Board approves Fortified Field House plan with condition to work with neighbors on drainage

The DeKalb County Drainage Board approved a development plan on May 7 for a Fortified Field House at 3375 County Road 427 in Waterloo, but added a condition requiring the applicant to work with adjoining landowners to address private-tile and outlet concerns.

Justin Hoffman of First Construction (S8), the engineer for the project, said the plan converts much of an existing stone parking area to asphalt and enlarges the east pond so the site can accommodate increased runoff from paved surfaces. "The intent is not to increase any discharge rate," Hoffman said, describing new piping to direct most runoff to an enlarged east pond while keeping outfalls unchanged.

A committee member (S1) objected that the on-site feature functions as a wetland and said the east outlet and nearby tile are "not in the best shape," warning that faster flow into a poorly functioning outlet could create flooding complaints for neighboring landowners. The board discussed options including securing signed agreements from adjacent landowners and improving private tile. Hoffman said Fortify would be willing to "participate in an effort to contact the owners to make improvements to the private tile or perhaps even petition for it to become a regulated drain."

The final motion approved the development plan with the stipulation that Fortify work with adjoining landowners on drainage issues and with the surveyor's favorable recommendation. The motion carried without recorded opposition.

Next steps: the applicant must coordinate with the surveyor's office and the adjoining landowners to document any agreements or mitigation steps before or during construction.