Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Environment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Erie residents press council for hydrological studies, say KB Homes construction flooded basements and pastures
Summary
Multiple residents at the Jan. 27 meeting urged the town to require KB Homes to fund updated hydrological studies and remediation after alleging development activity converted groundwater to surface flow and damaged property; staff said it is coordinating with KB Homes and state agencies.
Several Erie residents used the public‑comment period on Jan. 27 to describe alleged groundwater displacement and property damage they attribute to nearby KB Homes construction, urging the council to require updated hydrological analysis and remediation.
John Rondash told the council his pasture flooded after KB Homes removed a subsurface monolith and redirected groundwater into old mine corridors "without proper authorization permits," causing continuous sump‑pump operations and vegetation changes he described as evidence of a hydrological shift. "This artificial elevation of the water table caused persistent saturation, surface runoff and property damage," Rondash said.
Meg Knopfzinger and other neighbors said basements have mold and pastures are unusable since construction began; they asked the town to compel developer‑funded mitigation, independent engineering analyses, and a clear enforcement timeline. "We are requesting a new comprehensive hydrological and hydrologic study... developer funded remediation, and municipal enforcement with a defined timeline," Rondash said.
Town staff responded that they have met with residents and KB Homes and reviewed state oversight records, but that there are disputes over the facts. Staff said they are asking KB Homes and the state to resolve differences so the town can move forward. Sarah Nirmala, planning and development director, said the town has not yet received a response from the state and that KB Homes last communicated Jan. 20.
Council acknowledged ongoing legal and technical processes and asked staff to keep residents informed. The council indicated legal work is underway on the town’s side and that staff will report back when more coordination results are available.
