Mecklenburg County commissioners voted Wednesday night to spend $8.5 million to buy out dozens of homes along the Catawba River that were submerged during Tropical Storm Helene.
“We’re really glad that the funds will be able to be used for the homeowners on the Catawba River,” said resident Gidget Dennehy.
The stretch of properties on Riverside Drive in northwest Charlotte has been prone to flooding for years.
Flooding from Helene damaged 46 homes and they can’t be repaired back to pre-flood condition.
Denney’s home wasn’t a total loss but she’s relieved to know her neighbors who lost everything will receive help.
“We’re hoping this helps the homeowners move forward,” she said.
County commissioners approved a quick-buy program, which was implemented after four major flooding events.
The concept is to voluntarily acquire flood-prone homes before substantial repairs start.
During Helene, 170 homes along the Catawba River were impacted.
Floodwater on Mountain Island Lake and river levels directly downstream of the dam exceeded the 100-year floodplain.
The 46 homes took on excessive water and were marked with red slips, which indicates it wasn’t safe for people to return to their homes.
Now, 40 to 50 homes could be considered for a voluntary buyout or retrofit grant as part of the repair process.
“It is a major loss to the community to see that many homes (flooded),” said Dennehy who has lived in the area for 15 years.
Dennehy said she’s thinking about the difficult decision her neighbors must make.
“Many of them have lived on the river along this part for years now, and I hate to leave so it,” she said. “It’s going to be hard to make this decision. It’s leaving a community that they’ve raised their children in.”
The county is looking at many things before presenting an offer, including which homes did or did not have flood insurance and the extent of the damages.
The $8.5 million will come from the Mecklenburg County Storm Water Division.
VIDEO: ‘Absolute total loss’: Evacuees return to homes along Catawba River
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