Flood-plagued residents vow not to go away'

By By Fredie Carmichael / staff writer
October 17, 2003
A group of homeowners from a flood-prone, up-scale Lauderdale County subdivision warned supervisors Thursday that they're not "going away."
The group, part of the Eagle Pointe Homeowners' Association, said they have yet to see any response from the Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors after two rounds of April floods caused severe damage to 11 homes with a total value of almost $2.5 million.
The McKelvaines, and others in the subdivision, said they did not have flood insurance because their homes were not in a flood plain. They say the county needs to clean a nearby drainage canal to prevent future floods.
The problems began April 6 when 9.2 inches fell on the area, forcing a drainage canal over its banks. On April 24, another 8.65 inches fell in a six-hour period.
All of the homes were located in an area designated as a 500-year flood zone by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, officials have said.
The group made their second appearance before the Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors Thursday during a work session.
The group last asked for help in July. At that time, they asked for immediate relief in clearing a nearby creek causing the floods, repairs to a bridge over the creek on Grand Cypress Drive and a storm drainage study to prevent future floods.
The residents say nothing has been done.
Supervisors say they're doing all they can, it just takes time. Supervisors agreed to write a letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for help.
In August, a report completed by a local engineering firm on behalf of the homeowners indicated that undersized drainage structures and low-lying roads contributed to the extensive flooding.
One home near the bridge, valued at $229,080, was condemned as uninhabitable after floodwaters cracked its foundation.
Kathy Vick, who owns the home, told supervisors that she is currently living in an apartment while she tries to repair her home.