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Resident says decades-long drainage problem has damaged property; asks town to investigate DNR jurisdiction
Summary
Russell Sparks urged the board to address a chronic drainage problem that has flushed trees from his property; he said he spent about $5,000 on riprap and that state DNR jurisdictional answers have not resolved the issue.
Resident Russell Sparks told the board he and his wife have experienced repeated flooding and drainage damage since the late 1990s and asked the town to investigate.
Sparks said he has spent roughly $5,000 on riprap and other measures to protect his property and that the problem worsened after work related to Griffith Crossing began in 1997. He disputed repeated staff references to the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) having jurisdiction and asked for copies of the paperwork he said he received indicating the DNR's response. Sparks said, "I've lost trees. I just put $5,000 worth in there, this riprap and everything to keep the washing my property out." Staff said they would take his materials under advisement and try to determine which DNR division had the appropriate jurisdictional authority.
The board asked staff to investigate and requested copies of the documents Sparks offered to provide. No immediate corrective construction was approved at the meeting; the town said it would review the paperwork and follow up with the resident.
