Water drainage on property (Palm Bay, Malabar: real estate, attorneys, home)

[hazelee]

I need help with a water drainage issue on my property. I live in Palm Bay close to Babcock and Malabar. This is an older home that my father bought in 1977. The property behind him was vacant for years... Now, someone has built on it and elevated the property so that the drainage is directly on my property. The drainage swell in the front will sit with water for weeks at a time.


On occasion, the city will come and clean out the swell and drainage is a little better. But when it's not good, we can go for weeks with septic problems. To the point my son will siphon from one tank to the other (kitchen tank). Yes, we have to have it pumped.


I've called the city and they will not come even look at the problem much less make a suggestion. I feel this water problem was really escalated with the property built on the lot behind.


When I was last down to the Palm Bay City to ask about the lines they were going to put in years ago they tell me there are no longer plans to do it... only new construction.


Is there anything anyone can suggest? What can I do. I've considered putting dirt on the yard but wasn't sure if this would be of any help.

I am open to any and all suggestions.


Thanks

[expatCA]

Originally Posted by hazelee

I need help with a water drainage issue on my property. I live in Palm Bay close to Babcock and Malabar. This is an older home that my father bought in 1977. The property behind him was vacant for years... Now, someone has built on it and elevated the property so that the drainage is directly on my property. The drainage swell in the front will sit with water for weeks at a time.


On occasion, the city will come and clean out the swell and drainage is a little better. But when it's not good, we can go for weeks with septic problems. To the point my son will siphon from one tank to the other (kitchen tank). Yes, we have to have it pumped.


I've called the city and they will not come even look at the problem much less make a suggestion. I feel this water problem was really escalated with the property built on the lot behind.


When I was last down to the Palm Bay City to ask about the lines they were going to put in years ago they tell me there are no longer plans to do it... only new construction.


Is there anything anyone can suggest? What can I do. I've considered putting dirt on the yard but wasn't sure if this would be of any help.

I am open to any and all suggestions.


Thanks

Get an attorney because it looks like your new neighbors created a problem for you and the city signed off on it if permitted. They gotta fix it.

[hazelee]

Thank you... I have wondered if that was something I should be doing. Do you know of any particular "type" of attorney that handles this type of problem? Thanks

[expatCA]

Originally Posted by hazelee

Thank you... I have wondered if that was something I should be doing. Do you know of any particular "type" of attorney that handles this type of problem? Thanks

I do not know who would be best, though I think an attorney involved in real estate contracts would be or even civil litigation.

[SuiteLiving]

I think you'll need a civil engineer to confirm that the development of the lot behind you is actually causing the problem. You might want to start there instead of with an attorney (and the engineer may be able to recommend an attorney if you wind up needing one).

[hazelee]

Thank you. I've talked with the folks at the City of Palm Bay and they won't even forward a message to have them contact me. So, maybe I need someone outside of the City...thanks

[clnewman]

John L. Soileau of Brevard Law Group came highly recommended to me for real estate law. 321-631-1550.

Though we ended up not needing an attorney for our issue (so I can't personally vouch for him), I keep his name and number on file.

An attorney will often give a free 30 minute consult. It might be worthwhile to give him a call and perhaps he can point you the right direction.

Good luck!

[hazelee]

Thank you for this name.

[benjamins repairs]

Start documenting all your correspondences (emails,letters..). The city is ultimately responsible for solving the problem. Have the Brevard health department inspect the location as well and get a written statement or email confirmation ( Its OK if they didn't respond). You may also contact the local news stations to publicize the issue. Collect all expenses and related medical cost. Contact any of 12000 Civil law listed attorneys and GOOD LUCK.