After nearly 10 years of discussion, Sandy Springs is set to vote on a contract for a final design to repair the “high-hazard” Lake Forrest Dam at a Sept. 17 City Council meeting……The two cities have agreed to split the cost of the project because the dam rests on the cities’ border, but it is […]
Missoula County: Assessment reignites fight over public bridge to private land (MT)
A recent resolution adopted by the Missoula Board of County Commissioners – to change the boundaries of a Rural Special Improvement District northwest of Seeley Lake and assess landowners for maintenance of the Lindbergh Lake Bridge – resurrected two unresolved questions: Who has access when a public bridge leads to private property? Should bridge ownership […]
Johnson County looks to replace concrete neighborhood roads with asphalt (IN)
Johnson County officials are looking for ways to solve an aging eyesore in several Center Grove area subdivisions — crumbling concrete roads. Residents in the Willow Lakes subdivision recently brought photos and samples of the broken roads before the Johnson County Commissioners. Several neighbors in the development have been complaining for years about the deteriorating […]
2 decades of reports show Marion dam needed repairs before condo complex sank (NC)
An empty basin is all that’s left of a lake that sits beside the Westwood Chateau condo complex in Marion. News 13 has found inspection reports for Lady Marion Dam dating to 1995 that show owner G. Byron Phillips had been notified of breaks and problems. Some problems were labeled as high severity in a 2016 […]
A Homeowner’s Association Guide to Aquatic Hitchhikers
Do you know what costs homeowners associations, small communities and government agencies over 120 billion dollars annually? The answer is invasive species. Far beyond the monetary costs, invasive species create unsightly, unbalanced and unhealthy aquatic ecosystems. Unfortunately, human activity is responsible for most infestations. Whether you’re a part of a lake community, live near a […]
Huge cavern under northwest street, homeowners fight to fix it (NE)
….Melvin Sudbeck won’t comment but points to a letter from the city demanding the homeowners association to fulfill its obligation to fix the street. Homeowners say the developer didn’t tell them to set up an HOA so, there isn’t one. “So every day it’s a roll of the dice as to whether this street is […]
State probes Fishhawk Lake draining (OR)
The Oregon State Police and other agencies are investigating after the 100-acre, man-made Fishhawk Lake in northeastern Clatsop County was drained to fix an underground pipe, possibly killing thousands of fish. The lake was created along Fishhawk Creek north of Birkenfeld in the 1960s as part of a private community overseen by the Fishhawk Lake […]
City to take over Greendale sewer (IN)
After more than 20 years of dispute, the city of Seymour will take ownership and responsibility of a sewer main serving residents of the Greendale subdivision southeast of the city. The city’s board of public works and safety voted unanimously last week to accept the sewer from the Greendale Homeowners Association as part of a […]
Who should clean up a retention pond? (IL)
Q. I live in a condominium development that has a retention pond in the middle. This pond is full of floating and exposed debris. I contacted my condominium association about removing these items from the pond. The board responded that it created a work order to have the garbage removed from the pond. The board […]
Fairfax County considers taking responsibility of Kingstowne Lake (VA)
One of the few privately maintained stormwater management facilities left in Fairfax County may eventually come under county control. The Kingstowne Residential Owners Corporation sent a petition to Lee District Supervisor Jeff McKay on July 10 asking the county to take over maintenance and other responsibilities for Kingstowne Lake, a 14-acre stormwater management facility at […]
The Purpose and Benefits of Stormwater Systems in Your HOA Community
A body of water dotting the landscape in an HOA community can be not only an attractive feature but also serve an important purpose. At first sight, a pond may seem like a part of the natural environment surrounding it. In most cases, a pond located within a community is part of a larger stormwater […]
Flooding concerns continue for some residents of Hidden River in eastern Sarasota County (FL)
Kucia says part of the problem with the current flooding concerns is that the water pump that would pump large amounts of water away from the properties has been turned off. There’s a court case happening between some of the residents and the former homeowners association over who is responsible to pay for the operation […]
River Authority Announces Four Texas Lakes Will Be Drained To Prevent Floodgate Failure
Four Texas lakes will be “dewatered” by the end of September, according to the Guadalupe Blanco River Authority. The GBRA has set Sept. 16 as the start date to drain the area lakes to prevent the collapse of floodgates and to protect public safety. Officials estimate the water will go down 12 feet, depending on the […]
Northeast Indy neighbors upset about dead fish in pond (IN)
Neighbors in a northeast Indianapolis neighborhood are overwhelmed by the sight and smell of dead fish in a retention pond. The neighbors want to know who is responsible for cleaning up the mess. The city is working on a drainage project designed to help ease flooding that has been a concern in the neighborhood. The […]
Johns Creek, homeowners face $1M tab to repair Seven Oaks dam (GA)
The Johns Creek City Council has approved a $184,447 engineering task order to start the process for bringing the Seven Oaks Lake dam up to state standards. Repairs may cost the city and Seven Oaks Homeowners Association an estimated $1 million, city staff said. Read the article…………………….
Flooding solutions for Oakmont Commons being explored (PA)
Solutions to flooding problems in the Oakmont Commons may be identified this month, officials say. The borough community’s homeowners association hired Gateway Engineers to conduct a study in order to address stormwater issues and flooding concerns. Read the article……………………..
Inspection of Kinsman Lake Dam in 2016 found several problems (OH)
An inspection of the Kinsman Lake Dam in June 2016 noted several issues that needed to be fixed, which the Ohio Department of Natural Resources says did not appear to be completely rectified. WKBN requested ODNR’s inspection reports Monday after Kinsman Lake overflowed last weekend, trapping people in their homes. The flooding destroyed bridges and […]
Board of Works hears drainage issues (IN)
Neighbors in the North Pointe Woods subdivision are beyond tired of the drainage issues in their neighborhood. It’s a problem that will require talks with the city engineering department, city attorney, developer Jim Mutton and contractor Steury Builders to determine a resolution. Read the article……………………..
Fishhawk Lake neighbors miffed by more dam fees (OR)
The dam holding back Fishhawk Lake, a 100-acre man-made reservoir on Fishhawk Creek surrounded by private homes, needs an improved spillway. But some residents in the community north of Birkenfeld are up in arms about the price tag, estimated at $1.3 million to nearly $2 million, and the way improvements have been pushed through their […]
County, TCEQ trying to remedy water outage at Horseshoe Bend (TX)
“Everybody’s water goes out sometimes — city, county, private, wherever you’re at — however, Horseshoe Bend has had issues in the past and it’s a private development with a private operator and so the state has limited regulatory authority,” King said. “[HSB residents] have a Homeowners Association, they have a contract with the operator, but […]
Indianapolis neighborhood’s pothole repair requests left in limbo (IN)
We’ve heard it a million times: If you see a pothole, report it. People have been trying to report massive potholes in a south side neighborhood, but when they call the city or use the app, they’re told they can’t report them. It can be hard to tell just how deep this neighborhood’s potholes are, […]
Latest chapter in Baker’s Creek bridge saga: Olmsted Falls set to close access road; East River Road homeowners debate replacement bridge (OH)
Nine weeks after Olmsted Falls sent a letter to nine East River Road residents involved with the longstanding Baker’s Creek bridge saga, the city plans on closing an emergency West Northwood Drive access road currently being used by affected homeowners at noon on Friday Read the article…………………….
Protecting retention ponds affects local, state environments (FL)
Would you love waking up and gazing out across a lake, pond or river in your backyard? In Florida, that question would usually be answered by a resounding “YES!” and our access to water is a reason for many people to move to our communities. Whether they are natural or manmade, the allure of waterfront […]
OWRB approves repair plans for private dam in NE Oklahoma City (OK)
Work was to begin Thursday to repair a private dam that, because of spillway erosion, was found to present an imminent threat to residents living nearby. Oklah0ma Water Resources Board (OWRB) staff reviewed repair plans on Wednesday and gave the go-ahead for work to begin. Read the article………………………
City of Melbourne to Offer Free Stormwater System Inspections for Private HOAs in June (FL)
The City of Melbourne is offering free stormwater system inspections during the month of June to private homeowner associations (HOAs) to encourage preventative maintenance before the first big storm of the season. Read the article…………………….
What You Need to Know About a Drainage Easement Fence
When it comes to purchasing property, it’s important for buyers to know their rights concerning easements and how those easements may impact plans for your new home. Read the article……………………..
Board orders emergency action to lessen danger from compromised private dam in NE Oklahoma City (OK)
A northeast Oklahoma City homeowners association was ordered Friday to take steps to minimize the risk that the dam holding back a neighborhood lake could fail, placing several dozen homes in peril. In an emergency order signed by Executive Director Julie Cunningham, the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) said erosion beneath the spillway structures posed […]
Bentonville files lawsuit over Lake Bella Vista (AR)
The city is asking a judge to decide what property rights it has regarding the Lake Bella Vista dam. George Spence filed the lawsuit on behalf of the city last week in Benton County Circuit Court. Cooper Realty Investments and the Bentonville/Bella Vista Trailblazers Association are the defendants. Read the article………………………
Understanding Stormwater Systems (FL)
South Florida is a region where seasonal rains fall over flat lands that offer little drainage. It is imperative that associations understand their stormwater systems and that ongoing maintenance of drainage systems is performed for flood prevention and compliance. Some counties and local water control districts require licensing and renewal of the permits for the […]
Couple desperate after city’s stormwater clogs retention pond (OK)
An elderly Tulsa couple says they can’t move forward with retirement because they can’t sell their house. The problem is – there’s a pond on their property that’s full of debris and it is causing flooding. They say the city’s stormwater is causing their pond to flood and the city won’t do anything about it……… The […]
Brick Planning Roadway, Dam Replacement in Flooded Neighborhood (NJ)
The streets, like any other in town, are publicly owned and the responsibility of Brick Township. The dam and culvert, which carry the street over a private lake, is the responsibility of the homeowners association. Projects to replace both will be combined in a unique solution worked out by township, state and Greenbriar officials. Read […]
Calvert board holds hearing on Ranch Club’s proposed STD (Special Tax District) (MD)
For the six time in 21 years, leaders of the Chesapeake Ranch Estates’ (CRE) homeowners’ association board have requested Calvert County officials to collect a special tax for the purpose of maintaining and enhancing roads and infrastructure. The levy being requested by the Property Owners Association of Chesapeake Ranch Estates (POACRE) is $275 per lot, […]
Who’s responsible for a flooded road? (TX)
It’s a question that could impact anyone living in an HOA or gated community: when neighbors say a road that never used to flood now floods every time it rains, who do you hold accountable? Read the article…………………….
Preparing for the worst: What Lauderdale County residents can do (MS)
In light of the flooding across the country, including the Mississippi Delta, Williamson advocated for Lauderdale County residents to create their own emergency evacuation plans. Read the article…………………“It’s the same as any other threat we face,” Williamson said. “If you live in the vicinity of a high-hazard dam, then you need to have a plan […]
Neighborhoods could vote to make own improvements. But they would come at a cost (MS)
Want better security in your neighborhood or maybe even a park? Neighborhoods across Jackson will soon be able to tax themselves to pay for such items following the Mississippi Legislature’s passage of a community improvement district bill to become law July 1. The CID law would allow neighborhoods to band together and pay for projects, […]
Timber Lake residents pass watershed improvement district (VA)
A ballot measure to create a watershed improvement district for Campbell County’s Timber Lake residents — and the taxing authority that comes with it — passed in Tuesday’s special election. Of the roughly 250 residents eligible to vote, 132 cast their ballots, with 119 — 90.15 percent — voting in favor of creating the Timberlake […]
Residents’ frustration is mounting as Lilley Road bridge remains closed two years later (MI)
When Canton Township’s Lilley Road bridge, located just north Michigan Avenue and one-half mile south of Palmer Road, was abruptly closed due to unsafe conditions in April 2017, neighboring residents were understanding, tolerant and patient, realizing the connector had outlived its serviceable days. A replacement would be constructed in due time, they rationalized. Exactly two […]
$2.1 million Lake Charlene flood project may be back on the table after HOA vote (FL)
A $2.1 million project to control flooding in the Lake Charlene neighborhood appears to have come back from the dead after the homeowners’ association reversed its position. The Lake Charlene Homeowners Association on Monday voted to approve Escambia County’s flood project and to offer the county an easement to replace the flood gate that controls […]
Homeowners On Winnetka’s Private Roads Ask Village To Cover Costs (IL)
Winnetka trustees are set to discuss whether to change its rules for annexing private roads Tuesday. The most comes in response to a request from the president of a neighborhood association, who said the policy is “outdated, makes no sense and is patently unfair” to residents of private roads. Read the article…………………
Lake drain in Marion expected to reveal dam problems (NC)
It’s been six days since two pumps were installed at the lake adjacent to Westwood Chateau condominiums in Marion. The goal is to drain the lake a foot a day and have empty in six weeks. Condominium owners and renters were told the move out of the complex in February after a ground shift had […]
POAs violate discharge permits (AR)
A subdivision discharging treated wastewater into upper Lake Hamilton is out of compliance with its state-issued permit after reporting numerous effluent violations since 2012. Westwood Village off Albert Pike Road is permitted to discharge wastewater treated at a small sewer plant into an inlet south of the Highway 270 west bridge. According to the consent […]
Leesburg Settles Exeter Dam Lawsuit for $396K (VA)
After five years of talks and just days before the start of a Circuit Court trial, the Leesburg Town Council on Tuesday agreed to a settlement on the disputed maintenance responsibility of the dam in the Exeter neighborhood. Located on Exeter Homeowners Association property along the Leesburg Bypass, the dam and stormwater management pond was […]
Rain washes away private road in Sterling Township, dozens stranded without funds for fix (OH)
According to the residents Pine Valley Drive floods often but it’s never been this bad. Newberry says the road started to flood early Wednesday morning. “We left this morning cause they were going to school and I was heading into work. We left this morning around 7:30 and it was right at the top,” said […]
Jefferson County residents concerned over dangerous potholed road (MO)
Jefferson County residents are having to maneuver their way around dozens of deep potholes on the main road in and out of their community near House Springs. The road is called Ruth Drive, it`s a private road and authorities say it`s putting people`s safety at risk. Read the article……………….
Storms Turn Westlake Village Ravine Into Muddy Lake (CA)
The neighborhood was hit hard by November’s Woolsey Fire, which destroyed three homes in the area. There is a drain in the ravine, but it is clogged. When neighbors contact Thousand Oaks Public Works for assistance with the issue, they are directed to the homeowners association. Read the article…………………
County gives Allenbrook paving money (VA)
A problem with roads in Lenoir City’s Allenbrook subdivision appears settled after Loudon County Commission voted Monday to share the cost of paving. Commissioners Matthew Tinker and Julia Hurley motioned and seconded, respectively, to contribute $55,000 to Lenoir City to help complete paving of three unfinished roads — Flora Drive, Tristan Court and part of […]
Lake Forrest Dam repairs delayed by one holdout owner (GA)
After nearly 10 years of discussion, a plan to repair the aging Lake Forrest Dam on the Atlanta-Sandy Springs border is ready, but is on hold due to one property owner holding out, according to a Sandy Springs spokesperson. Read the article…………………….
Peters council delays action on private road conversion request (PA)
Peters residents living on Mallard Lane, a private street off of Valley Brook Road, will have to wait a little longer to see if the road will be accepted into the township’s road system. Council on Monday tabled action on the residents’ request for the road to cease being private so the township can perform […]
Timber Lake residents get set for key vote on watershed improvement district (VA)
Property owners and people living around Timber Lake will receive some special ballots this year asking them whether they believe a watershed improvement district — and the taxing authority that comes with it — should be formed for the lake. It would take a simple majority of approval votes from two elections — one March […]
Residents can’t get potholes fixed on road owned by defunct homeowner’s association (TN)
Potholes have been popping up all over the Mid-South. Neighbors living in one part of Cordova say the craters on their street make it nearly impossible to get home. The road is privately owned, meaning the county can’t fix it and neither can the residents who have to use it every day. Read the article……………….