Mayor Stephen C. Acropolis and Councilman Joseph Sangiovanni will jointly propose a resolution before the township council this week that will ask the federal government to fully fund all residents' house raising efforts in the wake of new federal guidelines.
The resolution requests the federal government to fully fund the efforts of all residents to comply with heightened base flood elevations and other foundation requirements for those in flood zones.
Acropolis said residents with flood insurance whose homes were damaged more than 50 percent during Sandy qualify for grants worth $30,000, but that often is not enough to raise a home. Further, homes that were damaged less than 50 percent – or not at all – as well as those whose homes did not have flood insurance policies, do not qualify for the so-called increased cost of compliance, or ICC, grants.
"There is so much that goes into elevating homes," said Acropolis, in a statement. "Foundation work, utility work and more. That $30,000 will not go far for most families."
Two other grant programs have already been authorized, including Community Development Block Grant allocations that could start as early as next month, according to Gov. Chris Christie, plus FEMA Hazard Mitigations Grants, which could come farther down the line.
Sangiovanni said the federal government should fund the entire elevation effort, however.
"It is our duty to fight for the families of Brick Township, many of whom will likely not be able to afford to elevate their homes," said Sangiovanni, whose own home was severely damaged in the storm. "They should not have to leave their homes and Brick Township because of the financial burden the new flood zone regulations have forced on them. It is another unfunded mandate that is unfair to citizens."
The resolution is on the March 5 council meeting agenda.
Last month, Councilman John Ducey introduced his own resolution calling on the federal government to allow residents to challenge their flood zone mapping.
Homeowner's insurance policies will NEVER cover flood damage... HO policies only cover fire, theft, wind and vandalism.. so what it boils down to is being informed and educated as to what you are purchasing when you buy a policy... and you should listen to your agent; we are not in the business of ripping people off; we try to advise them to the best of capability to what their exposures are or could be during a loss; and they are the ultimate deciding factor on what they buy; also let's not forget about Flood Elevation Certificates... and if people actually had them done how it could benefit their flood premiums
LOL: I know what you mean; we are saying ... great now you are slapping 5% hurricane deductibles on policies and 5,000 flat wind deductibles... telling people to get up that high in the air is just going to cause a whole NEW set of problems during the next storm..
If you were aiming your comment at me, you're talking through your anus along with Art. I am not on any type of govt. dole, food stamps, unemployment or housing subsidy. My income is my business, not yours! I have worked on coastal restoration from TX through NY for more than 40 yrs. and know better than to try to impress superficial friends and aquaintences with my beach home, leased cars and the rest of the BS. You chose to buy or build on the beach, live with it. If you were in NC and lost your beach house to a storm you would not be allowed to rebuild.
Most hilarious comments I've head in quite some time...LOL
Go to Save Our New Jersey Communities also. Between both groups WE MUST STOP FEMA!!! I DO NOT agree with FEMA; the new V zone's are WRONG!!! As many have said; it was bad enough to deal with the storm (I stayed at my home and it was flooded) and then the reconstruction issues and then the insurance issues and then FEMA and now the new flood maps. When is it going to end??? Everyone in this country will be financially hurt by the new FEMA maps. This isn't just a NJ problem, it affects all parts of the country. This isn't just a shore community or water front issue; everyone will pay more if the water front areas can't sell or must destroy perfectly good homes. Don't allow this to happen. Don't allow the government to ruin your retirement plans. Like most people, your home is your investment for retirement (along w/ pension, 401k etc...); GET INVOLVED. Protect yourselves and don't allow this to happen WITHOUT A FIGHT!!! This is your home and home for your children; STOP FEMA NOW!!!!
Senator Lautenberg (202) 224-3224 Senator Menendez (202) 224-4744 Request that they get with FEMA and appeal the redicilious maps and proposed insurance regulations. I've called both senators. I've emailed both senators. If you have been affected get involved.