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Perry gathering information about flooding problems in two subdivisions

The city will discuss the issue again at their council meeting on Monday, Feb. 5.

PERRY, Ga. — A water basin in Perry will flood conversation at the council over the next few months.

The City of Perry says they are still analyzing data as they work to find solutions for flooding in the Sadie Heights and Stonebridge area. 

Bobby Pearson saw the impacts from the basin about a year ago.

"One of our kids was up first came running into the bedroom to say 'Hey, you've got to look in the backyard,'" Pearson said.

He walked out to water filling up his yard, inches away from reaching his home. 

"It was just kind of free-flowing into our yard and water was coming from our neighbor's yard," Pearson said.

In 2023, the city spent over $100,000 to conduct a study on the flood area. Several homes are at risk of seeing damage because they aren't above the floodplain.

"There seems to be some real practical ways to address this presents kind of a happy medium for everyone," Pearson said.

At a special called meeting developers and other homeowners recommended cleaning up the drainage area. Pearson says the little maintenance that's already happened, helped.

"Though we've had some heavy rains since, we've not been impacted in nearly the same way, and we can see the water flowing much better. That's why were convinced there are further practical steps that can be taken to further mitigate the risks of heavy rainfall or the types of events we saw a year ago," he said. 

Mayor Randall Walker says in the meantime, they don't want new homes to worsen problems for existing homeowners. 

"We're going to protect their investment. We're going to protect them and their families and we're going to allow the developers to develop where is feasible for them," Walker said. 

He says he wants to continue to see Perry grow and recognizes that this location is a good place for that, so they still want to help builders.

"We'll be working with the developers to look at the alternatives we have for continued development in the area," he said. 

Pearson says he thinks the city is handling things well so far.

"We're very thankful that there is a whole group of people that is interested in seeing this resolved in a practical way that benefits the people living here," Pearson said.

Walker says it's too early for him to talk about best long-term solutions but it's a problem he wants solved. He wants to work with all parties involved to find the best solution.

At the special meeting, there was also a discussion about FEMA assistance. Several council members and neighbors spoke against this option. The city will keep talking about the issue at the council, the next meeting is Monday, Feb. 5, at city hall on Carroll Street. 

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