The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services (CMSWS) project team will manage the Blenhein Project through the phases listed below.
A general description and range of typical timeframes for project phases is given below.
Planning Phase (Finished)
During the planning phase, several improvement alternatives are developed and evaluated to determine the best solution. The stormwater challenges present in this area are particularly challenging. Due to this additional complexity, CMSWS hired more than one engineering consultant to study the area. The results of these studies were presented at the May 10, 2012 public meeting.
Design Phase (Started January 2012)
During the design phase, construction drawings are developed for the alternative selected during the planning phase. Many details must be addressed including the determination of channel widths, pipe sizes, utility relocations, and easement locations. The design phase of a project typically lasts 21 to 34 months.
Permitting Phase (Time frame TBD)
During the permitting phase, the required water quality permits are obtained from Federal and State governments. The permitting phase of a project typically lasts 3 to 9 months; however, it will overlap the design and real estate phases.
Property Easement/Acquisition (Time frame TBD)
The City's real estate staff works with citizens and businesses to acquire either Conservation Easements or Storm Drainage Easements. In addition, temporary construction easements may also be needed to access work areas. The City requests that easements be donated to provide access to your property to make the recommended improvements and provide future maintenance. The bid phase will begin after all easements are acquired. The easement acquisition phase of a project typically lasts 12 to 15 months.
In addition to easements, this project will require the City to purchase property. This property is needed to create safer areas for the storage of floodwaters and wetlands. The process of purchasing property takes longer than that for acquiring easements. For this reason the City began the process of purchasing property in May 2012.
Bid Phase (Time frame TBD)
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 to 5 months.
Construction Phase (Time frame TBD)
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 will be mailed to residents prior to construction. Because projects vary in size, the construction phase of a project can last from 3 months to over 2 years.
Project Team:
Gregory M. Cole, P.E.
Project Manager
704-336-4824
Amy Bice
Watershed Area Manager
704-432-0965
Matthew Gustis, P.E.
City Engineering Team Program Manager
704-336-6183
Newsletters
February 2013
October 2012
June 2012
May 2012
December 2011
Meeting Minutes
May 10, 2012
Proposed Project Components (6.4 MB)
Exhibit 1 (3 MB)
Exhibit 2
Exhibit 3