Avondale Estates flags undersized Center Street pipe; staff estimates $350,000 to underground and tie to new development

City staff told the board that recent upstream stormwater work has directed more flow into an older, undersized pipe on Center Street, producing flooding and runoff onto neighboring properties.

Staff recommended taking the pipe underground beneath Center Street and tying it into the stormwater retention features planned for the adjacent development (the Avalon/DDA project). The estimated cost for the work is roughly $350,000; staff said that figure could move depending on utility conflicts and construction complexities, and it may be reduced if the county provides relief on pipe placement near county water/sewer lines.

Funding options discussed included the stormwater fund, SPLOST (which allows stormwater uses), or the general fund; staff also noted the city’s DDA infrastructure program could reduce construction costs if coordinated with developer mobilization. No contract was authorized at the June 24 meeting; staff said any contract or intergovernmental agreement would return to the board for formal approval.