GROVES — Groves city leaders are looking for solutions to a problem with curbs along Woodlawn Drive and Allison Avenue.

The subdivision in that area of the city is likely around 50 years old and through the years the oak trees have grown and their roots have damaged the street’s curbs. This has created a situation where rainwater will puddle, or “bird bath,” the street but not cause water to enter homes, City Manager D. Sosa said.

Four residents of that area spoke of their woes during a recent council meeting.

Kirk Petross, who lives on Woodlawn said a section of the curb near his home has broken and will soon fall.

“Water sits there, three to four inches, and with the heat on the asphalt it won’t be long before there’s a big hole there,” Petross said.

Petross said there have been times he and his wife have tended to curb and standing water issue with shovels.

Gene Bourgeois, who also lives on Woodlawn, also experiences the curb issues.

“The curb is buckling and we’re having a real problem. When it rains, it stays,” Bourgeois said.

Sosa said he has seen the curbs and noted some are at a 45-degree angle due to the tree roots.

Lenward Wycoff Jr., of Woodlawn Drive, echoed Bourgeois’ sentiments, saying that the homeowners appreciate their homes and worry about the water puddling and associated issues.

Patsy Tackett, a resident of Allison Avenue, also spoke of standing water in the area.

Sosa gave his business card with phone number to the residents in attendance and since then has been working toward a solution.

“We have been working all week doing some research and measuring to see what we can do short term as far as getting rid of the curbs causing problems,” Sosa said. “Then there’s the long term. How soon and how much will it cost to replace all of the curbs on Allison and Woodlawn. We’re looking at 8,000 feet on both sides and a mile is 5,000 feet.”

Sosa said the city was hoping to wait to tackle the likely costly repairs until its debt service dropped in 2019 when there will be more resources to use.

The city is looking at its options and may decide to ask council’s permission for the short-term fix. A long-term fix could come sooner or later. The city already has a list of street projects and the curb issue may be swapped out with a project that’s not as critical and bumped up on the list.

Mary Meaux: 409-721-2429

Twitter: @MaryMeauxPANews