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Daycare operator urges town action on recurring flooding near Atrium Street; officials point to private ownership and high stormwater costs
Summary
Kiddie Korner Daycare owner Judy Oerke told the board her property floods nearly every time it rains. Town staff said the road remains privately owned with an unreleased bond and that comprehensive stormwater fixes could cost as much as $3,000,000; Mayor Farrell asked the Town Attorney to get involved.
During public comment at the Aug. 25 meeting, Kiddie Korner Daycare owner Judy Oerke described recurring flooding at Atrium Street that affects her property and fence. "My property receives flooding almost every time it rains," she said, and asked what the town could do to address the problem.
Public Works Director Joe Wood and Planning Director Pam Graham told the board the developer still owns Atrium Street and that the town is holding a bond for unfinished improvements. Director Wood said there is currently no pipe beneath Johnson Street to move water away from the area, and that a complete stormwater management redesign behind the PetSmart shopping center could cost as much as $3,000,000. Town Manager Paul Sabiston said the situation is complicated because the Town is between private ownership and NCDOT jurisdiction; he added the town could call the developer's bond and use the funds for repairs if necessary.
Mayor Robert A. Farrell said he would like the Town Attorney to get involved and that Ms. Oerke may be included in future meetings with NCDOT and town staff. Commissioner Tim Helms and others said they have observed standing water in the area. No immediate remediation was approved at the meeting; town staff said they will continue outreach to property owners and report back.
