Resident raises concerns about riverbank alteration and delayed cleanup after Hurricane Helene

Joyce Bartlett, a resident who identified her address during the Jan. 5 public-comment period, told the Avery County Board of Commissioners that post-hurricane cleanup activity altered an island and a riverbank near her property and that heavy equipment had been used in ways she believes created a new riverbed and blocked her ability to repair damaged land.

Bartlett said she and neighbors observed excavators at work and captured photos and video showing earth moved and debris remaining in the river. She said she had sought help from county, state and law-enforcement offices and had been redirected among agencies; she asked the board for an update or assistance and offered to provide photographic exhibits.

The board said the speaker’s time had expired, invited her to submit exhibits to staff for follow-up, and agreed to pursue the submitted material.

Next steps: Bartlett will provide photographs and video to county staff for follow-up and the county will review the materials to determine whether further action is warranted.