News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Monterey Aldermen approved filing a cease and desist order against the developer of the Louis Avenue Subdivision Wednesday night.
The action came at a special-called meeting after the town discovered the subdivision has a six-inch connection to the city’s sewer system without receiving approval from the town or TDEC. Monterey Consulting Engineer Nathaniel Green said the town and TDEC both require the connection to be an eight-inch line and have approval before connecting.
“If it was left alone and you just cut it right there and capped it there it wouldn’t really be an issue and you could relay the line,” Green said. “But I mean because it wasn’t inspected and wasn’t looked at by the city we really don’t know what the condition of it is.”
Green said the six-inch line could lead to problems in the future as the developer has plans to add more lots to the subdivision.
Alderman Jamie Phillips asked if the town should go ahead and cap off the sewer line connection until the developer addresses the issue. Mayor Alex Garcia said he thinks cutting off the line is not necessary just yet as he is willing to give the developer more time to receive approval and adjust the line.
“I’d like to wait and see if he is willing to work with us,” Garcia said. “I’m all for a subdivision, Monterey needs housing. I just want it done right. Because we will have to own this line and we want it done the right way.”
Phillips said he did not want to cut off the connection as he would not want the resident to suffer for something that is out of their control.
“I wouldn’t want issues to arise for somebody who is already there because the developer decided to go that route,” Philipps said.
Garcia said if the developer does not follow through after the cease and desist order the connection will be removed and the developer will have to find alternatives for sewer. Garcia said he has advised the developer that the subdivision cannot move forward until the sewer and water line plans are approved and inspected.
