Residents press River Ridge board to address Pinehurst drainage and ponding

Resident Shari Perkins told the River Ridge Community Development District board on July 23 that drainage problems persist a week after a pipe was plugged, and that water has been "overflowing in the triangle monument area." Perkins said a retention pond that drains between River 8 and River 9 appears non-functional and that ponding is nearly 1 foot above the drain.

Perkins said resident Fred Kronke emailed her about the retention pond and that she will provide photographs and video footage to district staff. "I have a few photographs of the water accumulating over the drain," she said.

District Engineer John Baker cautioned that plugging the inlet stopped water from being pushed through into a lower system but left no place for the water to go, creating what he described as "essentially akin to a very tiny pond in a pipe." Baker said resolving the problem will likely require additional study and recommended staff obtain photographic or video evidence of flooding to help diagnose the issue.

Resident Ed Nowak asked about the location of the outflow at the northern end of Pinehurst Greens Drive. Chuck Adams, CDD staff, said the water flows into the Estero River and described the pipes as running between houses, across the street and the golf course, and into a ditch that runs toward the River Club.

The board asked staff to document the flooding and directed the District Engineer to view the drainage area firsthand. Chuck Adams said staff will follow up on the concerns; no formal vote was taken on repairs at the meeting.