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Residents urge Borough of Northampton to investigate drainage problems tied to Kaye Builders
Summary
Multiple residents told council that persistent standing water and saturated yards in the Kingsbond/Bridal Lane area predate recent purchases and appear tied to original grading by Kaye Builders. Homeowners asked the borough to review approved grading, stormwater plans and whether further enforcement or engineering work is needed.
Shana Walter told the Borough of Northampton on the public-comment portion of the council meeting that prolonged standing water and saturated soil behind her home at 324 Kings Barnes Lane have damaged her property and created health and nuisance problems.
"I'm here tonight because I'm requesting the borough to review what I believe to be a significant grading and stormwater drainage deficiencies affecting my property," Walter said, describing visible ponding, a basement crack on the same side as the saturation and contractor estimates of roughly $2,900 to $7,500 for repairs. She said the problems were present before she bought the house in October 2024 and that Kaye Builders previously installed what appeared to be a storm drain and basin on nearby lots.
Other residents described the same low-lying, waterlogged conditions across Kingsbond Lane and Bridal Lane and said they have been dealing with issues since 2022. A speaker identifying himself as Wally said homeowners have contacted Kaye Builders and the HOA with little response and criticized plans to have the HOA pay bills for what residents say is the builder's responsibility.
"We're not paying for something that Kaye Builder did not maintain," Wally said, urging the borough to hold the developer accountable.
Council members acknowledged the scope of the problem and said staff would follow up. The clerk said the borough will speak with its zoning officer and an engineering comparison of as-built work can be arranged once final inspections are completed. Council asked the resident to provide photos, contractor estimates and grading documents so staff can compare field conditions with the approved plans.
The residents requested a borough-led review into whether runoff from higher portions of the development is being managed correctly, whether grading matches approved plans and whether additional engineering, stormwater, zoning or code-enforcement review is warranted. Borough staff indicated they would reach out to Kaye Builders and follow up with residents about next steps.
The meeting record shows no formal action or ordinance was adopted during the session; council members stated they would pursue follow-up with the builder and the borough’s zoning and engineering staff.
