Boiling Spring Lakes residents want answers on flooding problems

“Our houses didn’t get there by magic. These ditches weren’t dug by magic,”

BRUNSWICK COUNTY (WWAY) — In Brunswick County, many Boiling Spring Lakes residents attended a city council meeting Tuesday to express their frustrations about recent flooding.
“Everybody is blaming each other. Nobody is taking any responsibility,” says Resident Seth Braden. His home was destroyed by floodwater from Potential Tropical Storm Eight. However, before we get to his story, let’s rewind to what got us here.
So, when Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight happened, many residents in Boiling Spring Lakes’ homes flooded. Some folks experienced up to six inches of water in their homes. Personal belongings were destroyed, and walls and floors had to be gutted. Some residents say this all happened because of improper development, which brings us here to Boiling Spring City Hall with Braden.
“They were saying we were a part of “Zone X.” so Zone X meant we were at a 1% chance of flooding. 1% chance of flooding, obviously that’s not true,” Braden says.
Tuesday night, Boiling Spring Lakes’ residents packed City Hall for a meeting with many people expressing their frustrations. They want answers on whose idea it is to develop on residents call “wetlands” and why city officials aren’t helping out after everyone flooded.
“When you call and complain, they send you in a circle,” Braden exclaimed.
Mayor Jeff Winecoff says decisions were made before the current board was in office.
“We’re working hard with the city, trying to change rules and update UDOs and make things happen,” Winecoff assured.
He also says he understands residents’ frustrations and is working with FEMA to get homes and infrastructure rebuilt. However, people like Braden aren’t buying it.
“Someone went in there and dug those ditches, but yet, nobody can give us an answer on how the land was developed improperly,” Braden implied.
Until then, people like Braden, who now has to stay in campers, are wondering what’s next.
“Our houses didn’t get there by magic. These ditches weren’t dug by magic,” Braden says.