Neighbours hope new Tidal View doesn't flood them with problems

By Michael Gorman

THE VANGUARD

NovaNewsNow.com

If the reaction from the public at last week's public hearing to discuss the new Tidal View is any indication, residents will be happy to see the project move ahead as long as it doesn't force them to start building arks.

Several residents of Pleasant Street told town council that although they support Tidal View's plans to move to the area, they are concerned that the development could exacerbate problems they already experience with flooding.

Sheila Nichols, whose backyard view is to eventually include Tidal View, addressed council and expressed concerns about the "huge" flooding problem she already has with her property. Photos she provided to council show ditches overflowing with water during major rainstorms.

"I have a water problem in my basement and have had flooding all around my house in the past, so that my house, at these times, has almost been on an island," Nichols says in her letter. to council.

Nichols also requested that council consider using Ford Avenue as a main entrance for the facility to help divert some of the expected traffic away from Pleasant Street.

Garnet Roze, who lives next door to Nichols, also voiced his concerns about flooding problems. He said that, to this point, none of his concerns have been addressed and he is concerned that will mean a compounding of his problems with the construction of Tidal View.

Like Nichols, Roze said if something had to go on the land, he's glad it's Tidal View.

"I'd rather see that than see (the land) be developed as housing with lots . . . jammed in like sardines," he said. "I'll take Tidal View before I take that."

Roze is in a unique position in that, besides dealing with his concerns regarding flooding of his property, his house is one of the ones that stands in the way of the town extending Chestnut Street at some point.

Both Nichols and Roze said they would have no problem supporting the project if their concerns regarding the water are addressed.

Mayor Charles Crosby said that any concerns residents might have about the development would be addressed prior to the breaking of ground.

"I think when the development people come to us for their permit then those are the things we'll put in (to the agreement) saying, 'yeah, you can have your permit but this is what you've got to do in order to get that permit.' We have that control."