The Nightingale Storm Drainage Improvement Project will improve erosion and structure flooding in the project area.  The project covers about 215 acres and will benefit the Park Ridge and Falconbridge neighborhoods.  The project area includes the following neighborhood streets:  Nightingale Lane, Osprey Drive, Blue Heron Drive, Kingfisher Drive, Copper Field Drive, Park Road, Park Vista Circle, and Flat Iron Road.  The project is currently in the construction phase. 

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services (CMSWS) project team will manage the Nightingale Project through the phases listed below. 

A general description and range of typical timeframes for project phases is given below.  Specific work is conducted during each phase while an emphasis is made on public involvement throughout the entire project.

Planning Phase (Completed September 2005)
During the planning phase, questionnaires and public meetings are used to obtain input from property owners.  Several improvement alternatives are developed and evaluated to determine the best solution.  A recommended alternative is presented to the public for comment at the end of the planning phase.  The planning phase of a project typically lasts 12 to 27 months. 

Design Phase (Completed October 2008)
During the design phase, construction drawings for the alternative selected during the planning phase are developed.  Many details must be addressed including the determination of specific pipe sizes and alignments, channel widths and lining types, inlet sizes and locations, utility relocations, and easement locations.  The design phase of a project typically lasts 18 to 24 months.

Permitting Phase (Completed October 2008)
During the permitting phase, the required water quality permits are obtained from Federal and State governments.  Other permits such as permission to work within railroad and NCDOT rights-of-way will be obtained during this phase.  The permitting phase of a project typically lasts 3 to 9 months.  The permitting phase of a project may overlap other phases.

Property Easement/Acquisition (Completed October 2008)
The City's real estate staff works with citizens and businesses to acquire Storm Drainage Easements (SDEs).  The City requests that SDEs be donated to provide access to your property to make the recommended improvements and provide future maintenance.  In addition to SDEs, temporary construction easements may be needed to access work areas.  The bid phase will begin after all easements are acquired.  The easement acquisition phase of a project typically lasts 8 to 12 months.

Bid Phase (Completed February 2009)
During the bid phase, the final plans will be circulated to qualified contractors for a competitive bidding process.  By state law, the lowest responsible bidder is awarded the construction contract.  The bid phase of a project typically lasts 4 months.

Construction Phase (March 2009 - December 2010)
Throughout construction, efforts will be made to minimize disruption to nearby property owners.  Construction of proposed improvements will be supervised by City inspectors.  Notifications of key construction dates and will be mailed to residents prior to construction.  Because projects vary in size, the typical construction phase of a project can last from 3 months to over 2 years.

Road Closure: Blue Heron Drive is closed till the early part of December 2009.  The road is closed to facilitate the installation of the new culvert pipes under Blue Heron Drive along with the installation of a pipe system that will travel up Blue Heron Drive and head down Nightingale Lane.

Project Team

William Harris, E.I.
City Project Manager
704-353-1147

Amy Bice, E.I.
Watershed Area Manager
704-432-0965

Gary Stansbury
City Construction Manager
704-336-2667

Scott Ackerman
City Project Inspector
980-721-3653

Matthew Gustis, P.E.
City Engineering Team Program Manager
704-336-6183

Meeting Minutes

February 17, 2005
July 10, 2007  

Newsletters

June 2009 
February 2009
November 2008 
July 2008