Tensions High on Who Will Pay for Lake Swannanoa Dam Restoration

While tension appeared to run high in the audience of those who live in and around Lake Swannanoa at a recent meeting, calm prevailed at the request of Jefferson Township council president Rick Yocum.

The meeting was called for the public to discuss who should pay for repairs to the dam at Lake Swannanoa.

The Lake Swannanoa Homeowners Association believes that the lake is a benefit to the community in terms of property values. If the dam does not get repaired and the lake is no longer viable, it would be a detriment to the community, they agree.

However, some of those who do not live on the lake say they shouldn't be required to help pay for something that they have no access to and from which they derive no enjoyment.

At the start of the meeting, Yocum stressed that no decision would be made that evening.

“We understand this is a very emotional and volatile issue, and everyone deserves to be listened to with respect,” Yocum said. “Contrary to what anyone may think, no decision has been made, and none will be made tonight. We are here to listen.”

The questions that the council must decide on are two-fold: first, will it co-sign a loan with the homeowners association for the dam repair. Secondly, who will be assessed to pay off the loan; will it be the homeowners association, all residents of Lake Swannanoa, or all residents of the township?

The current price tag for repairs is approximately $250,000, down from the original estimate of $1.2–1.4 million. Included in the repairs are a block wall, a concrete slab on part of the dam, and a protective wall and fence at the toe of the dam, according to a presentation by Jeff Elam, head of Jefferson Township’s DPW. Interim repairs were initiated last fall, but the bulk of the work is scheduled to happen this summer and fall.

The dam was damaged after an August 2000 storm dumped more than 14 inches of rain in Jefferson Township in a 12-hour period.

“The dam just wasn’t prepared to handle that amount of water in that amount of time,” Elam said.

According to Al Salzano of the homeowners’ association, the lake provides many benefits to the town, including a safety aspect.

“There are many storm drains that empty into the lake and protect against flood damage, and wells that benefit from the lake,” Salzano said. “And the lake is available for use by the fire department in the event it is needed for Ringling Manor,” he added. Salzano also said that the lake has a positive effect on home values.

However, others didn’t see the situation the same way.

“How far into the community will you go to get this money,” asked resident Heather Peterson. “I chose not to join the lake association because it was expensive. I can’t put a boat on the lake or swim in the lake. This lake has no benefit to me. I can’t afford to pay for it.”

Yocum assured everyone in attendance that this would not be the last chance they would have to voice their opinions.

The council will come to a decision and present an ordinance for first reading at its meeting on April 6. Public hearings will be an option at that time.