Engineer recommends fixes for Sunny Acres drainage; board to seek quotes

Town Manager Nick Holcomb introduced a drainage report from Meyers Engineering during the Sept. 12 meeting after residents raised persistent flooding concerns in the Sunny Acres neighborhood.

Engineer Jay Meyers summarized his findings for two locations: at 144 N. McLean St., he described mitigation measures residents could pursue (vent wells around crawlspace vents, reinforced swales or drainage pipes to the road ditch, and a French drain around the foundation if groundwater is entering the crawlspace). Regarding 120 Gale Spears Dr., Meyers said the house was not in immediate danger of flooding but that yard water backs up; he recommended redefining the road ditch and replacing a 15-inch pipe with a 21-inch pipe to help alleviate the issue.

Resident Lila Lanier later said she disagreed with the report’s findings. Gale Spears displayed photographs of her yard after rain and told the board she had contacted the state about Universal Storage; she said the developer had installed a sediment pond but that it was permitted as an infiltration pond.

The board voted unanimously to direct the town manager to obtain quotes for the repairs and work Meyers recommended. Commissioner Jerry Beasley and Commissioner Shirley Allen made and seconded the motion.

Why it matters: homeowners reported property impacts from ponding and erosion. The board’s decision to solicit cost estimates signals the town will consider municipal work on ditches or drainage structures in response to complaints.

Next steps: staff will solicit quotes and return cost estimates to the board for further action.