ADAMS TWP — Township supervisors retracted Tuesday a cease-and-desist order issued last month against Cypress Fields developers after excessive drainage issues occurred on residential properties.

The retraction allows Cypress Fields to once again secure building permits. After reviewing steps taken since July 3 to address runoff issues, supervisors determined significant progress had been made.

“We were specifically asked to have our engineer submit a response to (township engineer) Ron Olsen,” said Cypress Fields developer Terry Bove during the Monday night meeting.

Bove provided copies of letters and reports exchanged between engineers. He cited specific steps taken to stem extra water flow.

“I can say to you that we worked non-stop the last two weeks,” added Bove.

Bove said “90 percent” of the engineering recommendations have been installed on-site, including additional seeding, the installation of inlets, and the establishment of filter fences. The only item not addressed is the replacement of an 18-inch pipe with a 36-inch pipe. The pipe runs from the site's pump station to the street. Bove said plans and estimates are drawn up, but the installation is awaiting the approval of Butler County Conservation District and the township engineer.

“That (plan) will be submitted within the next couple of days,” added Bove.

Gateway Engineers Project Manager Jonathan Garczewski told supervisors one of the biggest areas of concern had been the amount of water reaching Cypress Lane. He noted two new sunk inlets installed in the area helped separate runoff flows.

“Those two inlets are essentially collecting all the runoff on the lots,” said Garczewski.

The existing road inlets are catching runoff on the road.

“Why has it taken so long?” asked supervisor Russell Ford, referencing how much work has been done in the past two weeks.

“The problem was not ignored,” said Bove. “Maybe it was not addressed as aggressively as it needed to be. We take this very seriously.”

Bove said the developer has been working on the issue for some time, but has recently taken more urgent steps.

Ford said the township doesn't want to inconvenience potential residents with unnecessary delays. Bove told supervisors that Cypress Fields has one family interested in closing on a home Thursday. If the cease-and-desist order remained in place, the house wouldn't close.

“I can't blame them,” said Bove.

“I can't either,” agreed Ford.

Supervisor Chairman Thomas Franceschina proposed the township lift the cease-and-desist order in the face of the Thursday closing. A review of the developer's efforts to install the pipe would take place in two weeks. If things aren't satisfactory, the order will be reissued.

Resident Tina Wilson said she was concerned about this proposal. She suggested all engineering recommendations should be satisfied before the order is lifted.

“We have been here a long time and have been supportive of the supervisors,” she stated. “Now all of a sudden, the focus seems to be on the new people coming in.”

Wilson reminded the supervisors that some residents have been dealing with construction issues for a long time.

The board put removing the order to a vote. Supervisors Linda Lees and Ronald Shemela voted against the motion.

“You got your work cut out for you,” Franceschina told Bove.