Spring Hill News

Flood uncovers PUD deficiency

July 20, 2010 ⋅  Email this post ⋅  Print this post ⋅ Post a comment

Following hard work to restore the neighborhood park in Chapmans Crossing, homeowners discovered that the original Planned Unit Development (PUD) open space approved by the City was never completed. Approximately 25 residents of Chapmans Crossing subdivision attended the work session of the Spring Hill Planning Commission July 6 to request assistance with a problem over which they have no comtrol.

When Chapmans Crossing subdivision was approved as a PUD, the approval included a walking path in the subdivision parks. The walking path in the west side park was to include two bridges across Aenon Creek which flows through the park. The bridges would allow for walkers on both sides of the creek. However, for some unknown reason, the park was approved with the walking path on only one side of the park with no bridges. The plan also included a walking path in the northeast section of the subdivision, around playground equipment. No walking path has ever been built in that park. Neither have any of the homes planned to be built north of that playground, been built to this point. The street to access these homes has not been built either. The only evidence of any future plan is a large construction dumpster at the end of the street.

Following the flood of May1 & 2, the crushed rock walking path next to Aenon Creek was washed away, picnic tables and benches were moved from their foundations, some trees were uprooted and debris littered the park. Homeowners worked to restore the park to the pre-flood condition. However, when City Codes inspected the repairs, the failure to comply with the original PUD plan was discovered.

Homeowners are requesting that the current condition of the west side park be accepted and the City not require the two bridges with the walking path on the other side of Aenon Creed. They also requested the east side park not be required to have a walking path since sidewalks are already adjacent to the park. Final resolution of this issue may take some time since the developer, Old South, is believed to be insolvent.

By Charlie Schoenbrodt