Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Revised NYC flood maps will cost homeowners


From the NY Post:

Thousands of homeowners don’t realize it, but they’re about to get hit with another fiscal tsunami from Hurricane Sandy.

For the last six weeks, federal officials have been working with the city to redraw maps and expand flood zones that haven’t been changed since 1983.

It’s not hard to figure out where the new boundaries are headed: farther inland.

Mayor Bloomberg made that clear last month by disclosing that two-thirds of the homes battered by Sandy were beyond evacuation zones.

Neighborhoods that had never flooded before, such as Gerritsen Beach and East Williamsburg in Brooklyn, were suddenly under water.

“I’m sure there’s going to be a lot of properties not in the flood zone before and find themselves in now,” said Don Griffin, a vice president at the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America.

The redrawn maps will form the basis for new building regulations meant to contain damages from future storms.

But they’ll also jack up costs for homeowners.

Those planning to build or rebuild within a flood zone will have to meet strict height requirements to get above FEMA-designated flood levels. The lower down they are, the more it will cost.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well, they shouldn't have bought there!

Next time, consult the topographical maps.
It's also a good idea to check out the local zoning.

Anonymous said...

Some folks learn of their property being exposed or prone to flooding after buying. Those in the new redrawn maps unfortunately may see decreases in the value of their structure as well as much higher insurance premiums. For those properties within sight of the water - they know the risks of water - no excuses.

Anonymous said...

I called up my insurance agent before I bought
my house...just to check up on all this kind of stuff.

They are very up to date on the higher risk areas
(flood, fire, burglary, etc. perils).

I'm glad that I did!
Your home is, most likely, the biggest investment you will make in your lifetime.
Do your research before you buy or face regret!

Anonymous said...

Isn't that where Vallone and the community board from hell want to build 4000 apartments in Astoria?

Great guy for beep, don't ya think?

Now here is the scary part: certain well placed officials of QCC think that is a good idea.

Queens Crapper said...

Who from QCC thinks that's a great idea?

Anonymous said...

Did they publish these maps yet?

Anonymous said...

You're right, the Feds should not rezone if it's going to hurt people's feelings and wallets. I'm sure the climate will be considerate too and never flood again.