WHITEVILLE — With another round of heavy spring rain soaking Columbus County, downtown business owners are preparing for a May 12 informational meeting aimed at confronting one of the city’s most persistent problems: chronic flooding that repeatedly damages storefronts, basements, and inventory along Commerce Street and the surrounding blocks.
The meeting — organized by former City Councilwoman and Penn’s Grill owner Helen Holden — will be held at 6 p.m. at 117 Mill Street, the former Mama Rita’s restaurant. It is not a city‑sponsored event, but a business‑led effort to get clarity on how upcoming city projects may affect stormwater flow.
Holden said the goal is simple: “People want straight answers about what’s coming and how it affects their livelihoods.”
Why This Meeting Matters Now
Flooding in downtown Whiteville is not new, but business owners say the situation has worsened in recent years. Even moderate storms can send water rushing down Soules Swamp, backing up from White Marsh, and pooling at the low‑lying intersection of Commerce Street, where several businesses have suffered repeated losses.
Merchants say they are tired of guessing what each storm will bring.
- Some have replaced flooring multiple times.
- Others have lost inventory or equipment.
- A few have begun questioning whether they can continue operating downtown at all.
The Madison Street Park Project at the Center of Debate
A major point of concern heading into the May 12 meeting is the Madison Street Park project, a downtown revitalization effort that includes grading, landscaping, and new public‑use features.
What business owners want to know is whether the project will:
- Improve drainage,
- Have no meaningful impact, or
- Potentially push more water toward flood‑prone blocks.
So far, they say they have not received clear engineering data or a public explanation of the stormwater implications.
Holden said the meeting is intended to gather questions and concerns so they can be presented directly to city officials and engineers.
What Business Owners Want From the City
Attendees are expected to push for:
- Release of engineering reports tied to the park project
- A public meeting with engineers, not just administrative staff
- A timeline for any planned stormwater improvements
- A clear explanation of how water currently moves through downtown — and how the project may change that
Several merchants have said they are prepared to file formal public‑records requests if necessary.
A Growing Sense of Urgency
With hurricane season approaching, business owners say they cannot afford another year of uncertainty. Many hope the May 12 meeting will be the first step toward a more transparent, collaborative approach between the city and the downtown business community.
“This isn’t about politics,” one property owner said. “It’s about survival. We need to know what’s coming before the next big storm hits.”
What Happens Next
The May 12 meeting is expected to shape the next phase of the conversation. Depending on turnout and the questions raised, business owners may request:
- A formal follow‑up meeting with city leadership
- A public presentation of engineering findings
- A joint task group to monitor stormwater issues
For now, the business community is preparing to speak with one voice — and they hope the city is ready to listen.
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