Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services has identified this neighborhood for possible storm water system improvements to address structure and road flooding. The Cedars East Minor Storm Drainage Improvement Project covers approximately 48 acres between the Idlewild apartments at Idlewild Drive and Cedars East Court (just east of Independence Boulevard) and the culvert under Amity Place.

This project is in the planning phase.  Survey has been completed and questionnaires have been mailed to residents requesting any information to identify problems with the culverts, storm drainage systems and creeks in your area. The design consultant STV will assist Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services by overlaying service requests (311 calls), questionnaire responses, field review, and engineering modeling and analysis to find possible solutions and target project possible project areas.  After this has been done a public meeting will be scheduled to discuss the problem areas and possible improvements. For any questions or concerns related to the project, please contact Project Manager Matthew Anderson at 704-336-7923 or manderson@charlottenc.gov.

Objectives: - Reduce property, structure, and street flooding throughout the neighborhood. - Address channel erosion problems within the project area to provide a more natural, stable stream system. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services (CMSWS) project team will manage the Cedars East 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 (Started December 2009)
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.  Currently the project is in the planning phase. A detailed survey of the main project area has been performed. Subsequent to the receipt of the survey a study of the existing storm drainage system was performed to model existing problems. A proposed alternate to address stormwater concerns has been studied. After reviewing the alternate, additional alternates and more detailed survey of the remaining project areas were needed. As a result, additional survey and study efforts commenced in July 2011. Once alternatives have been studied a meeting with the neighborhood to discuss proposed solutions will be scheduled.

Design Phase (TBD)
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 (TBD)
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 (TBD)
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 (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 months.

Construction Phase (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 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.

Project Team

Matthew Anderson, P.E.
City Project Manager
704-336-7923

Doug Lozner, P.E.
Watershed Area Manager
704-432-0964

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

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