The Princeton-Somerset Storm Drainage Improvement Project has concluded the Planning Phase. The second Public Meeting held on May 24 resulted in positive feedback of the Preferred Design Concept developed during the Planning Phase. See below for a map of the concept which was presented and the detailed minutes from the meeting. This concept will be developed and refined as we work through the Design Phase. Another Public Meeting will be scheduled once the plan is approximately 70% complete. At that time, the Real Estate Phase will commence and will run concurrent with the conclusion of the Design Phase.

Project Summary
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services (CMSWS) has identified this neighborhood for possible storm water system improvements to address structure and street flooding. The Princeton-Somerset Storm Drainage Improvement Project lies within a drainage basin of approximately 30 acres. The project is roughly bounded by Lilac Road and Princeton Avenue on the north and south, respectively, and by Freedom Park and Somerset Drive on the east and west, respectively.

Questionnaires were mailed to residents requesting any information to identify problems with culverts, channels, and structural or street flooding in the neighborhood. This information, along with 311 service request calls, field reviews, and engineering modeling and analysis, is utilized during the planning and design phases to provide solutions to current drainage issues. CMSWS project team will manage the Princeton-Somerset Storm Drainage Improvement Project through the phases listed below. A general description and range of typical timeframes for project phases are given. Specific work is conducted during each phase while an emphasis is placed on public involvement throughout the entire project.

Planning Phase (June 2011 – June 2012) As a result of citizen generated service requests, CMSWS Maintenance Team investigated the project area. A preliminary analysis of the existing storm drainage system was completed in 2007, which revealed the need for improvements. These efforts of the Maintenance Team continued until 2009. However, due to limited resources, the project was put on hold. In 2010, CMSWS determined the project needed to be elevated to a Minor Capitol Improvement Project for the Engineering Team to implement and is now able to allow for an evaluation of more comprehensive issues in the entire project area and not just along the primary conveyance system.  Engineering consultant HDR Engineering, Inc. has completed the Planning Phase which consisted of an Existing Conditions analysis, a City Design Standard analysis, and development and evaluation of several Alternative design concepts.   The final design decision has been made based on the input offered at the Public Meeting held on May 24, 2012. The Planning Phase of a project typically lasts 12 -27 months. Design Phase (July 2012 through 1st quarter of 2014) During the Design phase, construction drawings for the concept 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.  Personnel from City of Charlotte, the engineering consultant, land surveyors, wetland specialists, and geotechnical engineers will be working in the area collecting information necessary to complete the design.  The design phase typically lasts 21-34 months. Permitting Phase (To Be Determined) During the permitting phase, the required water quality permits are obtained from Federal and State governments.  The permitting phase of a project typically last 3 to 9 months but may overlap other phases. Property Easement/Acquisition (To Be Determined) The City’s Real Estate staff works with citizens and businesses to acquire Storm Drainage Easements (SDEs) and Temporary Construction Easements (TCEs).  The City requests that SDEs and TCEs be donated to provide access to your property to make the recommended improvements and provide future maintenance. The Easement Acquisition phase typically lasts 8 to 12 months and must be completed before entering the Bid phase.  Bid Phase (To Be Determined) 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 (To Be Determined) Throughout construction, efforts will be made to minimize disruption to nearby property owners.  Construction of proposed improvements will be supervised by a City Inspector.  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  Jennifer Barker, P.E.   City Project Manager 704-432-0963 Doug Lozner, P.E. Watershed Area Manager 704-432-0964 Matthew Gustis, P.E. City Engineering Team Program Manager 704-336-6183 Newsletters February 2013 October 2012 June 2012 March 2012 November 2011 October 2011 Meeting Minutes May 24, 2012      Preferred Design Concept October 20, 2011