Seven months after Tropical Storm Chantal struck Chapel Hill in July 2025, Camelot Village still resembles a ghost town more than a condo complex. Dozens of units remain closed as tenants and owners await repairs and insurance settlements. Some owners report spending tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket to protect their properties, while many residents say they still lack a clear timeline for when their homes will be habitable again.
Owners Shell Out About $20,000 To Fix Units
Two condo owners told WRAL they each spent about $20,000 to bring their units back up to code, and Onyx Property Management says around six owners have begun repairs independently. Of the 76 units the company reports were affected by the July storm, many remain vacant or cordoned off with safety notices, leaving owners to manage relocation expenses and repair costs while waiting for insurance payouts.
Property Management Blames FEMA And Insurance Delays
Barbara Duffy of Onyx told WRAL that coordination between federal emergency programs and the insurer has slowed the process, calling the claim their most difficult to navigate. She said contractors are ready to start work, but the condo association can only pay owners based on what an insurance adjuster approves for each unit, leaving residents caught in a bureaucratic limbo while expenses continue to mount.
Repeated Flooding Complicates Long-Term Fixes
Camelot Village is located in a historically flood-prone area and has experienced repeated flooding, making demolition or permanent repairs both politically and technically challenging. Carolina Public Press reports that the town has pursued FEMA buyouts in previous years, at one point securing funds that were later returned when owners did not agree, and that the requirement for unanimous consent has repeatedly stalled large-scale solutions.
County Aid Extends Hotel Stays But Does Not Fix The Shortage
Orange County approved bridge funding to extend hotel stays and assist residents with application fees and security deposits, but local advocates say the money is only a temporary measure and does not address the larger affordable housing shortage. Officials hope the short-term funds will help households transition to permanent housing, though many displaced residents remain uncertain about their long-term living arrangements.
What Is Next: Owners Want Answers
Owners are seeking transparency on insurance allowances and a clear timeline from the HOA regarding repairs and payouts. Advocates and residents say the town and federal programs need to move beyond short-term solutions toward either substantial mitigation efforts or coordinated buyouts for the most flood-prone units, a policy deadlock that leaves the complex’s future uncertain.
