HomeMy WebLinkAbout1976 05-26 Maplewood charged in water damages THE REVIEW Maplewood cha ed
in water damages
A letter to the Maplewood city council remedy of water problems in the area.
has charged that water damage at High- The letter, from the legal firm of
view North Apartments in North St.Paul Leonard, Street and Deinard of Min-
is Maplewood's fault,and asks immediate neapolis, representing Highview apart-
ments,alleges the city is responsible for
"severe flooding and water drainage
problems of which you are well aware,
ever since the city of Maplewood and
Ramsey County agreed upon and in-
stituted a regrading and ponding program
on portions of Goodrich Golf Course in
close proximity to our client's apartment
buildings."
Eldon J. Spencer of the law firm
acknowledged Tuesday,May 25,that such
a letter is a prerequisite should his client
file a law suit.He explained that the letter
is required within 60 days of when
damage is discovered if a law suit is later
filed.But he also said the matter might be
settled without a lawsuit.
The May 13 communication to
Maplewood alleged that some problems
were experienced from the outset, but
"that harm to Highview has become
increasingly more severe as the ponding
and regrading program has progressed."
It further charges that an examination of
the situation by a professional engineer
indicates cause of the problem to be in-
stallation of ponds at Goodrich.
Rust and corrosion of equipment,ad-
ditional pumping costs, loss of rental
income and storage space and other
damage to buildings and fixtures have
allegedly occurred.
It also charges Maplewood is respon-
sible"by its cooperation with Ramsey
County in the establishment of a
ponding and regrading program which
does not provide adequate drainage to
protect adjoining properties from water
intrusion and damage."
Maplewood City Attorney,Donald Lais
said that the matter is under investigation
when contacted by the Review Tuesday.