When searching for the perfect place to build a new home, one of the most important things to consider is whether or not the location is in a flood zone. Buying a home is an important and wonderful change to make, and flooding is a big threat to the happiness and stability of homeowners. The financial burden of owning a home can be overwhelming in itself, but adding the cost of flooding multiplies this burden exponentially. The neighborhood of Highland Ridge, located off of S. Larrivierre Rd. in Youngsville, Louisiana is not located in a flood zone, however flooding is a real threat to the residents here due to the poor drainage of the neighborhood.
The City of Youngsville is one of the fastest growing communities in Acadiana. There is a certain pride that comes with living in the city. It is an amazing community to be a part of that claims to be the home of several "perfect neighborhoods" where families and singles can take root and thrive. With all the innovation and improvement coming to Youngsville, residents are paying a higher tax rate of 9.5%. This would be no problem if the needs of the community were being heard, however, we, the residents of Highland Ridge Subdivision, have a serious flooding problem in our neighborhood. Our cries of outrage have fallen upon deaf ears! Highland Ridge residents are in constant fear every time it rains. Our roads flood, making it next to impossible to even enter into the neighborhood or to leave it. Families become stranded in their homes, having to take sick leave or vacation time from work to make ends meet. Our ditches flood and our yards, the water coming dangerously close to our homes. This is threatening our livlihood and our security, two things everyone has a natural born right to have.
Something needs to be done about the drainage in our neighborhood. The City of Youngsville needs to be held accountable for this. Their poor planning is causing major problems for residents, no doubt contributing to the high turnover in the neighborhood. Residents are packing their bags and putting their precious homes for sale in fear that the flooding will cause irreplacable damage to their homes and incomes. The City of Youngsville needs to fix the drainage problem in the neighborhood now. This will vastly improve the lives of hundreds of Highland Ridge and Youngsville residents. It is in the city's best interest to take action in this matter as soon as possible.
Pictures of dangerously high water levels in Highland Ridge Subdivision submitted by residents:
