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Commission narrowly approves $70,000 temporary fix for Mandalay flooding after emotional public testimony
Summary
Facing repeated resident complaints about backyard flooding, the Sewell's Point commission approved a $70,000 temporary retention/relief measure for Mandalay properties by a 3–2 vote; the decision followed extensive staff explanation and an emotional public account from an affected homeowner.
The Sewell's Point Town Commission on Dec. 10 approved a $70,000 temporary mitigation measure to address acute flooding impacting properties near Mandalay and South Sewell's Point Road. The measure is intended as an interim relief if property owners agree, pending larger grant‑funded stormwater solutions.
Town engineering staff explained that the long‑term solution is tied to broader roadway and stormwater work funded by grants; grant awards and technical permitting mean some larger fixes await decisions expected in January. As an interim approach the town has a $70,000 alternative (included as an addendum to the Cheatham bid package) to excavate a retention area on private property to reduce flooding risk for a neighboring homeowner. "We put an alternative for the $70,000 to dig this out," the engineer said, describing the measure as a limited storage/grade adjustment designed to reduce short‑duration ponding.
The proposal prompted extended public testimony. A resident (speaker 20) delivered an emotional account of repeated backyard flooding, claimed property damage and health concerns, and urged immediate help. Several other residents urged the town to resolve the matter; other commissioners asked for more detailed design before spending funds.
After discussion, Commissioner Vice Mayor Burrell moved to fund the $70,000 temporary mitigation and Commissioner Titticus seconded. The roll call vote was 3 in favor and 2 opposed. Commissioners voting yes emphasized the urgency for a local resident; those opposed said they wanted a clear design and property owner agreements before authorizing town funds.
What happens next: Staff will engage affected property owners to secure agreements and deliver a design for the temporary retention measure; the engineering team will report back with details and cost breakdown at the January meeting. The item drew strong resident concern and the commission asked staff to schedule site visits and provide concrete drawings prior to further expenditure.
