Madison Park

As I was walking around on Saturday and Sunday asking homeowners to complete the Comment Form about the sidewalks a number of homeowners expressed their displeasure with the City for many reasons but especially about the dirt pile they left when they built the new elementary school on Seneca Place. So, I felt I should also ask the City what they were going to do with it and, if they intend to keep it there "forever," could they install and maintain a proper silt barrier to keep erosion/sedimentation to a minimum. Here is the response I received from the State (apparently, the City isn't responsible for maintaining this dirt pile)... oh! and it looks like we are getting the new pre-kindergarten school sooner than later - mid-2010!!! so maybe the dirtpile won't be there "forever"!!

Karen,

The stockpile in its prior state (stabilized) is ok, its current condition is technically ok also. The area of disturbance is under 1 acre, however they are still required to keep sediment contained. I could not see any soils actively leaving the area or in the storm drainage, I am sure its washed away and was there at one point. I spoke with CMS Bovis, they handle all construction, and they told me the stockpile was to be used when they construct the new Elementary School around Mid 2010, they were unaware that the pile had even been touched and have not authorized any disturbance of it. I am waiting on a call back to find out when they will be on site (will be soon). I am having them reinstall the silt fence and a construction entrance if they intend to use the pile, they will attempt to re-stabilize the area, but just looking at the sheer cut in the pile that may be difficult, however I have instructed them that the erosion control measures will remain in place until its removed, stabilized or both. If you do not see it corrected by Thursday give me a call 980-521-6828. (Eric Schweiber)

Yeah that dirt pile initially was to be used to install ball fields once the new school was built and the old school was torn down.  School properties are all county property.   

That tear down never happened and the school then ended up being used as swing space.

CMS just gave the HOA this summer info on the old school and said it possibly would not come down.  Mike Raible Executive Director Planning and Project Management CMS said during June it was partially being used by Child Nutrition department for training. 

He said it was carried in the 10 year plan for the pre K center currently at Starmount.

As of June there was no funding for the renovation and it was not part of any bonds.

He said it might be used in part for Administrative Facilities until converted to pre k.

This topic is noted in the June 09 minutes, July 09 minutes, and August 09 minutes.

When the old school started being used for swing space the HOA was told it would only be 5 years and come down.  That of course all changed to the current status!  

I am pretty sure that cut in the dirt pile happened this summer after dirt was removed by someone!  I believe I recalled someone mentioned a small bobcat worked on the stack over the summer one day.  I also believe one resident said the principal told him he could take some dirt at one or our meetings over the summer!

In our August Minutes Jane Childrey said Mike Raible told her they did not wish to remove the pile due to cost.  He was debating on rather to put up a new fence or not at that time.

If the news is now possibly 2010 for a pre K that would be great. Perhaps funding was found for the renovation to the old building.