Sandy By the Numbers: 2,280 Homes Damaged in Brick; Map Appeal Debated
New data released by the state Department of Community Affairs breaks down Sandy-related damage by municipality
In New Jersey, Brick sustained among the largest number of damaged housing units from Superstorm Sandy, with about 2,280 affected, according to an interactive map of destruction compiled by njspotlight.com.
Of those homes in Brick, 744 were severely damaged — meaning they were impacted by more than $28,800, according to data provided by the state Department of Community Affairs.
- 2,280 total homes were damaged — nine homes had minor damage; 1,527 had major damage; 744 severe.
- There were 378 total rental units with damage — 211 minor; 132 major; 35 severe.
- 2,693 businesses were impacted.
Major damage includes homes that suffered $8,000 to $28,800 in damages while severe is more than $28,800.
The data notes that nearly 87,000 housing units were damaged statewide, about 12,500 of those were either destroyed or sustained major damage. At least 1,000 residences were damaged in 24 municipalities in seven counties. Nearly 400,000 businesses were impacted, as well.
The DCA released its action plan for spending billions of dollars in Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recover funds last week. The initial phase will provide $1.8 billion to help more than 20,000 homeowners, 5,000 renters, 10,000 businesses, as well as municipalities impacted by the storm.
The bulk of the money for storm victims to elevate or repair their houses will be reserved for low to moderate income households, however, a decision that has drawn criticism from many residents and government officials.
But regardless of the impact of Sandy, the next battle for Shore - and, thus, Brick - residents will be FEMA flood maps which force residents to elevate their homes or face flood insurance bills up to $31,000 per year.
The controversy is double-faceted: the maps themselves, and the fact that the federal government will no longer subsidize flood insurance rates.
The lack of subsidies drew the Brick mayor's ire.
"They subsidize roads, they subsidize gas companies, they subsidize everybody, but they won't subsidize our flood insurance," Mayor Stephen C. Acropolis said. "They don't make people in tornado alley build underground, or prevent them from building two-story homes because they're more dangerous."
Some residents have called for local governments to begin appealing the maps before the next round are due to be released this summer, ushering in a formal public comment and appeal period, though going that route is questionable, some say.
"If we're not going to be ready until August, we're missing a huge opportunity," said Ron Jampel, who founded the group Save Our Communities 2013 in the wake of the hurricane. "People are waiting, and we've had three months already to look at the maps."
Although U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez has publicly said FEMA will accept informal appeals before the next round of maps come out, officials are wary of submitting materials before they can be officially counted as part of the record, however.
"We hope that they're going to get a look at some working maps," said Acropolis. "But to have a federal official placate us and say, 'we'll accept appeals but they won't be official,' I don't know how much weight that will carry."
Acropolis said the township is working with township engineer Elissa Commins, as well as well-known marine engineer Andrew Reikel to make its case to FEMA that the advisory maps released after the storm do not take into account structures and bulkheads that may result in some residents being taken out of velocity, or 'V,' flood zones that require significantly more expensive foundations to be built underneath a raised home.
"We're going to get that information to FEMA as soon as possible to get those maps changed," said Councilman John Ducey.
Cherry Quay resident
6:32 am on Thursday, March 21, 2013
Let me start by saying; we can not accept the FEMA AFBE maps. The maIps are wrong! In addition, we can not accept the Biggert Waters Act of 2012 as it is currently written. Everyone must get involved to prevent the government from KILLING the shore as we know it.
There is a meeting this Sunday at Brick's municipal building (at noon) with the mayor and the group, "STOP FEMA NOW".
If you want more info to to, www.stopfemanow.com
Or Facebook; stop fema now or save our NJ communities.
There has already been positive movement towards change.
This fight can't be won singularly; everyone that lives in Brick (and all other communities) MUST get involved to stop this madness.
It's bad enough that we are dealing with the storm aftermath and the rebuilding process. Then we are dealing with FEMA, SBA and insurance companies. Now we have to deal with substantial changes to the cost of insurance.
In addition, the misappropriation of federal funds to low income housing; the middle class gets hurt again.
clamdigger
7:30 am on Thursday, March 21, 2013
I certainly hope your group has some real credible experts coming to assist you in this fight and if your group hasn't gone that far I would suggest you may want to look into it...and quickly. Just for starters you'll need experts in topography as well as meteorologists and lawyers along with anyone else that specializes in this area along with a nice fat bankroll for the research to fight FEMA and the Fed. If you think the Gov't is going to change their minds because a few thousand people are pissed, think again. There were millions of people against Federal Healthcare and that didn't stop Obamacare from being put into place.
I'm not trying to be the pessimist, you're going to have a big fight on your hands going against FEMA, their "experts" and scientific data vs. your grassroots group of P.O.'d residents saying "You're wrong" and "we know better" just because "we live here". You can't bring a knife to a gunfight or worse yet, go in completely unarmed.
I wish you all luck, but to be honest I don't see this ending quickly or in your favor, but time will tell and for all you people fighting this fight I hope I'm wrong.
Good Luck.
DDJA
7:44 am on Thursday, March 21, 2013
From what I'm hearing, there are going to be alot of lawsuits if certain people are forced to elevate their homes. In addition, there have been other areas of this country in which the people were not forced to eat the bill for elevating their homes. SO.....why NJ??? Forcing people to elevate their homes when in fact there was no real damage to their homes is a CRIME!!!!! FIGHT BACK IS RIGHT!!!!!!
Scott Pezarras
8:11 am on Thursday, March 21, 2013
DDJA
The Biggert-Waters Act is the reason. This act started no subsidies and the like, and mandated the NFIP be self funding. Super Storm Sandy is the first flodding disaster after its passage in August of 2012.
Jim
7:03 am on Thursday, March 21, 2013
FEMA maps were coming even if Sandy didn't happen. The insurance subsidies were done away with in the shovel ready jobs bill in 2009 of which Senator Menendez voted in favor of.
DDJA
7:47 am on Thursday, March 21, 2013
....also, folks need to realize that this would impact others who "think" they are not impacted by these new flood zones. WRONG!! They would be at some point.....watch.
Bricktown Lew
8:38 am on Thursday, March 21, 2013
First of all, let me just say that Sandy was technically classified not as a "hurricane" when it hit us, but an Extratropical system. That is one huge reason why insurances have been dragging their feet. Any, with all of this complaining about maps and home modifications, it sounds like people are not expecting another storm to hit us again. Well, it's not a question of if another will hit, but when. We have dodged some many bullets in the past and one got us. However, the "100 year" storms are hit all over every few years. It's time that people change their thinking from "how could this happen" to "get ready for the next one."
ChiefWahoo
8:47 am on Thursday, March 21, 2013
How any Representative of NJ , with 180 miles of coastline , voted for Biggert/Waters , should be kicked out of this state for life. They are now your enemy.
This goes for R and D. When you finally realize there is no difference , that is when you can understand what is happening.
Squandered Youth
11:33 am on Thursday, March 21, 2013
Since NJ's entire Congressional delegation voted for Biggert-Waters (except Scott Garrett, who thought B-W was too generous), and only Congress can fix its major problems, these people, by necessity, are not enemies, but our friends - as long as they repent and do the right thing now.
Even if B-W can't be changed, legislative support is essential for map appeals to have any hope of success. FEMA can pick any elevation that has reasonable scientific support. Given that the scientific evidence ranges from Sandy being a 500 year storm to the shore being doomed in ten years, FEMA can set any number anywhere and the courts will uphold it. FEMA has to WANT to change. That takes pressure.
Better late than never, Lautenberg and Menendez fired the first shot across FEMA's bow with a letter stating the new premiums are absurd and causing pain and suggesting that FEMA consider across-the board reduction of elevation to reflect engineered mitigation efforts such as dunes - something FEMA has been reluctant to do in NJ (the ABFEs don't do this) but has done all along the Gulf since Senators there are not shy about leaning on FEMA on details like this. We need ALL our Senators and Representative to do a LOT more of this.
Whether we get Biggert Waters amended, FEMA to back off on the maps and premiums or both (and I'm not sure how far FEMA can go without B-W being reformed), our representatives are not only the problem, but the solution.
shorecorruption
8:37 pm on Thursday, March 21, 2013
Get the Congressional Reform Act of 2013 passed. FEMA would be history and you would have a people's government.Just like our for fathers wanted.
JasperRam
9:18 am on Thursday, March 21, 2013
The maps are based on computer models - guesses as to what might happen in the event of a 'century' storm. We had a real 'century' storm. So I must raise my house nine feet because of the "guess" when the "reality" yielded eight inches. Good Job!
Cherry Quay resident
2:18 pm on Thursday, March 21, 2013
You are so correct and have the exact same problem as many others.
Go to www.stopfemanow.com and on facebook; stop fema now and save our nj communities.
WE MUST FIGHT TO GET THIS CHANGED. THE FEMA MAPS ARE WRONG!!!!
clamdigger
3:05 pm on Thursday, March 21, 2013
this type of reasoning is part of the argument I was referring to earlier this morning in my post. if this is going to be the main point of your collective argument without scientific evidence or facts along w/ qualified professionals (and not people who do this as a hobby) to back you up you'll be fighting a losing battle.
the gov'ts facts, figures, maps, theories and professionals will "of course" be the best of the best w/ years of qualified experience to "back them up". The argument of "we live here, we know better" will not carry much weight. They will bring "proof" the sea level is rising, will continue to rise through the years and future storm scenarios will be played out through well made power point presentations w/ high tech graphics and scientific conjecture all of which will have the FEMA and other Gov't reps convinced this is written in stone for the future. Your counterpoint arguments will need to be equally prepared, currently relevant and as high tech and hopefully the reps will be equally interested in you presentation as that of FEMA.
Good Luck.
Save Our Communities 2013
3:28 pm on Thursday, March 21, 2013
agree with you 100%% clamdigger..that's one of the items we are striving for from each town and not the theatrics or photo ops.
https://www.facebook.com/SaveOurNJCommunities?fref=ts
Mr Ships27
3:39 pm on Thursday, March 21, 2013
You need to map the actual height above sea level, lot by lot, block by block . As well as the damage incurred. since everyone's home will be impacted, this is something you all can do, which will counter the theory in the FEMA models. It's still a long shot, but at least it will be fact based and fairly easy to do. Each street or block should have a leader that can collect the data and consolidate it at the block/street/neighborhood/twon level. STOP FEMA now could/should be the one final consolidation point. Do it on spreadheets. You have much more man power than they do to get this done. Each property owner can do their own in about 1 hour.
Save Our Communities 2013
12:26 pm on Thursday, March 21, 2013
https://www.facebook.com/SaveOurNJCommunities?ref=ts&fref=ts
Have to differ with the mayor's statement "But to have a federal official placate us and say, 'we'll accept appeals but they won't be official,' I don't know how much weight that will carry." Our US Senators met with FEMA Administrator Fugate for over an hour (which is unheard of in Washington terms) and both FEMA Administrator Fugate and HUD Secretary Donovan 2 hour testimony before the Senate Sandy sub-committee. In both instances, they made it clear to give the technical challenges when they are ready. They are more concerned with the data and not that the law language that says when challenges can be made. They want to get it right whether you call it a challenge or not is not important to them but the facts are. By submitting now will give us 2 opportunities to challenge rather than only 1 in August. In fact, by submitting the facts early will allow the professionals to concentrate just on those areas not changed for a further challenge and relooking at how the data was presented come August. I hope the Mayor is not saying after 3 months and all of us knowing the maps are wrong (including himself) that he is using the "placate" statement because our experts are not prepared to challenge.
If anyone wishes to follow a grassroots organization whose only concern is delivering real results based upon factual information feel free to "Like" us at:
https://www.facebook.com/SaveOurNJCommunities?ref=ts&fref=ts
shorecorruption
8:51 pm on Thursday, March 21, 2013
Pass the Congressional Reform Act of 2013.Get rid of a non working government.Put working Americans back in government,like our forefathers had visioned Then you can fix FEMA.
Jo Amesco
2:35 pm on Thursday, March 21, 2013
As i talk to the folks in Cherry Quay, and those down Drum point to those fancy homes on the water. people have 2 choices. 1 sit and wait, and struggle the next 5 years of your life of the thousands of dollars that it will cost you to rebuild. Yes there will be grant funding and FEMA funding. But everyone knows know that NJ had shifted east into the ocean. Hence why those 200 year flood maps are correct to bring to date. anyone notice the beaches have been shorter each year? I've walked them for over 50 years. So, youcan go to all those rallys you want, pound your chest, stamp your feet. the bottom line is. if you react today and rebuild today. the Governments see's it as you don't need their money, you have your own. You can also sit in you mold infested home, unfinnished home for the next 6 years until those funds are released. OR the 2nd option. see a bankruptcey attorney, you had suffered from a dissaster. you can walk away from your home and rebuild to a better life over the next 5 years with out the stress and drama. the few law firms in Brick, recently have been soaring with with questions regarding Bankruptcey lately. people are old and tired, they are drained from all the stress over the past 5 months. They do not want to go through another 5 years of this. They have no more money. Bankruptcey for a good attorney may run you $3000 - 5000. or you can spend $500,000.00 over the next 5 years trying to keep your home? we can't keep hiding the facts.
Save Our Communities 2013
3:05 pm on Thursday, March 21, 2013
Could not agree with you more. We need to get the answers and results and do not care about the theatrics.
https://www.facebook.com/SaveOurNJCommunities?fref=ts
Charles W. Bogert
2:39 pm on Saturday, March 30, 2013
Jo, You are completely correct; can't believe that perfectly reasonable persons refuse to acknowledge rising ocean waters and the threat ANY storms WILL bring to
oceanfront and/or bayfront structures. "Front" also would apply to structures existing
up to several thousands of feet from tidal waters. The current property owners should check out movies of the most recent Japanese sunami and the loss of life (forget about structural damages).
I live in an apartment complex in Brick near Outback Restaurant so am not affected
by tidal waters, but even back in the mid-1960's I chose to build lakefront home in the Poconos rather than purchasing a Beach Haven oceanfront duplex for $42,000.
I took a look at the damage the 1962 storm did to LBI and said, "Poconos, here I come". I never had ANY storm damage as a result of storms there or tidal destruction. One has to be practical with one's life and life decisions. Your "bankruptcy recommendation" is based on years of experience and unemotional considerations.
Jo Amesco
2:41 pm on Thursday, March 21, 2013
What I find disturbing is , No one is testing the air? I'm watching homes being torn into by day labors. ripping apart sheet rock, roofing,siding, insulataion from theses old homes. yet no one is questioning Asbestos being released into the air of the 100's of homes there? what will be the long term effects. everytime I bring this subject up, no one wants to discuss it or make a call to find out who's doing anything about it.? we have mold growing and we have asbestos in the air around our homes, family, elderly and the young children who are going out doors more often now that spring is in the air. Anyone concerned here.? I visit the Dr's quite often, and lately a lot of people are getting sick, The Brick Hospital says see your DR. Your Dr says see someone for test, you get your results back, they tell you it's in the air.?? anyone understanding this.? or am I just some an old guy in his late 60's here.
Art D
3:03 pm on Thursday, March 21, 2013
We had 3 homes torn down in our neighborhood in the past month. All three had asbestos shingles. All three had the shingles removed before they were demo'd. It's the law.
clamdigger
3:08 pm on Thursday, March 21, 2013
you may want to record addresses, times, dates, company name & workers doing the job as well as get video of such actions.
Jo Amesco
2:44 pm on Thursday, March 21, 2013
We can't keep pointing fingers, we have t address the problems and be proactive. If you have to file a bankruptcey, then ask how to do it. if your going to fix up your home, we need to know how to do it and how long that it may take; including years. if the air is contaminated now, we need to know whow to address it , clean it up and go forward about it. no pointing finger, just ask people. pointing finger will only delay more facts. lets be smart about this and be proactive.
Art D
2:52 pm on Thursday, March 21, 2013
So I made the severely damaged list. I can't believe there weren't more than what they show. 744 seems low to me. Is someone cooking the books here? Regardless, see you all on Sunday. Oh yeah, if you didn't get the notice there is a Defensive Building Practices seminar at Drum Point School tonight begining at 5:00. That is, unless I didn't get the notice it was cancelled. http://idbp.org/.
Art D
2:54 pm on Thursday, March 21, 2013
Interesting concept. An alternative to raising your house maybe?
http://www.atlanticfloodbarriers.com/floodbarriers
Save Our Communities 2013
3:21 pm on Thursday, March 21, 2013
Bear in mind I don't think ICC can be used for this. I believe flood prevention for ICC reimbursement/coverage is only permitted for businesses.
Art D
4:14 pm on Thursday, March 21, 2013
Correct. For residential properties there are a few exceptions but now that I look at them on the FEMA site they are too restrictive and even the requirements for certain preventative methods still require you to be above base flood levels.
George Kasimos
7:20 pm on Thursday, March 21, 2013
We will be having a meeting this Sunday. March 24. From noon - 2 pm
Brick Municipal complex. - Court room
401 Chambers Bridge Rd
Brick NJ
Mayor Acropolis will have a "candid conversation" and a Q & A session
All are welcome
Www.StopFemaNow.com
Www.facebook.com/StopFemaNow
Www.youtube.com/StopFemaNow
Twitter #StopFemaNow
Seashepherd
5:31 pm on Friday, March 22, 2013
Hey Guys and Ladies, Maybe we could learn something from the Dutch, They keep the Atlantic at bay. What about the Dunes all along our coast, plant them with pretty seagrass and wa-la. There has to be other ways to protect us other than raising our homes. I wrote this once before. My home was built in 1986, I live on the water. My home has a 5' crawl space, concrete floor, 10 flood windows and sump pumps. If the electric was not lost I would have had little or no damage as it stands I only ended up with 1 1/2 feet of water in that 5' crawl space. But because my insurance Company calls it a basement my flood rates were always very high.