Residents split at Sturbridge Meadows ditch hearing over $1.1M–$1.6M drainage fix

Deputy Engineer Eric McCrady presented the County Engineer’s preliminary review of the Sturbridge Meadows ditch petition under Ohio Revised Code 6131.09, describing two engineering options to address chronic runoff: replace a failed 12-inch pipe with a 36-inch sewer (estimated $1.1 million) or install an 18-inch pipe plus a nearly two-acre upstream detention basin designed for a 10-year storm (total estimated cost $1.6 million).

McCrady told the board the Engineer’s Office weighed favorable outcomes — replacing the failed sewer, restoring an unobstructed agricultural tile outlet and providing flood relief — against substantial impacts, including removal of about 46 mature trees, demolition of at least one garage, utility relocations, and that only about 20% of the 33.5-acre watershed in Fairfield County would directly benefit. The office’s preliminary conclusion was that estimated costs substantially outweigh anticipated benefits at this stage.

Landowners gave mixed testimony. Joseph Pickering objected to assessments and described long-term private investments in drainage, saying, “I have invested more than $100,000 in drainage improvements since purchasing the property in 1979,” and argued neighboring property alterations changed historic flow paths. Several homeowners inside the subdivision — including Sherry Lape, Darla Murdock and John Thompson — supported the petition, describing ongoing erosion, standing water, mosquito problems and safety risks and urging construction of a retention basin to control runoff.

Commissioner Steve Davis recessed the hearing at 9:47 a.m. for further consideration. The Engineer’s Office provided cost estimates and impact analysis; no decision was reached at this meeting and the Board has not yet adopted a formal improvement order.