highlands Estates subdivision has increased flooding and raised safety concerns, and they asked the county to require more studies before new phases move forward.

James David Olson, who said he lives at 6845 Browder Drive and owns the lot adjacent to the planned phase, said construction across his property began without silt fencing or erosion controls in place. He said runoff backed up past the end of his driveway, that a neighboring 93‑year‑old resident’s yard flooded and that heavy construction traffic threatens to damage Browder Drive. “I’d like to see a major environmental impact study with the drainage going out towards Fowl River tributary,” Olson said.

Brandy McLaughlin, who said she lives at 6775 Browder Drive, told commissioners her yard floods after three days of rain and that a…