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HI Planning Commission deals with drainage By Kathryn Lucariello, Holiday Island editorWith the recent heavy rains on everyone's minds, it was not surprising Friday when the Holiday Island Planning Commission (HIPC) was flooded with questions and requests about drainage. Carolyn Williams of 9C Clover Lane appeared before the commission to request information on creating better drainage on her lot. She said she wants to deepen and widen a drainage culvert because water is going under her house. "Drainage from the street runs down to my property," she said. There is an existing drainage ditch installed by the suburban improvement district, but all the work would be done on her property. Water would be diverted toward the district's existing ditch, and she has hired a contractor to do it. HIPC commissioners told her there is no permit needed for the work, but her plan would be approved in the minutes. Miner Stanley reported drainage from a neighbor's paved driveway across the street is ruining Stanley's gravel driveway. "Their driveway is cut into the grade, and the drainage is crossing the road and making ditches in my driveway," he said. He said at times water runs across his front steps. Commissioner Kevin Crosson said it is not a Planning Commission issue and directed Stanley to call district Roads Superintendent Kenny DeHart. "He'll go out and look at it," Crosson said. "He'll do whatever work needs to happen on their side of the road. If anything more needs to happen, we'll contact the property owner." Commissioner Frank Smith reported he and Assistant Building Inspector Bill Smith went to look at drainage problems at 45 South Hills Loop at a home being constructed by builder Chuck Baer. The lot fronts the golf course. "It seems there's always been a drainage problem there," Smith said. "Water naturally drains toward the golf course." He said construction is making the water drain toward a neighbor's property because of a "tin whistle" (culvert) installed on the property that slants toward the neighbor's lot. Commissioners suggested Crosson have the Roads Department look at it, although Smith said it may be a problem between property owners. In other business, HIPC: The commission meets every Friday morning at 8:30 a.m. in the Park next to Wade Williams' office at Holiday Island. Requests are considered on a first-come, first-served basis. An amendment to the Eureka Springs Municipal Code expanding the definition of "gift shops" in the ordinance regulating the collection of the city's 2 percent gross receipt tax will be discussed by the city council during its meeting Wednesday evening. City, Lane House get AHPP grants Three grants totaling $23,850 have been made to the City of Eureka Springs, Lane House and the Carrollton Post #300 VFW for historic preservation work. HI Planning Commission deals with drainage With the recent heavy rains on everyone's minds, it was not surprising Friday when the Holiday Island Planning Commission (HIPC) was flooded with questions and requests about drainage. Column: "Sauntering": Check out the 'new' AUD It seemed fitting that one singer with two guitars and two bouquets of flowers presented the first concert in the "new" Eureka Springs City Auditorium. |