FEMA AND APPLE CREEK CONCERNS

 

Barred Owl by home on Staymon Road

The following is from Keith Patton, concerning the dangerous slump that is precariously close to the edge of the road on the upper hairpin curve.  If you've seen the orange cones there, give them a wide berth. 

The slump at the orange cones

 

"I have been in contact with Joyce Wells at 661 Apple Creek Road concerning the road bank washout on her property. We have both been to the FEMA headquarters to file claims in hopes of getting financial assistance from them to help fix this problem. They told her that the residents of ACA who live above 661 Apple Creek Road should come in and file individual claims since they would be affected if the road bank were to cave in stranding them. I don't know what our chances of getting help are but this certainly seems worth the effort."

With the mudslides damages and clean-up on upper Apple Creek and Tannehill Roads, Apple Creek lot owners may well be facing an assessment that has yet to be determined.  Our coffers are empty, and the idea is that, as suggested, those of us above the upper hairpin curve go apply at FEMA, which is located in the industrial park just downhill from Shoney's/Junaluska Vet.  The basis for filing is that if the road gives way, everyone above it would be stranded with no alternate route to get out.  Any payments can go back into the HOA to offset our losses.  It would be a start, anyway.  If the HOA as one entity were to file, it would require 100% of lot owners to support it, which is simply out of reach.

Too, it's unclear what is even possible to shore up that slump area and prevent further erosion and potential damage.  There will be more information forthcoming, I'm sure, and I'll pass it along accordingly.  When I get the opportunity to go by FEMA myself, I'll pass on my experience.

Bob