Spanish Fork approves subdivision despite flooding protests

SPANISH FORK — The City Council approved a 99-home development near state Route 51 on Tuesday night despite protests from neighbors across the highway who say new construction is causing flooding in the area.

In addition to approving Steve Maddox's residential development, Bella Vista, the council waived the minimum lot-size requirement. It also asked city engineer Richard Heap to look into neighbors' claims of flooding.

Maddox also developed the Black Horse townhomes behind the neighborhood, Heap said. Resident Chris Blesinger said an earthen berm put up behind their homes during construction of the townhomes stopped the natural flow of water toward the pond, contributing to flooding during rainstorms. Rather than hauling the excess dirt away, Blesinger said the builder "hid" the dirt.

Blesinger also complained about a sidewalk along the top of the berm that runs behind their homes, taking away their privacy, he said.

Additionally, a park planned for the area was never completed, residents said.

Maddox acknowledged that the area had massive water problems and said he has taken steps to prevent flooding with his newest project, which includes a master-planned storm drain and two retention ponds. Two wetland areas, one on the north side of the Bella Vista subdivision and one on the south, will remain.

The council approved a zone change, putting Bella Vista in a 6,000-foot minimum classification, and then waived the ordinance to allow lots as small as 4,000 square feet running 40 feet along the front, based on "superior design." Homes are to range between 1,500 square feet and 2,400 square feet.

The newest project is between state Route 51 and the railroad tracks and includes a city park. Maddox earlier proposed twin homes and a townhome community on the site but was denied.

"The city needs to keep a finger on this project," Councilman Rod Dart said, "especially the water situation."

e-mail: rodger@desnews.com