Compromise reached between city, property owner in south Raleigh flooding battle

For years, property owner Michael Weeks has been at odds with the city over drainage problems that flood the area each heavy rain. Weeks said the problems started when the city built a new service road across Tryon Road and caused runoff.

The city blames Weeks for not maintaining private pipes on his property, but the dispute came to a head in October when flooding from Hurricane Matthew devastated about a dozen businesses in the Tryon Business Center. The center has been vacant since the storm.

The compromise makes Weeks responsible for clearing and repairing three drainage pipes on the property.

"The city will share the cost of sediment control measures, including the removal of sediment within the drainage system under Tryon Road. The parties will work with the North Carolina Department of Transportation and other agencies in making any necessary repairs," said Kristin Freeman with the Raleigh Engineering Services Department.

WRAL News reached out to Weeks, but he did not return calls.

He now has 60 days to get the permits needed and then an additional 30 days to begin repairs.

The city's cost in the repairs will be capped at $100,000.