Instead of filing a lawsuit against the owners of a Village of DeLuna home, a civil engineer will be hired to investigate drainage issues that neighbors say have caused flooding.
Community Development District 12 supervisors voted Monday to authorize an engineer’s report to determine the origin of flooding that neighbors blame on yard work done by homeowners Steven Walls and Debbie Gammon at 4540 Pearlman Way.
Neighbors complained last year about an unauthorized buried 500-gallon tank and underground piping system at the home.They also objected to large plants next to a rear wall within inches of their properties.
Those issues were resolved, but neighbors now say a swale, a shallow channel designed to carry storm water, was removed and could cause flooding.
Due to a drought in the area, flooding has not been an issue lately.
“As far as I know, the property remains out of compliance,” said CDD 12 attorney Mark Brionez.
The homeowners got approval for some of their changes from the Architectural Review Committee, but Brionez wrote in a letter to them that the work in setback and easement areas may have exceeded the permit.
“The swale is completely gone and we’ve got problems with the water,” said neighbor Frank Mckay.
But Gammon said it’s not clear what is to blame for the water problems.
“I would like to see proof,” she said. “This is all blind-siding.”
Deputy District Manager Carrie Duckett said the engineer’s report could provide clarity.