Stormwater problems create headaches for Johns Creek residents

News

Stormwater problems create headaches for Johns Creek residents

PHOTOS: There’s no easy fix for stormwater problems in Johns Creek, residents say.

Jian Ma, who has lived in Medlock Bridge for 20 years, points out one of several trees that have been removed or have fallen into the expanding waterway Saturday, July 17, 2021. Ma has to regularly remove debris, fallen trees and anything blocking the waterway; he has tried installing rocks and has rebuilt access to his yard, all at his own expense. (Jenni Girtman for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Medlock Bridge subdivision in Johns Creek is a clear example of the stormwater runoff and erosion issues, largely left unaddressed since Johns Creek formally became a city. Anne Harriman, treasurer of Medlock Bridge Homeowners Association, said the silt removed at a cost of half a million dollars paid for by HOA has returned to the detention pond; flooding of the community’s soccer fields and tennis courts happens a couple times every year. Erosion in the backyards of resident’s homes have widened and deepened the once small creek and has create exposed roots and large trees to fall. The City of Johns Creek has recently added a stormwater utility fee that will begin to address the growing community’s run off and drainage problems created by significant commercial development and years of neglect. (Jenni Girtman for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Flooding of the community’s soccer fields, behind the playground, and tennis courts happens a couple times every year, here the water was about three feet above the tennis courts last October. (Jenni Girtman for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Anne Harriman, treasurer of the Medlock Bridge subdivision HOA in Johns Creek, points out silt sandbars that have reformed after the community paid about $500,000 to dredge the lake to remove it. (Jenni Girtman for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

The City of Johns Creek has recently added a stormwater utility fee that will begin to address the growing community’s runoff and drainage problems created by significant commercial development listed here by resident Jian Ma, who has lived in the Medlock Bridge subdivision for 20 years. (Jenni Girtman for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

The detention pond, which collects runoff beyond the subdivisions boundaries, exits the pond here, and it's unclear who is to maintain the infrastructure. The water rushes from here and begins to cut through residents' backyards (Jenni Girtman for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Jian Ma points out where erosion destroyed his original bridge’s supports. (Jenni Girtman for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

The tree here cannot easily be removed and the significant differences in amounts of water that flow through the area make it dangerous and difficult to remove. (Jenni Girtman for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Medlock Bridge resident Samia Mustaqeen has a large flat backyard adjacent to the creek. The once small creek behind her home becomes a dangerous, massive rush of water a couple times every year and floods her property, she said. (Jenni Girtman for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

1/9

Jian Ma, who has lived in Medlock Bridge for 20 years, points out one of several trees that have been removed or have fallen into the expanding waterway Saturday, July 17, 2021. Ma has to regularly remove debris, fallen trees and anything blocking the waterway; he has tried installing rocks and has rebuilt access to his yard, all at his own expense. (Jenni Girtman for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Today's Gallery Headlines

Jimmy Carter ‘forever’ stamp

PHOTOS: 2025 AJC Photos of the Year

Coca-Cola first ad

PHOTOS: Coca-Cola ads over time

Alonzo Herndon

PHOTOS: Philanthropists leave mark on Atlanta

gainesville, thomas county central

PHOTOS: Thomas County Central pummels Gainesville for 5A state title

More Galleries

jefferson, sandy creek

PHOTOS: Sandy Creek defeats Jefferson for Class 3A championship

Savannah Christmas Train Villages

PHOTOS: Savannah Christmas model train garden began under the tree

aajc 121725 class 3a-a private

PHOTOS: Calvary Day and Hebron Christian battle for Class 3A-A title

Fani Willis testifies

PHOTOS: Fani Willis testifies before state Senate panel