Homeowners in Mount Holly face new concerns as recent rainfall has undermined efforts to repair retaining walls in their backyards. The heavy rain washed out the ongoing construction and left residents worried about further erosion and potential damage to their properties. As crews wait for the ground to dry, the affected homeowners are left with a muddy mess.
Repair Retaining Wall Impact
One resident expressed her shock when she saw how much of her backyard had eroded after the storm. Initially, it was supported by wooden beams, which had been removed in preparation for replacing them with a concrete wall. However, before the new wall could be installed, the downpour caused significant soil erosion. Some sections of the backyard caved in, and the land uphill began to deteriorate.
For some homeowners, the damage is particularly severe. One woman discovered that between one and three feet of her backyard had disappeared, leaving her backdoor dangerously close to the new edge of her property. Originally, her backdoor was seven to eight feet away from the yard’s boundary. However, now, the erosion has brought the edge uncomfortably close.
HOA Response and Code Enforcement
The homeowners association overseeing the project has been contacted for updates and explanations regarding the delay in the repair work. Meanwhile, Gaston County Code Enforcement has become involved, with a supervisor visiting the site to assess the situation. The Code Enforcement team had previously approved the permits for the project and has now committed to expediting the inspection process to facilitate a quicker resolution.
Code Enforcement officials have assured residents that while another heavy rain could further erode backyard patios, the main buildings should remain safe despite the damage. However, they emphasized the need for crews to complete the work swiftly to prevent further issues.
Construction Plans and Next Steps
A representative from Pinnacle Construction, the company tasked with the repair of the retaining wall, indicated that the job could be completed within a week, weather permitting. However, some of the work will require manual digging due to the challenging conditions created by the rain.
As residents anxiously wait for the repairs to be finished, the priority remains to prevent additional erosion. It is also important to ensure the retaining wall is reinforced correctly to protect their homes and backyards from future storms.
