Resident says property is collapsing; council pledges engineer and MS4 inspection this week

A Cedar Lake resident told the Town Council during public comment that erosion from nearby development has left her yard collapsing and created a safety hazard for her children.

Debra Secos said the developer's crews have put straw bales and driven stakes into a ditch on or adjacent to her property without notifying her, and she reported a worker pounding stakes on her land while she was at home. "My property's collapsing. It's a giant safety hazard for my kids," Secos said, and she asked the council who authorized contractors to enter and act on her property.

Council members acknowledged the complaint and described prior steps taken by staff. Tim Kubiak, director of operations, said he had asked the developer to re-stake erosion controls and to prioritize the ditch work but also said the contractor reported weather-related delays.

Council and staff committed to an immediate follow-up. Town officials agreed to arrange an on-site visit this week that will include the town engineer and the MS4 inspector; Attorney David Austgen and department staff will participate as needed. "We'll get everybody together this week unless something unforeseen happens," one council member said. Staff said there was no temporary occupancy approval and reiterated that no certificate of occupancy would be issued until required stormwater revisions were complete.

The resident and council agreed to coordinate a time for the site visit; councilors said the engineer's findings would determine whether the original plan remains viable or must be revised further.