Residents raise Pinehurst drainage and retention-pond flooding concerns; engineer recommends study

Resident Shari Perkins told the River Ridge Community Development District Board on July 23 that, a week after a pipe was plugged, drainage problems persist at the Pinehurst triangle monument and that a retention pond between River 8 and River 9 appears non-functional and is nearly 1 foot above the drain. The Board heard photographic evidence may exist and asked staff to collect it.

District Engineer John Baker said the original problem — water from one system draining directly into another — was addressed when staff plugged the inlet, which “means there is no longer a pushing action with water coming out; however, there is no place for the water to go and it is essentially akin to a very tiny pond in a pipe.” Baker said resolving remaining flooding will likely require additional study and on-site inspection.

A resident, Ed Nowak, asked about the outflow location at the northern end of Pinehurst Greens Drive; Mr. Adams explained the pipes run across private lots, across the golf course and into a ditch that drains to the Estero River. The Board directed the District Engineer to view the drainage firsthand and asked Ms. Perkins to provide photographs and video footage to help staff diagnose the problem.

Separately, staff presented an estimate (MRI Construction, Estimate #C060-24) for $10,692.88 to install a Type 9 inlet top intended to keep debris out of the structure; the Board was told a second proposal is being obtained and the item will remain on the agenda for further consideration.

The Board did not approve construction at the July 23 meeting; next steps recorded were collection of resident photos/video, a field inspection by the District Engineer, and further consideration of contractor estimates at a future meeting.