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CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. — The Chimney Rock Village Council met on April 22 with a packed agenda focused on storm recovery, public safety, and planning for summer tourism. It was held at the same time as the special Rutherford County Commissioners meeting, so a volunteer contributor covered the meeting for Cops & Congress. Here are the top ten takeaways from the meeting:
$700K FEMA Reimbursements In, More Coming
The village has already received nearly $700,000 from FEMA, with an additional $547,000 pending for temporary water lines and continued security staffing from Apex Security through July 6.Checkpoint Concerns and Gate Delay Debate
The current checkpoint was scheduled to come down by May 1, but residents and officials called for a reassessment. Many want the security gate to remain until the town reopens fully, likely late June, to deter theft and control traffic.State Pauses Cost-Share: Locals on the Hook for 10%
North Carolina’s temporary suspension of its 10% cost-share leaves the village responsible for covering more of its FEMA-funded projects out of pocket.New Traffic Ordinance Grants Broad Enforcement Powers
A newly passed ordinance formally grants enforcement authority to Apex Security, Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office deputies, Henderson County Sheriff’s Office deputies, Lake Lure Police Department, Chimney Rock State Park Rangers, and the N.C. Highway Patrol to uphold local, state, and federal traffic laws within village limits.Infrastructure Recovery Progress: Water Done, Sewer Rushing to Catch Up
The village's new water system is finished, but sewer line work must be completed before any reopening. Officials hope for an operational system by late May or June.Short-Term Rentals Could Return by July 4th
Public hearings are scheduled for May 12 and May 27 to review six short-term rental applications. If approved, operations could begin as early as June 28.Mini-Split HVACs in Demand
Council is eyeing mini-split units to heat and cool emergency restrooms and downtown shops. Habitat for Humanity may assist with acquiring them at discounted prices.Rise in Theft Prompts Public Safety Pleas
A resident reported numerous thefts — from faucets to yard art — prompting council members to urge citizens to file formal complaints with the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office.Raise the Rock & Long-Term Rebuild
The Chimney Rock Task Force is working with FEMA, DOT, and the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina (GROW NC) on a comprehensive “Raise the Rock” plan. A series of Zoom committee briefings (that Chairman Don Cason told me are not open to the public, violating the NC Open Meetings Law) and site visits is underway to coordinate support and secure design approval.Emergency Watershed Program (EWP) Gaining Ground
The council supports the EWP initiative to stabilize slopes and restore the riverfront. This no-cost-share federal program is filling gaps where FEMA denies claims — thanks to coordination by the Henderson County Soil & Water Conservation District, officials said. It is unclear why Henderson County is leading this program since Chimney Rock Village is located in Rutherford County.The village website said they are working with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service to implement the EWP program. The watershed impairments that EWP can address are limited to those that create an emergency by impairing flows and threatening lives, public health or property. Property owners will have a site visit to verify and document the damage upon filling out the form.
As summer approaches, the council continues to weigh security, infrastructure needs, and local input to guide the village’s phased reopening. While optimism grows, the path forward remains complex.
Opinion & Analysis: Cops & Congress Commentary
Spin Cycle: United Way's Laundry Trailer That Never Was
Chimney Rock’s town council meeting brought more than routine updates — it raised a serious credibility question: Why is United Way of Rutherford County touting a mobile laundry unit it neither built nor delivered?
Here’s what I know: They claimed on their website and in a United Way of NC press release that the nonprofit Spokes of Hope was building the unit. That wasn’t true. It was the Rutherford Housing Partnership working on the project, according to Penny Martinez of the Footshills Regional Commission, per this exclusive video.
More than seven months after Hurricane Helene, the trailer still hasn’t appeared. Even more baffling? The town never requested it, town administrator Stephen Duncan said.
It is apparent to me that United Way of Rutherford County, and its Executive Director, Suzanne Porter, are trying to generate donations by misstating the facts, accompanied by images of the damage to the town. (ICYMI - they’re facing an unrelated civil lawsuit.)
So why is United Way of Rutherford County promoting a project that doesn’t exist in Chimney Rock, wasn’t needed, and now stands as a symbol of miscommunication or worse?
As this story unfolds, here are five things to watch:
Where is the unit now?
Is it completed? Is it usable? And if so, why hasn’t it been placed in a town that needs it?Who is building it?
United Way of Rutherford County claimed one organization was doing the work, while another was reportedly doing it. That raises serious questions about donor transparency and oversight.Why did United Way name the wrong group?
Spokes of Hope wasn’t involved, according to officials. Was it a mix-up or a deliberate attempt to deflect responsibility?What’s the cost of claiming credit for unmet needs?
In post-disaster communities, public trust is fragile. False promises can discourage future donations and complicate real relief work.Will anyone be held accountable?
It’s unclear whether this was a communications failure, a logistical mess, or something more serious. Either way, the public deserves answers.
In a town like Chimney Rock, where volunteers and local leaders have worked tirelessly to rebuild, there's no room for phantom aid. Promises made under the banner of public service need to mean something — or they risk doing more harm than good.
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