By Lorenzo Salinas

l.v.salinas@panews.com

 

Hundreds of people showed up in Groves seeking information on what to do after Harvey left a path of destruction in its wake and in their lives. Very few people, however, actually seemed to leave with any real answers.

Beaumont law firm Reaud, Morgan & Quinn held a public meeting Thursday at the Groves Activity Center for residents to come, fill out paperwork and possibly ask a few questions regarding Harvey damages. The event was well attended and had a line leading out of the building.

Attorney Adam Nichols addressed the packed gymnasium, telling those in attendance that he was there to assist residents in any way he could. Among the areas the firm would offer assistance in were lost property, damaged homes, FEMA assistance and insurance queries.

Nichols made mention of a possible case being brought against Drainage District 7, citing that day’s Beaumont Examiner which featured an article on DD7 and what it did during the flood.

According to Nichols, the article said DD7 did everything it could during Harvey but Nichols added, “We’ve heard things contrary to that and we’re looking into it.”

He did not mention any specifics, instead directing attendees to the back of the room where they could pick up sign-up packets. Soon, the packets ran out and interested attendees were told to leave their email addresses with representatives in order to be contacted at a later date.

However, at an event attended by hundreds of concerned citizens, few, if any, answers were given to the people who said they wanted them.

Groves resident Kristy Blount said the event was not what she had expected.

“I came here because I was flooded out of my house. I’m trying to get answers for what happened,” she said.

Despite the number of people filling out forms and the small crowd gathered around Nichols after opening remarks, Blount said there wasn’t enough information given out.

“I knew there was going to be a lot of people here,” she said. “But I felt it was going to be more informative. I don’t think they were prepared.”

Blount said she was there to see what options she had in the aftermath of Harvey and what information could be given out.

“I’m not necessarily saying it would be a class-action lawsuit, but I want to know what happened (with the county’s response), what could have prevented that (flooding) from happening… and in getting our lives back together.”

At a public event thought by many to offer answers, Blount said, “I just thought people would be able to ask questions.”

Other attendees expressed similar sentiments, but wished not to give their names.