Description

1) A Homeowner's Story: Elevation and Historic Preservation of an Upstate NY Property
Julie Nucci, PhD, Village of Owego, jn28@cornell.edu
Co-presenters: James Overhiser, joverhis@gmail.com

Abstract: In late 2015, our 1840's house in Owego, NY became the first home on the National Register of Historic Places in New York State to elevate for flood mitigation. We mitigated in response to devastation from Tropical Storm Lee, which flooded 75% the Village of Owego in 2011. In this talk we share our story of planning and executing an elevation project amidst the emotional challenges of surviving a flood in a devastated village. We chronicle our experience navigating FEMA, the NFIP, the SHPO (State Historic Preservation Office), the OHPC (Owego Historic Preservation Commission), and the historic tax credit program. We also highlight the lessons learned for how under-resourced communities, like Owego, can better recover from disasters and proactively work towards a more resilient future.

2) Using the Substantial Damage Process as a Mitigation Tool in Central NJ
Cleighton Smith, PE, CFM, Taylor Wiseman & Taylor, smithc@taylorwiseman.com
Co-presenters: None

Abstract: Performing Substantial Damage (SD) assessments after a major flood is part of the community’s responsibility under the NFIP. However, this process has been overlooked and under-enforced historically, which has contributed to the current repetitive loss, severe repetitive loss structures. After the flooding caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ida, one community in central NJ was very proactive in performing SD assessments. This presentation covers the work performed in one central NJ community (Manville), which saw devastating flooding after Ida. Manville is a community that knows flooding, but Ida was the worst ever. The SD process was welcomed by residents who were looking to use the letters for either ICC (towards elevating) or to receive prioritized consideration for a State of NJ program known as Blue Acres. The presentation also covers the current state of the various mitigation efforts in Manville today.

3) Highlight Co-Benefits to Drive Project Funding: The Meriden Harbor Brook Success Story
Elsa Loehmann, Fuss & O'Neill, eloehmann@fando.com
Co-presenters: None

Abstract: Through incorporation of co-benefits, the Meriden Harbor Brook Flood Resilience Project protects a vulnerable community and is a catalyst for community improvement. The project is a result of a watershed level planning study and design completed in 2000. Based on this study, the City has implemented flood-risk reduction measures over the past decade to protect the developing Transit Oriented District and downtown commercial sector, in addition to high density residential housing. The layers of co-benefits that are built into the project benefit a socially vulnerable community, and also create opportunities for funding. Below are some of the key benefits of this project.

REDUCING RISK

• Protects vulnerable community from future flood loss events
• The proposed condition provides 100-year flood protection to 1,648 residents
• Reduces risk to 14 residential and 25 commercial structures

• Creates open space and public amenities
• Benefits a designated Distressed Municipality
• Benefits high density development area with over 1,500 low-income minority residents
• Nature Based Solutions allow for adaptive response to changing climate conditions

• Restoration of 1,800 linear feet of stream channel
• Improves to habitat with pools/riffles and boulder features
• Creation of 5.6 acres of floodplain, riparian buffer, and wildlife habitat

• Reduces flooding to police station and main police vehicle parking area, courthouse, a senior center, and a church
• Protects flood evacuation routes
• Protects access to medical facilities and food, water, and shelter during storm events This presentation will identify three project co-benefits that you can highlight in your project to increase funding success and improve quality of life for the surrounding communities.