The builder of Hawk Ridge Farm has agreed to correct water runoff and grading problems at the Sykesville development this week.

"We received a letter from the builder Friday in which he agreed to respond to all the town inspector's demands," said Town Manager James L. Schumacher.

Those demands include construction of an inlet and regrading of lots that are frequently waterlogged.

Jeff Powers, builder of the development at the north end of town, has agreed to construct the inlet, a collection basin for rain water, and make sure it functions properly before he turns it over to the town, Mr. Schumacher said.

Mr. Powers has subcontracted the inlet construction to Gray & Sons, a Carroll County excavating company. Gray representatives were to meet Mr. Schumacher and Bill Oler, the town building inspector, on the site today.

Mr. Powers also sent the town copies of an engineering report detailing grading adjustments that are recommended for several problem areas in the development, which eventually will include several hundred homes. The letter confirms his willingness to complete the repairs, Mr. Schumacher said.

Hawk Ridge residents, whose lawns are frequently flooded, have complained to the Town Council and Planning Commission.

At the council session April 11, Mayor Kenneth W. Clark said the town would hold Mr. Powers responsible for all repairs and gave the builder a deadline of yesterday to reply.

"As long as the weather holds out, the work can be done in less than a week," Mr. Schumacher said.

"That is grading, seeding, the whole nine yards, maybe by April 25."