News Articles
Applewood Storm Water Drain System
Posted on Sep 26th, 2014
Another Heavy Rain Flood in Applewood Estates
Learn What the City and Your HOA is Doing About It
Learn What the City and Your HOA is Doing About It
You may remember that on May 14, 2011, Applewood Estates was flooded by heavy rains. Flooding occurred again on August 15th of this year, which raised questions regarding the City’s storm drain system in Applewood Estates. During these two heavy rains, flooding occurred worse in two areas. They were along Westcliffe Blvd between Jonagold Dr and Gala Way and on Jonagold Dr between Cortland Ave and Fuji Way.
[Flooding Area - Westcliffe] Flooding Area - Jonagold]
1. Westcliffe Blvd Area 2. Jonagold Dr Area
Your HOA contacted the City regarding our concerns. We learned that the storm drain system in Applewood Estates is a standalone system and is not connected to other systems up the hill or south of us. We were concerned that Applewood Estates was connected and at the end of all these systems, causing a flood issue but are happy to report that is not the case.
City Storm Water Manager, John Bykonen, has been very receptive to our concerns and advised the HOA that the City would be working on improving the system with increased maintenance and structural improvements. The City has identified several factors causing flooding and will be implementing improvements to prevent future flooding. The City has assured the HOA that these improvements have been made a top priority and they will be breaking ground by September 8th, which should help alleviate our flooding issues.
Westcliffe Blvd Area Improvements
The City discovered that contractors building homes up on the hill and south of Applewood Estates had not removed all of the temporary filter fabric covering the storm catch basins, causing the storm water flow to bypass them. The coverings that do not need to be there have been removed by the City. The City will also be stepping up enforcement of contractors leaving piles of dirt and rock in the streets, and also enforcement of site monitoring of erosion control at building sites in the area. The City also identified that there needs to be structural improvements to the system south of Applewood. This includes those systems along Westcliffe Blvd and farther south at Manchester St. The City will be installing more catch basins with larger pipe. This work should begin September 8th and resolve the issues for our homeowners along Golden Dr and keep water from entering our system from the south improving the entire Applewood system.Jonagold Dr Area Improvements
In addition to the above improvements, City maintenance crews have been cleaning the culvert crossing from the south side of Keene Rd to the North side. They will also be doing some ditch maintenance with excavation staring next week after they receive all the underground locales. The City is conducting this work in an effort to keep the water flow at a maximum. Without this maintenance, the City has discovered that weeds and debris do choke the flow, backing up our system and cause the flooding at the Jonagold Dr location. The City is also asking for our help in continued efforts to maintain the weeds on our land along Keene Rd and have Applewood homeowners be mindful of what goes into their street’s catch basin. Please make sure to keep large amounts of dirt, and especially grass clippings after mowing, from entering the storm drain system. The City also encourages homeowners to help notify them of possible problems or to report violators at 942-7480.
The HOA appreciates the City’s response with clean up by power-washing driveways and sidewalks and by running the street sweeper. We also appreciate Mr. Bykonen and the City’s efforts to reduce impacts from significant storm events throughout the City, including Applewood Estates. Lastly, we would like to thank all the homeowners who notified the HOA of their concerns, property damage and pictures. Working together, we can all make a difference and keep flooding from occurring in Applewood Estates.
The HOA appreciates the City’s response with clean up by power-washing driveways and sidewalks and by running the street sweeper. We also appreciate Mr. Bykonen and the City’s efforts to reduce impacts from significant storm events throughout the City, including Applewood Estates. Lastly, we would like to thank all the homeowners who notified the HOA of their concerns, property damage and pictures. Working together, we can all make a difference and keep flooding from occurring in Applewood Estates.
Tony Valdez, President,
Applewood Estates HOA Board
Applewood Estates HOA Board