SANFORD, Fla. — The city of Sanford is working to address drainage issues in part of the city as part of a $2 million project dubbed the Mellonville Avenue Drainage Improvement Project.

 What You Need To Know
  • The city of Sanford is currently building a new pond to relieve flooding in the area of Mellonville Avenue near 20th Street

  • Residents say they were taken a bit by surprise by the project, though a city spokesperson says flyers were sent out two weeks ago and social media posts were made

  • The project is set to be completed sometime next spring

City officials say a new pond will be built to alleviate flooding on 20th Street, and on Mellonville Avenue at Randolph Street and Crescent Street.

Some residents said they were taken a bit by surprise by the project, though a city spokesperson said flyers were sent out two weeks ago and social media posts were made.

“We became aware of the project a few days before they started to break ground here,” said resident Corey Mascaro.

Mascaro said that while he’s not in the direct path of flooding, others nearby haven’t been as fortunate.

“They have one inlet on that side of the street and when it gets covered, obviously, there’s nowhere for the water to go,” he said.

Mascaro and his wife said they do have some concerns about the pond being built in front of their house.

“They are good for the drainage, but they also attract critters,” he said.

Mascaro also suggested that a fence should be built around the pond. When asked about the possibility of a fence, city officials told Spectrum News that plans do not include one being built.

The project is expected to be completed sometime next spring.