Please Attend April 13 If You Can
Homes in (or near?) floodplane zones are likely going to face difficult decision soon as to whether they should fill in their basements with concrete or dirt fill, AND possibly jack up their home several feet (cost? $100,000?? ++) in order to continue being eligible for subsidized flood insurance rates. From recent feedback, many owners are paying between $2000-5000 per year as their current subsidized rates. Even if rates only double, that is tough for most households. If you have mortgage, this is not an option - you have to carry flood insurance if you live within the floodplain. If you don't have a mortgage, maybe you can opt (and risk) to not carry flood insurance.
My guess is that everyone's home values have already plummeted due to this situation since they cannot sell their house easily (or for what they hoped) since the buyer's lender will not lend unless home is compliant or buyer income is so great that they can show acceptable "loan to value." This kind of monthly flood insurance would put many buyers out of range in being able to purchase (unless home was sold far below what we hoped it would be worth). The same would apply for equity loans and Reverse Mortgages that some seniors rely upon.
There is great wisdom in moving appliances to higher level in home. Some heating systems such as steam heat cannot be moved up and so those folks would need to invest in entirely new system of heat. Most when renovating post Irene moved electrical higher up in home already. The loss of house living space to accommodate large heating system is tough in a small house but losing basement space really tough. I am reaching out to engineer or other trade person to help me understand why there would be a need to fill in basement that no longer carries any utilities. The basement is precious space for storage and work room area. Many homes flooded through front/back door and first floor windows. A concrete-filled basement would not have prevented the first floor flooding.
I had the bright idea of thinking I might be able to build a garage with work room space above, to help make-up lost space, but now I am told I would not likely receive a permit for that due to current building laws (historic zone???).
It is important for the community to gather, talk, share knowledge, strive to get more knowledge, and to sort out rumors from truth...It would be great to at least slow down any decision making on this issue to allow the community to talk with experts, learn of all sides of the issue, talk to other communities (in VT and beyond) if they are coming up with solutions, write your State and National representatives ... It does not seem like this is going to go away, and as huge of a negative impact this has on many, time and great consideration should be taken. There is so much more to say, but I will leave it at that.
I would be happy to talk with anyone interested in trying to gather neighbors who care about this and work to minimize the negative impact it will have on lives in Waterbury. There is a copy of public hearing content available that will be discussed on April 13. I can point you in the right direction for information on that.
Oct 22, 2024, 7 to 9:30 PM
Fiber Arts Crafting Group at Stowe Free LibraryOct 24, 2024, 2 to 5 PM
Friends of the MCL CelebrationOct 25, 2024, 1 PM