LEBANON, Tenn. (WTVF) — A 71-year-old Lebanon woman said she is frustrated about a drainage issue from a new development because it is soaking or flooding her yard when it rains.
Dorothy Cox has lived at her home on Cedar Street for two years, but noticed a runoff problem about two months ago after completion of new town homes across the street.
She said when it rains, heavy or not, water flows onto her property. With recent heavy rain, the problem has gotten worse.
She shot cellphone video during the downpour earlier this month of her front yard which was flooded up to her stairs.
"My yard and driveway stay full of water all the time," Cox told NewsChannel 5. "It's terrible, nobody should have to live like this."
Cox said it has been more tricky visiting her doctor appointments as an open-heart surgery patient, and concerns about flooding have affected her health.
"I want them to get it straightened out so I don't have to worry about it all the time every time it starts to rain," she added.
City engineers have inspected the site since she has complained. The investigation revealed that the grading on the site has altered the natural drainage path of the property north of the site. An official said that according to the plans, the drainage was supposed to flow over the driveways and into an existing storm drain pipe. However, the water seems to be accumulating, overflowing on the road and dumping into Cox's property.
Commissioner of Public Works Jeff Baines said the developer has been notified to make corrections so it is in compliance with the drainage plan. He said typically it should be completed within 30 days.
Cox said she likes to see progress in her neighborhood, but not with the change that has affected her livelihood.
