Even in State of Emergency, Chapel Hill and Carrboro Working Their Way Back to Normal

COMMUNITY NEWS

ORANGE COUNTY –Orange County is one of 13 North Carolina counties covered by Governor Josh Stein’s state-of-emergency declaration last week. At the local level, the struggle to return to normal after Chantal remains an ongoing issue.

Trash pick ups picking up speed

Flooding from Tropical Depression Chantal left Carrboro’s Public Works facility and most of its waste collection trucks unusable. The town stated in a Monday press release that, although it has leased and borrowed replacement trucks, hard waste and bulk waste collection are running behind schedule, as Public Works is still removing storm debris. Dumpster and residential service are on schedule, “but crews are operating leased equipment that they are not yet familiar with.” To help, the town asks residents to pick up any trash cans that get knocked over during collection.

The town’s website says residents who don’t want to wait on Public Works can bring their storm debris and bulk waste to Orange County’s Waste and Recycling Centers. That includes scrap metal and construction debris. Hazardous waste must be taken directly to Orange County’s Eubanks Road or Walnut Grove Waste and Recycling Centers. For non-hazardous waste, residents who don’t want to self-transport to the centers can place it on the sidewalk, sorted by type. Orange County’s waste disposal guide has more information.

Chapel Hill says that if you need flood-damaged household items picked up, contact the town’s Public Works department at publicworks@townofchapelhill.org or (919) 969-5100. Provide your name, address and contact information along with the number of items, a brief description and, if possible, a photograph. This informs the crews of the necessary equipment to bring.

Several Chapel Hill residents had their roll carts washed away in the storm. The town is beginning to locate and return lost carts and will also replace any missing ones as soon as possible. Chapel Hill is waiving collection fees through the end of July for bulky items and yard trimming piles.

Disaster declaration, FEMA funding

Governor Stein’s emergency declaration helps residents, businesses, and local governments qualify for emergency aid as they recover from Chantal. However, WRAL reports, the Trump administration’s relentless slashing of the federal budget has eliminated some of the funding that would otherwise be available to Orange County and municipal governments. For instance, the Federal Emergency Management Agency had authorized $5.81 million in grant money to move Hillsborough’s pump station out of a flood-hazard area. In April, the administration canceled the grant program, citing its ineffectiveness. Hillsborough says that will set back the move by at least six to eight months

Orange County Emergency Services Director Kirby Saunders told WRAL that local governments don’t have the reserves to cover the costs of recovery. “The second disaster could potentially be to pay for those public damage costs. And we want to avoid that if at all possible, especially another hit to taxpayers.”

If you have federal flood insurance, FEMA has information online about how to begin filing a claim.

Other recovery news

If Chantal has left you temporarily unhomed, Carrboro says Orange County residents can call 919-245-2800, Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to talk with social workers about possible help. Getting assistance depends on documenting the damage and determining your financial eligibility.

An email from Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson states that the town’s public housing residents have all been relocated to hotels.

The Red Cross held two meetings last week for area residents who need to apply for the organization’s financial support. If you missed the meetings, you can call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit the American Red Cross Website.

Anderson’s email says postal services at the Estes Drive Post Office have been temporarily relocated to the Carrboro and Timberlyne locations. She reminds residents to avoid damaged areas for their safety, especially parts of the Booker Creek and Morgan Creek greenways. Some spots are unsafe right now, and repairs will take a bit, so plan ahead and use alternate routes when you can.”

Fraser Sherman has worked for newspapers, including the Destin Log, the Pensacola News-Journal and the Raleigh Public Record. Born in England, he’d still live in Florida if he hadn’t met the perfect woman and moved to Durham to marry her. He’s the author of several film reference books and has published one novel and several short story collections. This reporter can be reached at: Information@TheLocalReporter.press