SPANISH FORT, Ala. — Neighboring residents concerned by possible drainage issues any development might create petitioned members of the Planning Commission during Monday’s regular meeting to consider thoroughly the impact subdividing property at 30825 Cemetery Road could have.

“I’m not opposed to them building there, but I have enough drainage coming off of this property now. I don’t need any more,” said resident Pat Wilson.

At issue is a request by Charles Johnson to subdivide his property into four lots for the creation of a family subdivision.

One of Johnson’s grandsons would be the recipient of two of the lots, including the lot bordering the concerned neighbors. The grandson stated publicly he has no immediate plans to develop the property, but when the day does arrive, he intends only to develop the lot farthest removed from the neighbors because he considers the back lot uninhabitable, and he prefers the privacy.

Resident Cameron Phillips asked the commission if there were any guarantees the property would be developed in similar size and style to neighboring homes, but Chairman Carl Nelson said size restrictions do not fall under the commission’s oversight.

Danny Johnson Sr., Charles Johnson’s son, said he understands the drainage complaints being voiced, but he argued that the problems stem from the “natural landscape of the land” that allow the water to flow into a natural hollow flowing into Bay Minette Basin.

“We’re not creating a new problem,” said the younger Johnson, who has lived in the area for 52 years. “It’s always been that way.”

Following discussion, the item was postponed from consideration at Charles Johnson’s request and will be revisited after the commission has had more time to consider potential drainage issues and the possible creation of a detention pond.

“We don’t want to take a bad situation and make it worse,” said City Engineer Martin Pitts.

Building Official Bruce Renkert noted, however, that examining the rights of way on neighboring streets might go further toward addressing the flooding problems currently experienced by property owners.

In other business the commission:

The next regular meeting of the Planning Commission will be held at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 9, following a 6 p.m. work session at the Prodisee Center.

An informal work session will be held at 6 p.m. Oct. 26 in the conference room at City Hall.