Resident urges action after Pinehurst drains plugged as retention pond nears overflow

Resident Shari Perkins told the River Ridge Community Development District board that drainage problems in the Pinehurst triangle monument area have persisted a week after a street drain was plugged and that water has been overflowing there.

Perkins said the district should address two inlet drains on the left and right sides of the Pinehurst monument and relayed an email from resident Fred Kronke reporting that a retention pond that drains between River 8 and River 9 “appears to be non-functional” with water “nearly 1’ above the drain.”

District Engineer John Baker said the original issue — water from one system backing up into another — was addressed when an inlet was plugged, but that created a new condition with “no place for the water to go” and “it is essentially akin to a very tiny pond in a pipe.” Baker told the Board the situation will likely require additional study and urged residents to document flooding: “it is essential to take photographs and/or video footage of the flooding to help Staff resolve the drainage issue.”

A board member asked whether there is video of water bubbling out of the drain; Perkins said she has photographs and will obtain video and provide it to District staff. The Board directed the District Engineer to view the drainage firsthand and follow up.

Resident Ed Nowak asked for clarification about the outflow location at the north end of Pinehurst Greens Drive; District Manager Chuck Adams said the pipes in question run between two houses, across the street and the golf course, and into a ditch that flows to the Estero River.