New Development Affecting My Loft Community? HELP!

[dvsfurby]

Hi!

I'm not certain if this is the correct area for this type of question, but I couldn't find anything that appeared to be more fitting, I apologize if my guess was incorrect. I'm not sure if there is anyone here who will have any knowledge of this matter or not (and if not I'm sorry for taking your time!), but I'm desperately searching for knowledge that I have thus far been unable to find anywhere.

I currently live in a loft in a 200 year old converted warehouse. The building, unfortunately, does not have a concrete foundation... it was built directly on the clay that was on the site way back when.

A new housing development is being built on the lot directly behind my building, with a proposal from the developper that the closest building to mine will be 15 feet from the back of our building. I am worried about potential damage this could do to our building... I have been told that there is a possibility of two things happening:

1) The planned elevation of the new development is higher than the land my building sits on. I've been told there is a possibility that this will cause my building to flood. The developper has drainage plans in place, but a member of my community insists that this still will likely be a problem.

2) Digging the foundations of a townhome that close to the back of our building could cause our building to shift and or sink, due to the fact that it could draw clay from our foundation.

Does anyone have any ideas on how likely/possible these scenarios are? If we pursue this matter legally, it's going to cost a lot of money we really don't have, so I'm desperately trying to gather facts before making a decision.

If anyone has any advice/information/suggestions, I'd be utterly greatful!

Thanks for reading!

[Cole]

I know this is what you dont want to hear, but first thing off of the top of my head is to hire a lawyer.

I will post more later on in the day.

[montytx]

Make damn sure that builder puts up a concrete retaining wall to keep his run off on his side of the fence.

[Thumper]

Anything can happen... you won't likely be able to stop development, but protect yourself for the afterstances... Take allot of photos to document the before/during/after so, if you have to, you can prove the history of the site and the effects of any alterations not compensated for in the site plan reviews. If you have documented proof preceding any litigations for damages your insurance company may be much more earnest in their efforts or it may never even go as far as needing lawyers if the builders suspect they could loose anyway. Document everything, worst case is you waste a little time... send a polite letter to your planning commission or building permit folks simply listing your concerns as above and ask for a written acknowledgement from them that you can add to your file... (they are obligated to respond, but more importantly; they may also pay detailed attention to the site if they know someone is watching and preparing for future actions - they don't want to look stupid either if something should ever happen down the line). Send a polite & friendly letter to the builders as well just so that they also know they are being monitored... keep it firendly at first but record everything!