Residents Concerned About New Development’s Impact on Flooding in South Fayetteville
Concerned neighbors are rallying against a proposed apartment complex in a flood-prone area off Cedar Creek Road. The 27.2-acre development, which would include 486 units and 875 parking spaces, has raised alarms about exacerbating existing flooding issues. Residents believe the new construction could worsen water runoff and environmental hazards, particularly given the stormwater management problems that have plagued the Locks Creek neighborhood.
Residents, many of whom have already experienced severe flooding from hurricanes like Matthew and Florence, are worried about the potential consequences. Janene Ackles, whose home borders the development site on two sides, expressed a primary concern about the clogged small tributary behind the property. “The most concerning part of it is going to be the flooding and the environmental hazard that we’re going to have,” Ackles said.
Nearby farmer, Perdue, also faces concerns. Her farm flooded during Hurricanes Matthew and Florence, forcing her to evacuate her livestock. “We were in 3 feet of water for three weeks,” she shared. “If they build those apartment complexes, now I have property across the street, and that waterway feeds into my property. So if they build that up, then all that water is going to get backed up into my property.”
Mayor’s Views and Regulatory Compliance
Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin acknowledged the flooding issues in the Locks Creek neighborhood but assured that the development’s plan would be rigorously reviewed. According to Colvin, the Technical Review Committee (TRC) would scrutinize every aspect of the subdivision plan, ensuring compliance with all regulations. However, the residents remain skeptical, citing past instances where concerns were overlooked, despite efforts to mitigate flooding.
Notably, FEMA does not consider the Locks Creek area a floodplain despite its severe damage from multiple hurricanes. This designation has presented challenges in the city’s efforts to mitigate flooding in the area. The city’s recent .8 million stormwater management project for the Locks Creek neighborhood aims to address these long-standing issues but raises questions regarding its effectiveness
Community Action
Determined to address their concerns, residents have organized walkabouts to explain their fears. By walking through potential flood paths and highlighting the impact on their properties and environment, they aim to raise awareness and pressure policymakers to reconsider the approval of this development.
Regulatory Hurdles and Challenges
The development’s potential approval poses regulatory hurdles. Despite ongoing discussions about implementing development bans in flood-prone areas, such proposals have historically failed due to political and financial considerations. As tensions rise between development needs and environmental protection, residents remain vigilant in their fight against what they see as escalating flood risks
Environmental Impact Assessment
The impact assessment process is crucial here. Residents and environmentalists emphasize that a thorough environmental impact study is essential to understand how this new development might affect local waterways and ecosystems. Until such assessments are completed and verified by regulatory bodies like TRC and FEMA, concerns about flooding hazards will linger.
- Locals are protesting a proposed apartment complex off Cedar Creek Road due to fears of increased flooding.
- The development site is in a flood-prone area near Locks Creek, significantly impacting nearby properties and potentially threatening nearby waterways.
- Residents have expressed worries about inadequate stormwater management systems and zero water-absorbing capabilities.
- FEMA does not currently classify Locks Creek as a floodplain despite historical damages from hurricanes.
- The local council has previously considered development bans but faced challenges in implementation.
- The Technical Review Committee will review the subdivision plan to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
- Residents are organizing walks to raise awareness about their concerns and pressure policymakers to act.
Residents are hopeful that their voices will be heard and their environmental concerns will be taken seriously in the decision-making process.
