BY MARY MEAUX

The News staff writer

Residents in the River Park Estates area of Port Neches will see some relief from flooding thanks to an easement granted by the Port Neches-Groves Independent School District.

Trustees approved a resolution granting a 20-foot utility and drainage easement for the Jules II subdivision, which, in turn, will also help with drainage issues behind Woodcrest Elementary School.

A second easement request for 60-feet was denied but conditions were put in place to ease the problem for the homeowners. Instead of handing over the easement the district will dig a trench.

The 20-foot easement will help with underground utilities and the drainage issue that has plagued the residents in the River Parks Estates area as well as benefitting the district.

“This will also help with the drainage issues we’ve had in the past, issues with drainage from the teacher’s parking lot,” PN-GISD Assistant Superintendent Mike Gonzales, said.

Gonzales explained in order for the district to green light the easement issue there had to be a benefit for PN-GISD.

There will also be a fence added at the back of the district property as well.

The 60-foot easement issue extends to the end of the property and abuts the upcoming subdivision.

The ISD will create a trench, contingent on the city approving the size and details, to direct the water to flow into the new drainage system.

“The district is not investing any money, especially if there is no educational value for the students,” he said.

Gonzales called the solution a win-win for the district, the city and the developer.

“We are all working together to make sure this will not hinder the everyday business of the school,” he added.

Residents of River Parks Estates, where homes average in the $300,000 range and lawns are meticulously manicured, brought their concerns to city leaders in Port Neches and to trustees with PN-GISD.

Vicky Thompson, Trent Cobb and Jim Arisco stated they are not against the Jules II addition, which is planned for the area behind Woodcrest Elementary School in Port Neches.

E-mail:mary.meaux@panews.com

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