Kingston Springs moves to call bond on troubled Ellersly subdivision

Officials in Kingston Springs plan to call a construction bond estimated between roughly $600,000 and $1.6 million to address what they described as widespread infrastructure failures at the Ellersly subdivision just off of Main Street.

During an April 9 Planning Commission meeting, City Planner Sharon Armstrong said the town has initiated the process to claim the bond after inspections found major deficiencies in grading, drainage and utilities across the downtown-area development.

“It looks like a child went out with a pail and a shovel for about 500 days in a row and dug holes randomly,” Armstrong said. “About 80% of what I see on the ground is going to have to be taken back up and redone.” 

Engineers who conducted a March 9 site visit reported the subdivision’s stormwater system may not meet approved design standards, citing a malfunctioning detention pond, missing or incomplete drainage swales and erosion issues. Inspectors also found debris-clogged inlets, unapproved materials used in storm sewer construction and incomplete roadwork.

Officials said some sewer lines could not be fully assessed and may require additional inspection or reconstruction.

Armstrong told commissioners that visible conditions alone suggest a large portion of the site may need to be removed and rebuilt. The town’s new consulting engineer, Mathew Piofer, estimated repair costs starting just above $600,000, with higher-end projections approaching $1.6 million due to unknown subsurface conditions.

Town officials said during the meeting that the developer – Energy Fit Solutions – has the option to complete the repairs, but Armstrong expressed doubt the situation would improve without intervention, noting conditions worsened after a previous stop work order was lifted.

Residents have raised concerns about drainage for years at the subdivision, which dates back to 2008.

Town officials said additional costs, including engineering, legal and administrative expenses, could increase the total beyond the bond amount.