SUMNER COUNTY, Tenn. — The Sumner County Highway Commission on Jan. 5 postponed consideration of accepting Wolfpack Way into the county road system after residents raised concerns about road defects and alleged drainage changes that they said have harmed nearby property.

An unidentified resident who spoke during the public-recognition portion presented photographs and described multiple structural failures in pavement and curb, low spots that collect water and sections the speaker said were struck by heavy equipment. “They have violated our water rights,” the resident said, arguing that a storm drain tied to the development diverted natural overland flows, dried a private pond and increased flooding downstream.

Why it matters: Commissioners said accepting a road into the county system typically implies taking it under the county’s terms and conditions, which could shift long-term maintenance responsibility to Sumner County. Several residents said that, if accepted in current condition, Wolfpack Way would create safety and drainage problems for neighbors and nearby schools.

Steven King, who identified himself in public comment, urged referral of the issue to the school board and noted the district’s reserves during his remarks, saying the district had budgeted large reserves and finished a recent year with a surplus: “We have the money to do it,” he said, arguing the school system could fund necessary fixes or a study.

Commission action: Commissioners debated whether the drainage issues fell under the county’s acceptance process or were primarily a school-board responsibility. One commissioner moved — and another amended — to defer action for one month, ask the school board or a school-created study group to examine and propose fixes, and to retain the street name “Wolfpack Way.” The motion, as amended, passed by voice vote; the transcript does not record a roll-call vote or the names of the motion’s mover and seconder.

What was requested: Residents asked the commission to withhold acceptance until sidewalks, curb, drainage structures and low spots were repaired and until a civil engineering inspection addressed diverted water flows. Commissioners suggested the school board review the issue at upcoming study sessions and report back; the commission said it could revisit the acceptance once the school board or study group provides a recommendation.

Clarifications and limits: The commission did not adopt a final resolution accepting or rejecting Wolfpack Way at the meeting; instead it postponed the county decision and asked the school board to study remedies. The transcript includes residents’ assertions that water rights were violated; commissioners noted there are likely legal issues between private landowners, the school district and project contractors that may require separate legal review or litigation.

Next steps: The commission directed staff to communicate with the school superintendent and school board. The issue will return to the commission after the school board or a designated group reports on possible fixes, per the motion the commission approved.