Complex construction causing water runoff concern in West Asheville

WEST ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — A major housing development in West Asheville has some neighbors concerned about what's happening during construction. They say water runoff is making it off the site and into their backyards.

Now, they're worried that as construction on the White Oak Grove complex continues, there's a threat that the problem could go beyond their yards and into their homes.

Work is well underway on the 113 units of workforce housing at the intersection of Hazel Mill Road and Clayton Avenue. Crews are doing everything from framing to pouring concrete, and there are obvious signs of steps being taken to stop water from leaving the 6-and-a-half-acre site.

But residents in a small group of homes on the low end of the project have taken photos showing what they say happens during heavy rainfall. They want it to stop, and they're worried about what happens when construction is finished. Vegetation that was stripped away before building began means there is far less natural erosion control.

"I'm not sure exactly how they're going to get rid of it all without going through this property," said Dan Cowan.

The water does go through Cowan's property, and he's got photos to prove it. He says when a hard rain falls it results in a muddy mess. Cowan says he understands it's not an easy task to stop the flow, but believes what's being done is not enough.

"It doesn't make sense, this is the low spot, it has to go somewhere, so they should have taken care of this beforehand," Cowan said.

He says he's worried the problem could get worse once the complex is finished.

"I don't think that they've adequately planned for the construction and the ultimate end in the design might be faulty too."

But the project moves forward, and the rain will fall. Those are the realities neighbors face.

"It's coming our way, whether we like it or not, we can't control it."

Cowan says the city of Asheville has been responsive, made a site visit and checked erosion issues.

A city official says staff is actively researching the case.

A construction site manager told News 13 by phone that proper permits are in place, and that the White Oak Grove project is meeting all requirements.