Dunwoody council hires consultant for Windwood Hollow basin study after resident concerns

At its June 15 meeting the Dunwoody City Council approved hiring Deubberry (engineering) to complete a preliminary study of Windwood Hollow Park’s existing pond and to integrate stormwater design with the Peeler Path phase-one project.

Cody, a city public-works presenter, said the study will evaluate stormwater-management options and ensure the project “will not increase the downstream flows.” Deubberry’s representative, Emma Bones, said the firm will create an existing-condition stormwater model, develop feasible design alternatives, and hold stakeholder meetings so residents can describe current flooding issues.

The item followed public comment from Four Oaks neighborhood residents who said the current stormwater system is failing and that new runoff from a planned 12-foot path could flow toward their properties. Wendy Taylor asked for a meeting with Public Works Director Michael Smith to review plans and confirm the design will not adversely affect downstream yards.

During council discussion, members asked whether delaying the contract would allow staff to hold neighborhood meetings first; staff and Deubberry said engagement with residents is part of the consultant scope and that hiring the firm now would allow engineers to gather the data needed to answer residents’ technical questions. Council approved the study by recorded vote (four in favor, two opposed).

City staff said any construction to implement Deubberry’s recommendations would return to council for a separate contract and appropriation; the firm’s scope includes stakeholder outreach and an existing-conditions model to compare proposed design options against current flows.