Demolition begins on flood-damaged homes in Stoney Creek as neighbors await relief

BRUNSWICK, NC (WWAY) — A bulldozer and dump truck knocked down the first of two homes that remain on a cul-de-sac inside Stoney Creek. 

Last year, a storm flooded the back streets of the neighborhood that were still reeling from Hurricane Florence. 

The state bought out the owners of two of the homes that were damaged, and now they are finally being raised, causing a lot of emotion for neighbors like Thomas Meyer, who lives between the two homes, and attempted to salvage his house out of pocket. 

“$100 at a time over the next two years, we’ve rebuilt the house, that was supposed to be already done. Finally got it rebuilt, and it’s flooded again,” said Meyer. 

Meyer says he’s waiting for it to be his turn to receive help.  

He’s filled out the proper paperwork and now feels he is trapped in a waiting game. 

“Where is my money? How is it that they’ve only been here for a few years, which I’m glad they got out of here. I am trapped right here,” said Meyer. 

Shepherd Response is contracted by the state to facilitate the process from appraisal to demolition. 

It tells WWAY that it received funds from North Carolina Emergency Management for the demoed houses, but has not received money for Meyer’s home, whose walls are stripped and barren from flood damage. 

“At 68 years old I feel like I’m, you know, a homeless person,” said Meyer.