Richmond Hill holds first city council meeting since Tropical Storm Debby

RICHMOND HILL, Ga (WSAV) — Richmond Hill held its first city council meeting since Tropical Storm Debby brought heavy rains and flooding, many packed city halls to voice their concerns on Tuesday.

The floodwaters have receded in Richmond Hill and now the true scope of the devastation is clear. Many storm victims are wondering what’s next. News 3 spoke to people who live on Carter Street who are in recovery mode. We caught up with Gabriel Lotson who was patching up his home.

“It destroyed everything on the first floor,” Lotson explained. “Nothing was recoverable, not even the appliances, pictures, legal documents, you name it.”

His home was being gutted; all of his belongings were damaged.

Scarred by the storm’s destruction, multiple people were present at Tuesday’s meeting. Only standing room was left. Many were concerned about how the city would handle the next tropical storm. Mayor Russ Carpenter addressed the concerns.

“We continue to access and revise drainage in all neighborhoods,” Mayor Carpenter said. “But the fact remains. We live in a very low area with slow drainage, even under normal conditions. Nonetheless, we’ve already enlisted hydrology engineers to devise improvements.”

He said the Federal Emergency Agency has toured the area. He went on to say they are currently making a determination for individual aid for people who suffered property damage.

As for when that determination is made, he told the public the city will post further instructions.

“I understand the natural reaction is to find someone to blame, but the city’s action and policy are perfect. our flood planning response will be addressed in the coming months,” Mayor Carpenter said.

He said food continues to be sent to hotels to help residents who were displaced. The city says debris pickup will begin on Thursday, starting with the most impacted areas. The mayor asks for cars to be removed from streets to help debris trucks get through.