Residents ask Greene County redevelopment commission to inspect overloaded retention pond; commission approves initial engineer visit

John and Teresa Inman urged the Greene County Redevelopment Commission on Monday to investigate a retention pond on Lot 6 near Interstate 69 and U.S. 231 that they say is failing and causing stream erosion on their adjacent property.

The Innmans described a small concrete overflow structure in the pond and estimated its current dimensions as roughly 20 feet by 20 feet by 2 feet — about 6,000 gallons — and said a one‑inch rain on nearby impermeable surfaces could generate tens of thousands of gallons of runoff into the basin. John Inman said the stream that once was easily stepped across has widened dramatically in recent years after a culvert was “blown out” and a heavy April storm last year reshaped the channel.

Commission members confirmed the retention pond sits on Lot 6, which the commission owns. Marvin told the board he had spoken to engineer Rick Coppock, who helped design the watershed and conservancy easement for the lot, and that Coppock recommended checking the overflow relief and whether the pond needs cleaning.

Joshua moved and Scott seconded a motion to retain Coppock to inspect the site and consult with the property owners, with a not‑to‑exceed amount of $1,500 for initial work. The commission approved the motion by voice vote.

Marvin said he will verify Coppock’s license status before the work begins and will circulate a draft engagement letter to the commissioners. The commission did not commit to a specific remedial approach; members said they wanted first to get an engineering assessment and cost estimate before discussing dredging, outlet repairs or other interventions.