BOLIVIA, NC (WWAY) — A week has passed since a severe storm brought several inches of rain to the Cape Fear region, with Brunswick County particularly affected.
In their first meeting since the storm, Brunswick County commissioners addressed the significant flooding that occurred, which sparked intense discussions among attendees. Over 20 residents voiced their frustrations, many holding the commissioners accountable for what they believe is overdevelopment in the county. Several residents argued that this overdevelopment played a crucial role in the flooding experienced last week.
Haile Buggi and Garrett Baugher, residents of the Country Walk community in Winnabow, reported that their home, along with several others nearby, was flooded due to construction occurring near swamps. Buggi expressed concern, stating, “Five of our homes have been flooded, and those who live at the top of the hill also experience backyard flooding. If they fix that issue, it will only lead to more water coming our way. We have active swamps in our community, with dead trees indicating they are swampland. How is development permitted in such areas? It doesn’t make sense to me.”
Buggi and Baugher are now uncertain about their next steps, contemplating whether to rebuild or incur financial losses and relocate. Linda Baker, another resident, shared her perspective during the meeting. While she supports development in the county, she emphasized the importance of smart planning. “I’m not against development; I want planned, intelligent development,” Baker said. “What we saw this week demonstrates the consequences of a lack of proper planning.”
Board chairman Randy Thompson acknowledged the residents’ concerns and mentioned that the Board of Commissioners would be reviewing various aspects in the months ahead, including evacuation strategies, roadway improvements, and flood management in the county.
