Residents of South Anderson Road and South Hawkins Drive voiced significant concerns during a recent government meeting regarding the impact of new housing developments on local water resources and infrastructure. The discussions were led by a community member who highlighted the challenges posed by the increasing number of homes in the area, particularly in relation to water supply and fire protection.

The speaker, who initiated a petition against the Asheville development in 2008, noted that the number of water wells is becoming insufficient to meet the needs of the growing population. He referenced a past drought in 2006 that necessitated the redrilling of wells, which typically range from 140 to 180 feet deep. A recommendation was made to drill new wells to a depth of 200 feet to ensure adequate water supply for new residents, but the speaker expressed concern for long-term residents who have lived in the area for years.

Fire protection was another critical issue raised, as the speaker pointed out that there is no water line east of Douglas Boulevard, leaving local firefighters without a reliable water source. He emphasized the inadequacy of sprinkler systems in homes, especially during power outages, and recalled a past incident where a fire spread rapidly due to strong winds, underscoring the need for better infrastructure to support emergency services.

The speaker also addressed the flooding exacerbated by the Asheville development, stating that the addition of new homes has significantly increased flooding on his property and surrounding areas. He urged the city to consider the existing drainage issues and the lack of city water and sewer services, which are not expected to be available in the near future.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive assessment of the impact of new developments on local resources and infrastructure, as residents continue to face challenges related to water supply, fire safety, and flooding.