By Mark Wineka
mwineka@salisburypost.com
GRANITE QUARRY — New floodplain maps, the result of expensive culvert work on Brookwood Drive, take 13 homes out of a flooding area, meaning those owners will no longer have to purchase flood insurance.
Mike West, who lives at 322 Brookwood Drive, said Monday those 13 residents should realize about an $800 savings on their homeowners’ insurance, if the maps are approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Town Manager Dan Peters said the preliminary floodplain maps are available for inspection at Town Hall.
He added that nine or 10 houses remain in the floodplain, according to the redrawn maps.
The Brookwood Drive project, beset by delays, has been questioned and criticized this year, and it is still not finished. West said that as an employee of Salisbury-Rowan Utilities, he knew firsthand how difficult it is to make decisions involving money for things not immediately seen because much of the work is underground.
“I want to thank each one of you for doing the project right, taking the time, spending the money, sizing it properly and looking out for the best interests of the residents there,” West said at Monday’s meeting of the Board of Aldermen.
He added that “a lot of residents have the patience to see this project done right, and we thank you very much.”
The board heard that weather-related problems have caused more delays on the new culvert and that Town Engineer Jeff Moody is still waiting for a completion date from the contractor.
In other business Monday:
• Jason Smith, representing the Nathan Brown House in Granite Quarry, thanked the police authority for its assistance in blocking the roads for the 5K run in April.
“It is unbelievable what they did and how they went above and beyond to keep everyone safe,” Smith said.
Officer Howard Dearth accepted a plaque from the run’s organizers on behalf of his department.
• Susan Closner reported that the Fish for Fun Day will be held 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at Granite Lake Park for children 5 to 15, with a parent or guardian.
There are two fishing sessions: 10 a.m.-noon and noon-2 p.m.
The N.C. Wildlife Commission is assisting with the event. Call 704-279-5596, extension 201, for more details.
• Closner said Safe Kids Day will be held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Granite Lake Park. The day provides fun, food and education for children and their parents. Smokey the Bear will be attending, and a 911 Memorial vehicle and NASCAR truck also will be on site.
Contact Mark Wineka at 704-797-4263.