We’re writing to update you on the
preliminary flood maps for our area that were released in late September by
the State of North Carolina.  There was a public
meeting about the maps that some of you attended earlier this month in
Black
Mountain.  For
those who were unable to be there, we wanted to pass along some
important information that we learned at the
meeting.

• All
  property owners at lower elevations should examine the maps to see if
  and how they’re affected.  The floodplain has been re-drawn and your
  property’s designation on the new maps may affect your development rights and
  insurance needs.  The floodmaps are available for viewing
  online at www.ncfloodmaps.com.  Additional information
  about the mapping process and its affect on property owners is available
  on this website. 
• You have
  the right to file an appeal and/or protest of the flood maps, but
  only within a designated 90 day period.  The 90 day appeals period
  began on December 6 and ends on March
  4.   Information
  about how to file an appeal/protest, as well as the necessary forms, can
  be found at www.ncfloodmaps.com.
• If you
  have questions about the maps or the appeal process, please contact
  Cynthia Barcklow at the Buncome
  County Planning Department.  You can e-mail her at cynthia.barcklow@buncombecounty.org  or call her at
  250-4836.  If you’re unable to reach Cynthia, please call the main
  Planning Department number, 250-4830. 
• The
  Swannanoa Pride Community Coalition will sponsor a
  public meeting on Tuesday evening, January 15 to
  help educate our community about the impact of the flood maps on individual
  property owners and the Swannanoa Valley as a
  whole.  Representatives from the County and State will be on hand to
  describe the flood mapping process and answer your questions.  The
  meeting will begin at 7:00 pm at the Bee Tree Fire Station in Swannanoa, 510
  Bee Tree Road.  We hope you’ll be able to
  attend.