Residents of the Morgan Heights subdivision on San Antonio’s Far West Side have been grappling with severe drainage issues since moving into their homes about a year ago. The recent rains have exacerbated the situation, turning backyards into muddy construction sites.
Ryan Gooch, a resident, described how runoff water cascades into his backyard, preventing grass from growing and exposing large chunks of limestone. “There’s no stopping that wall of water when it comes down this hill,” Gooch stated, highlighting the erosion of his front yard and the recurring need to refill large holes with dirt and rocks.
Gooch suspects that the builder, Lennar Homes, anticipated these flooding issues, as evidenced by the ditches dug between houses. “They built valleys between the house like they knew the water had to go somewhere,” he noted.
Neighbor Sabrina Lopez has also been affected, with water and sand accumulating against her fenceline. “The water is just pooling,” Lopez said, expressing concern that it might soon impact their home’s foundation if not addressed.
Both Gooch and Lopez have attempted to mitigate the flooding with pavers and patio slabs, but these efforts have proven ineffective. They have reached out to Lennar for assistance, but responses have been limited to promises of sod or vague assurances of future contact.
In a statement to KSAT, Lennar Homes expressed a commitment to addressing the drainage issues, citing persistent rain as a barrier to immediate repairs. However, this was the first time Gooch and Lopez had heard of any concrete plans from the builder.
Community Concerns and Builder Response
The residents’ experiences underscore broader concerns about the responsibilities of builders in ensuring adequate drainage solutions in new developments. As the situation unfolds, the affected homeowners are left questioning the long-term impact on their properties and the potential need for costly foundation repairs.
Lennar’s acknowledgment of the issue and their stated commitment to resolving it offer a glimmer of hope, but the residents remain cautious, awaiting tangible action to address the persistent flooding in their community.
Original reporting: San Antonio, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
