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Residents press Fort Branch council over dilapidated house, alley safety and chronic drainage
Summary
Residents raised multiple local infrastructure problems — an unoccupied, deteriorating house that scatters debris, unsafe conditions on Franklin Lane (speeding and surface issues), and recurring flooding tied to drainage near Railroad Street — and the council agreed to inspect and investigate remedies.
Several residents used the council's citizen-concern period to press the town for action on local property and safety issues.
Gordon Rogers, who said he lives at 404 Northwest Street, told the council the vacant house at 405 Northwest Street is deteriorating and blows debris into yards during storms. "The house across from me ... is unoccupied and deteriorating," Rogers said, and he described a recent storm in which a piece of metal nearly struck his vehicle. Council members said staff will inspect the property and check whether past letters or ordinance notices have been sent.
Whitney Hunt and other neighbors described persistent problems in Franklin Lane — loose gravel, frequent speeding (including traffic leaving gymnastics practice) and concerns about pedestrian safety for children. Residents requested a 15 mph sign and more gravel; the council said state law allows posting 15 mph in alleys and agreed to inspect and look into ordering signage and additional surfacing.
Charles Worth and other residents raised continuing drainage and sinking-yard problems on South Railroad Street, noting a trench and evidence of an undersized drain under the town street that causes flooding several times a year. Discussion referenced possible right-of-way complications with the railroad; council members said staff will investigate ownership and drainage capacity and report back.
No formal enforcement actions were taken at the meeting; council members asked staff to inspect the properties, gather invoices or photos as appropriate, and return with recommended next steps.
