Tallahassee Community Raises Concerns Over Stormwater Pond

News Summary

Residents of Tallahassee are voicing concerns over a proposed stormwater retention pond next to Kate Sullivan Elementary and Cobb Middle Schools. Environmental engineer Perry Ponder has led efforts to address safety risks associated with the pond, while city officials argue that it is necessary for flood control in neighboring areas. The debate continues as community input is solicited during the early design phase of the project.

Tallahassee Residents Concerned About Proposed Stormwater Retention Pond

In the sunny city of Tallahassee, a heated debate is brewing about a proposed stormwater retention pond that’s set to be built next to Kate Sullivan Elementary and Cobb Middle Schools. As it stands, local resident Perry Ponder, an environmental engineer and dad to two boys who attend the schools, is taking a stand against this initiative. Ponder believes that these detention ponds could spell danger for children and has rallied community members to share their concerns about potential safety risks.

Concern Over Safety Risks

To get the word out about his worries, Ponder has been distributing mailers throughout Tallahassee, discussing the dangers that retention ponds might pose to youngsters. His online platform highlights tragic incidents linked to such ponds, making the case for families to reach out to city commissioners and members of the school board to voice their thoughts on the matter. With the schools situated right next to the proposed site, the arguments surrounding this issue are growing louder.

City’s Plan for Flood Control

On the flip side, city officials are keen on this project as a way to manage flooding problems affecting the Brockswood Park, Old Town, Brookwood Drive, and Inglewood neighborhoods that lie behind the schools. The city program engineer has pointed out that the purpose of the pond is to help alleviate flooding, minimize erosion, and protect properties from damage that heavy rains can cause. The city feels this infrastructure is essential for the long-term safety and well-being of residents in these areas.

The Approval Process

However, the plan is still in the early design phase, and community input will be instrumental as the project progresses. Both the Leon County School Board and the Tallahassee City Commission need to approve the proposal before any construction can begin. But the stormwater management team is dedicated to addressing a problem that has lingered in the community for years—especially for local property owners who often find themselves knee-deep in water during heavy rains.

Addressing Concerns from School Officials

In response to the growing apprehension, the superintendent of Leon Schools has stated that existing retention ponds at schools have not resulted in safety issues. He indicated that concerns raised by Ponder seem to be more individualized and might not resonate with the broader community that is burdened by ongoing flooding troubles. It’s worth mentioning that the area has faced significant challenges with flooding in the past, causing properties to suffer considerable damage beneath the weight of water.

Sinkhole Safety Arguments

School Board member Alva Smith initially shared Ponder’s concerns but later clarified that the proposed location for the pond already presents a hazard as it contains a sinkhole. Smith emphasized that the addition of the retention pond itself wouldn’t pose any new or greater dangers than what already exists. In fact, it’s being considered a solution to the long-standing flooding issues faced by residents, as no other families in the neighborhood have raised complaints.

A Balancing Act

The ongoing discussion about this stormwater retention pond reflects a balancing act between ensuring child safety and addressing pressing flooding management needs. As residents continue to share their thoughts, both regarding the concerns for children’s safety and the imperative need for effective stormwater management, it is clear that this issue is far from resolved.

As the city discusses options, community members are left wondering how to navigate their concerns while also recognizing the need to protect their homes from flooding. In a place where rain is prevalent, the desire to keep children safe, as well as strategically manage stormwater, is crucial for both parents and local officials alike.

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Additional Resources

• Tallahassee Plans Retention Pond – Tallahassee.com
• Florida Development Threatens Greenway – Florida Phoenix
• UF Study on Reclaimed Water – The Capitolist
• Tallahassee Flood Challenges – Tallahassee.com
• Wikipedia: Stormwater Management