Residents of an oft-flooded Athens street are asking the city for help for what they say is a continuing issue.

At the Aug. 13 City Council meeting, Luke Street resident Stoney Burks asked the city to correct drainage problems plaguing the road. He presented the council with a petition signed by residents in the area.

Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks and Councilman Frank Travis both acknowledged they are aware of the situation.

“It is a bad street,” Marks said. “I know this has been looked at several times.”

Public Works Director James Rich said Tuesday about 20 homes have been affected by poor drainage. He said the best way to fix the issue is to simply repave the road so drainage issues can be identified.

Rich said a cost estimate for the project would be presented to the council at the first meeting in September.