Brick Reacts to FEMA Maps

John Giaquinto, who works with the Brick house-raising business On Site Services, was happy when he heard the number of sections slated to fall within high-risk flood zones had been scaled back - even though it may mean less house raising business for him.

"A lot of people weren't sure about whether or not to elevate, or whether they'd lose their homes, so I am happy if they can stay in and we can help them in other ways," Giaquinto said, whose own home in Ortley Beach was actually changed out of a V zone.

FEMA released Monday what is known as its preliminary working maps, which have taken into account additional topographical information and wave modeling, allowing the number of residents placed in 'V,' or velocity, flood zones to decline.

The overall number of residents included in flood zones, however, has increased over the present maps.

At a special Council meeting held Monday to address demolition contracts post-Sandy, Mayor Stephen C. Acropolis said the number of township residents who were in the V zones dropped from ore than 4,000 to about 850. 

But he said, the revised maps were only a first step.

"It was  good day for a battle but the war is far from over," Acropolis said, adding that New Jersey is now "dead last" in it's return on investment in the National Flood Insurance Protection Program.

"We've put in a heck of a lot more than we've gotten back," Acropolis said, noting that legislation and other initiatives are going to be needed in coming months to help New Jersey residents get the funding they need to return to their homes.