Pinedale

Pinewood Subdivision Sinkholes and Flooding

Homes in Pinewood, for example on Twin Pines Circle, Pinedale Drive and some on Sulphur Springs Road, were built after 1985 and prior to 2014. Hoover adopted Subdivision regulations on January 11, 1982. Thus, Pinewood was developed under the subdivision regulations of Hoover. In addition to the eight elements on which the regulations are based an acceptance of responsibility is noted; “The Subdivision Regulations also recognize the responsibility of the City to maintain public improvements. Proper and timely maintenance is essential to preserve the required improvements through the design life.” Home owners had the expectation that Hoover would meet the city’s own regulations.

Depending upon the environment, galvanized corrugated metal pipe will last between 15 and 40 years. The pipe that runs under the drives, easements and possibly the roads in Pinewood had done well at 37 years. However, failures are obvious. Some may have been exacerbated by flooding and particularly debris. These pipes are likely the cause of sinkholes in the area. The city has not replaced or repaired such pipes on public/city property. The city agreed to replace one pipe at Marywood and Pinedale that has failed. This failure has caused numerous problems for homes (for example the 4800 block of Sulphur Springs) and infrastructure below. Replacement of that pipe was delayed for about three years and that may have contributed to the flooding on Oct. 6. The city has known about this problem since at least 2017 as it appears in the mayor’s budget presented 9-18-2018. The 455 Marywood drainage issue also appears in the budget in 2020. Hoover residents deserve better than this.

Well-run cities plan for proper and timely maintenance and recognize that responsibility. Stormwater systems are necessary public improvements. From 1982 forward the city regulated development and by acceptance and probably default accepted responsibility for public improvements. There was no reason that a prudent person would expect these pipes to last more than 40 years. Likewise, cities should plan to repair or replace aging pipes. Hoover is better than this.

The 2020 Storm Water Management Plan explains the role of the city in stormwater as follows “needs in the City include, but are not limited to protection of the public health, safety, and welfare of the community. Provision of storm water management services under the SWMP renders and/or results in both a service and a benefit to all properties, property owners, business, citizens, and residents of the City in a variety of ways even though the benefits may be indirect or immeasurable.”

Stormwater management may require repairs and maintenance on city property, public property, easements or private property. The city recognized the need for repairs and maintenance for the common good, thus the location is of less importance than the benefit to all. On October 6 water and debris flooded Sulphur Springs Road this impacted residents outside the Pinewood neighborhood as travelers experienced damage to their cars and delays in their commutes.

On Oct. 12 the City Council approved Resolution 6562-21 designated as public purpose for $776,000. These were all on private property but designated as serving the public good. The city can and should follow the spirit of the Subdivision regulations, the act of approving funds for public purpose and repair stormwater infrastructure in Pinewood subdivision. It is the City’s ordinances, regulations and precedent that should guide best practices. Hoover residents deserve better than promises made and not kept.

Repairs are underway (April 2, 2022), at this time it is unclear the cost of these repairs. Repairs to 455 Marywood appeared in the Mayor's budget in 2019 and 2020 for $185,000-$200,000 and in the Oct. 12 resolution for $100,000. Drainage improvements between 4801 and 4813 Pinedale were also in the Mayor's budget in 2020.