Township Professionals Still Researching Impact Of FEMA Advisory Base Flood Elevation Maps

New maps sure to be a topic of discussion at tonight's storm aftermath informational session at Berkeley Township Elementary School

  The adoption of the Federal Emergency Management Agencies advisory base flood elevation maps was on the agenda at the last Township Council meeting in 2012. But the ordinance was abruptly pulled from the agenda, after Mayor Carmen F. Amato Jr. and Township Council members decided more time was needed to study how the maps would affect different sections in Berkeley. Berkeley will eventually adopt the new guidelines, Amato said yesterday. "These are advisories until FEMA adopts them," the mayor said. "That's why it's critical we do our due diligence." "We hope to have some of the professionals input and evaluation within two weeks," Amato said. "However, additional information from FEMA and the state may impact the decision-making process…

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Berkeley Dispatch

Storm Chronicles, Part 4: A Bleak Winter's Day In Good Luck Point And Glen Cove

Little has changed in sections of Bayville hit hard by Superstorm Sandy on Oct. 29

  It's been almost three months since Superstorm Sandy slammed into the New Jersey coast, destroying and ravaging homes and unraveling lives. And three months later, a drive through the Good Luck Point and Glen Cove sections of Bayville is depressing and bleak. Good Luck Point was and remains a horror show since Sandy struck. Houses knocked off their foundations. Homes tilted even more than they were in October, as foundations crack in the frigid January air. Some rooms and houses have simply disapppeared. Good Luck Point was once a neighborhood. Not anymore. Almost everyone is gone, except for those few who live in homes built later and higher than the modest homes that went up in the 1950s and 1960s. "Done With It," one owner …

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Township Council Postpones Adoption Of New FEMA Flood Elevation Guidelines

Township professionals need more time to study advisory base flood elevations, mayor says

Not so fast. Township Council members voted unanimously to table the public hearing and adoption of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's new Advisory Base Flood Elevation maps at the Dec. 27 meeting. "We want the planner and the engineer to review the maps and make sure the data is accurate," Mayor Carmen F. Amato Jr. said. "Residents have expressed concerns." "It will impact a lot of people," Township Council President James J. Byrnes said after the meeting. Byrnes said many residents are still confused about how to handle repairs and rebuilding. "So many people really don't know what direction they are going in," he said. "There's people out there that are still very confused." "It's just an unprecedented situation," Amato said. …

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Hurricane Sandy

Tough Decisions Ahead For Flood-Stricken Berkeley Township Residents

New FEMA Advisory-Based Flood Maps To Debut Next Week, Official Says

Demolition versus elevation? Berkeley residents whose homes were ravaged by Hurricane Sandy may have a better idea of where they stand after the township determines the extent of the damage. "Substantially damaged means the cost to make your necessary repairs will meet or exceed 50 percent of the value of the structure," according to the township website. "In Berkeley Township, we use the equalized assessed value to make that determination." For example, a house assessed at $50,000 that has been damaged by flood, wind, fire, etc. would be considered "substantially damaged" if repairs total more than $24,999.99, the website states. If the structure is more than 50 percent substantially damaged or repetitively damaged, the homeowner would be…

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FEMA Assistance Deadline Extended for Hurricane Irene Damage

Homeowners, renters, business owners have until Nov. 30 to file claims

At the request of the state, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is extending the registration deadline for renters, homeowners and business owners who suffered damage from Hurricane Irene. Those affected by the storm and flooding now have until Nov. 30 to register for disaster assistance. “We've extended the registration deadline for people who–for whatever reason–have not had the opportunity to register for assistance,” said William L. Vogel, FEMA's federal coordinating officer. “The goal is to ensure all eligible Irene survivors have the chance to seek assistance.” There are three ways to register: go to www.disasterassistance.gov, m.fema.gov or call FEMA toll-free, 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Those with access or functional needs …

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