FEMA-State Open Forum—Informative, Frustrating?

Did you attend the open forum at City Hall last week, when representatives from Federal Emergency Management Agency, New York State and the City of Long Beach answer questions and comments from mostly home and business owners looking to repair and/or raise their Hurricane Sandy-damaged homes?

Residents expressed many concerns, not least of which was the possibility that FEMA may raise the base flood elevation after they agency has required them to raise the height of their substantially damaged homes; while others asked if they must raise their homes could they abandon the ground floor as a living quarters and build from the second floor up instead.  

During the May 1 meeting, Scott Kemins, the city’s building commissioner, said FEMA performed more than 2,750 inspections throughout the city, he explained the meaning of “substantial damage” according to the Increase Cost of Compliance (ICC) program, and he noted that to determine homeowners’ flood insurance rates they will need an elevation certificate that is typically prepared by a licensed surveyor.

State representative Marty Schwartz talked about New York Sandy Help program and told residents that once they are signed into its system they will be assigned a caseworker who will work with them on the specifics of their properties and let them know what assistance they are eligible to receive. He said caseworkers at the Disaster Relief Centers at the Ice Arena and train station in Island Park could help them with the 17-page application.

Mike Parker, a FEMA representative, told homeowners that their insurance agents are the experts on substantial damage estimates, a comment that drew many jeers from the crowd that packed the six-floor chambers. While the start of the meeting was marked by several frustrated residents randomly calling out their comments and questions over one another, Michael Rabb, a FEMA representative who helps people apply for the New York Rising program at the Ice Arena, implored the crowd to “work with us” and established a calm as he explained many things.  

"In order for us to succeed, we have to stop the anger about filling out the application,” said Rabb, who noted that he lost his home in the storm and has slept on a couch since Sandy. “Let's just fill it out.”

Rabb called it “a nine page, aggressive application” that requires copies of the homeowner’s deed and property and flood insurance policies.

Rabb called the ICC program, in which FEMA offers $30,000 for homeowners to help cover the costs of mitigation measures that includes raising homes, a “barrier.” “If you're are not happy with it [the ICC assessment], appeal it,” Rabb said. “If you like it, move forward.”

What are your thoughts on last week’s meeting? Did you leave more satisfied or more frustrated? Maybe you have another evaluation. Weigh in with your comments below.