CRESTVIEW — Residents living off Meadow Lake Drive, near Clyde Reese Pond, want repairs for the damaged roadway, which they say is a hazard for motorists.
The private road, between Beach Community Bank and Hot Spot Cigars and Coffee, has been steadily eroding, according to Shelton and Angelia Junger, who have lived in Meadow Lake subdivision for 12 years.
"There are about 20 to 25 families in our neighborhood," Angelia said. "All of us are worried about it."
Shelton, a retired mechanical supervisor with 50 years' construction experience, contends that broken asphalt and clay potholes come from Hot Spot's recently added water retention pond.
"The water is seeping through (pond's barrier)," he said. "The water has softened the clay up under the road, and now it's just mush."
Steve Lancaster — who, with his wife, co-owns the cigar and coffee shop — said he contacted the engineer responsible for the pond as soon as he heard about the problem.
Meadow Lake's age and lack of storm water drainage have contributed to its deterioration, Lancaster said.
"There is nowhere for the (rain) water to go," he said.
And the recent floods compounded the problem.
Angelia is concerned about commuter traffic, including school buses. The road's current condition could lead to traffic incidents.
"With the holes there, people could get stuck," she said. "We want to make sure this is taken care of … this needs to be fixed."
Shelton said he has contacted county officials, but they could not comment on matters involving private property.
Lancaster said he is willing to work with nearby residents to find a solution.
"We are neighbors; we have to work together," he said.
Angelia is determined to see a solution.
The road will be repaired one way or the other, she said.
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This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: North Okaloosa private road's erosion raises public safety concerns