Sea Isle City Town News March 2013

SEA ISLE CITY PROJECT UPDATES

Lagoon Dredging – NO CHANGE FROM PREVIOUS UPDATE – The contractor, Wickberg Marine Contracting, of Belford, NJ, has completed dredging Rio Grande Lagoon, Rio Delle Isole, Rio Del Amore, and Rio Delle Luna.  The contractor is currently working at Rio Delle Stelle.

All lagoons being dredged are as follows:
Rio Grande (south side of 47th Place)
Rio Delle Stelle (between 46th and 47th Place)
Rio Delle Luna (between 45th and 46th Place) Completed 
Rio Del Amore (between 44th Street and 45th Place)
Rio Delle Isole (along Venicean Road)
Rio Del Barche (between 43rd Place and 44th Street)
Rio Del Affare (between 42nd and 43rd Place)
Rio Delle Ponte (along Park Road on either side of 43rd Place)

The dredging project provides for the ability of private property owners adjacent to the project area to enter into an agreement with the dredging contractor to dredge their private slips (at the private owner’s expense).  In conjunction with the City project, properties at the above locations do have the required permits to perform private slip dredging.

As part of this project, consistent with the commitment to afford the opportunity to private property owners to have their slips dredged (at their own expense), the City continues to work with the Army Corps of Engineers and the NJ Department of Environmental Protection to obtain permits for previously identified areas of need, including the western side of Venicean Road (along the Intracoastal waterway) and along Sounds Avenue (in the area of 38th Street).  Permits for these areas are expected to be obtained in the near future, in order to allow time for these property owners to come to agreement with the dredging contractor to have their slips dredged prior to completion of the overall project.

Sewer and Road Reconstruction on Central Avenue (49th to 69th Street) - The project has been contracted to the firm of Lewandowski Construction Industries, Inc., of Waterford, NJ.  Temporary paving on all ditches was completed on February 15 for the long holiday weekend.  As of February 19, the contractor has started using two crews, Crew A will be installing mainline from 53rd to 55th Streets while Crew B is installing laterals from 59th to 63rd Street.  The sewer portion of the project is expected to be completed this winter; after which the entire roadway will be resurfaced (we expect to perform base paving in the spring with final surface course paving in the fall, following the 2013 summer season).  South Jersey Gas Company has been notified regarding a relocation of lines on 65th and 66th Street due to a conflict in that area.  The project will provide for an upgraded sewer system and new road surface for the entire one mile stretch of roadway.  This section of sewer has been problematic for years, with continuous maintenance issues; and this project will not only provide for appropriate sewage infrastructure, it will assist in decreasing the amount of ground water sent to the county sewage treatment plant, thus saving in unnecessary costs associated with the treatment of “infiltration” water.  Please see photos below of Central Avenue near 55th Street, taken February 21... 

Utility Reconstruction on Landis Avenue (54th to 69th Street) – NO CHANGE FROM PREVIOUS UPDATE - The project has been contracted to F.W. Shawl & Sons of Marmora, NJ, and will provide for water and sewer line replacement in advance of the County project to resurface Landis Avenue from 54th to 69th Street. The contractor has completed the utility main replacements on Landis Avenue including laterals and is in the closeout stage with punch list items being completed.  The County is scheduled to resurface Landis Avenue from 54th to 63rd Street in the spring of 2013.  63rd to 69th Street is now planned to be resurfaced following the summer of 2013. 

Inflow and Infiltration (I & I) Remediation – NO CHANGE FROM PREVIOUS UPDATE - The firm of Video Pipe Services, Inc. of Newfield, NJ, has substantially completed the project, and is in the process of working with the City Engineer to close-out the project.  The need for this project was identified over the past several years through a comprehensive investigation and analysis of the City’s sewer system.  Sewer systems are prone to both inflow (overland water entering the sewer system through manhole covers and other surface openings in the system) and infiltration (entry of groundwater into pipelines through cracks, deteriorated pipe, and pipe joints).  The effects of I & I are symptoms of deterioration of the sewer system that must be corrected to avoid more problematic maintenance issues and potential failure of the sewer system.  I & I is also costly, in that the City must pay for the unnecessary treatment of water that enters the sanitary sewer system.  This is the first phase of a multi-year citywide sewer maintenance and improvement project that will ensure the continued viability of the City’s vital sewer infrastructure.  The next phase of I & I work will involve replacement of sewer lines that cannot be substantially corrected through internal, “no-dig” repairs, as were performed in this phase.  As those projects are engineered and prepared for bidding and construction, we will provide updates on the specific details of the projects. 

Utility Reconstruction, Various Streets - The project includes replacement of deteriorated underground utilities (water and sewer) in several streets, as part of the City’s comprehensive road and utility program.  The project is being performed by Garden State General Construction, Inc., of Rio Grande, NJ.  Following utility work, the streets will receive new surface paving.  The following streets are included in this project:

1.    42nd Street, Landis Avenue to Promenade
2.    48th Street, Landis Avenue to Promenade
3.    50th Street, Landis Avenue to Promenade                     
4.    51st Street, Landis Avenue to Promenade                   
5.    60th Street, Landis Avenue to Central Avenue
6.    43rd Place      
7.    79th Street, Landis Avenue to Central Avenue   
8.    60th Street, Landis Avenue to Beach End

With work substantially completed on 42nd, 48th, 50th, 51st and 60th Streets, the contractor will be starting water services on 43rd Place. A second crew will begin work on 79th Street.

JFK Boulevard Reconstruction, from the Bridge to Landis Avenue – The County received bids for the project on December 12, 2012.  The apparent low bidder was Asphalt Paving Systems, Inc., of Hammonton, NJ in the amount of $3,773,000.00.  A preconstruction meeting for the project took place on January 9, at which time details for the project were reviewed, along with the proposed construction schedule.  Construction is currently in full swing, with concrete and utility work taking place along the length of the boulevard.

The following are some of the important details regarding the project:

1.    The north side of JFK Boulevard is closed, with two-way traffic diverted to the south side of the boulevard from the foot of the Bridge to Landis Avenue.
2. The contractor has paved 2 lanes on the south-side of JFK Boulevard and has also started to work on drainage and milling, 40th Street to JFK Boulevard on Landis Avenue, while continuing his work on the north-side of JFK Boulevard.
3.    The majority of the work will be completed prior to the 2013 Memorial Day weekend, and there will be two lanes along each side of the boulevard open for Memorial Day weekend and no access restrictions for that weekend.
4.    The project is scheduled for substantial completion by mid-June, 2013.
5.    Final completion of the project, including all punch list items, is scheduled for fall 2013; with no work to take place during the summer season.6.    The project construction is being completely funded by the federal government.

Please see photos of JFK Boulevard below, taken on February 21...

View from Landis Avenue, looking west...

Former Public Safety Building at far right, looking west...

Looking east toward intersection of JFK and Central Avenue...

Post Office shown at far right, looking west on JFK...

Looking east toward Landis Avenue...

Photo taken from Welcome Center Steps (foot of Sea Isle Bridge at left)...

Looking north on Landis Avenue from JFK...

Sign on Sea Isle Causeway...

 Water Well and Well House Construction at 50th Street –  The contract is being performed by B & H Contracting, Inc., of Folsom, NJ, in the amount of $1,363,000.  The drilling and setting of the well has been complete. Water quality sampling for tests have been taken.  Demobilization of the drilling rig, storage trailer, and frac tank has been completed.  The old well has been sealed.  The temporary well pump is being removed.  Work to install the detention tank will begin soon.  Ultimately, the project will provide for the capability to deliver approximately one million gallons of water each day to City residents, and will help to ensure the viability of our critical water infrastructure now and into the future.  The project is expected to be completed prior to the summer 2013 season. 

Please see photos below, taken February 21... 

Mill / Pave Overlay of Various Streets – NO CHANGE FROM LAST UPDATE – The project has been awarded to the firm of South State, Inc., of Bridgeton, NJ, in the amount of $317,185.66. 

The following streets are included in the project:
30th St. (Landis to Bay End)
34th St. (Landis to Central)
38th St. (Landis to Central)
39th St. (Landis to Central)
40th St. (Central to Cini)
40th St. (Cini to Kneass)
Cini St. (39th to 40th)
47th St. (Central to Park)
Roberts Ave. (77th to 79th)
86th St. Landis to Pleasure
Roberts Ave. 56th Street to 54th.

Concrete ADA improvements and asphalt paving are nearly completed.  One additional portion of Roberts Avenue will be paved in the near future.  Line striping will be done when the weather allows.


FEMA FLOOD ELEVATION UPDATE: 

Today Mayor Desiderio along with Administration staff attended a meeting in Atlantic City with representatives from Congressman LoBiondo’s office, Officials from Cape May and Atlantic Counties and senior representatives from URS Corporation, the firm hired by FEMA to complete the new FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM), to discuss what information our individual towns will need to provide to FEMA in order to assure the most accurate and complete maps possible of Sea Isle City. Over the next few weeks, we will be working to provide them with all information they may require. As we have stated before, there is a lot of information – and misinformation – circulating around town concerning upcoming changes to the FIRM maps.  Sea Isle City’s Administration and City Council are continuing to work in close consultation with State and Federal agencies to clarify and bring the most up to date information available to our property owners and residents as it becomes available.  City officials will continue to bring you the latest and most accurate information regarding this very important subject as it becomes available.

An updated list of “Frequently Asked Questions” can be found at http://www.nj.gov/dca/divisions/codes/. For additional information and copies of the new advisory base flood elevation (ABFE) maps, please visit www.region2coastal.com/sandy.

Sea Isle City Summer Rental Info ~ LandisCo.com

Sea Isle City Vacation Rental Information LandisCo.com

The following information is provided for our summer vacationers in Sea Isle City. The details we provide generally pertain to the rental of apartments, condos and homes. For information on hotels, motels, or B&B's, click on accommodations.

Search 100's of Sea Isle City Rentals Here

Rate Information
Rates are determined by three criteria: (1) Distance from the beach or Bay, (2) time selected - July & August peak season or June & September off season, (3) size, type and quality of the rental unit. Many of our rental units are now assigned a rating to assist you in the selection process.
Deposits, Leases, etc.
Typically, summer rentals are for a period of one week or longer. A written lease is required and a one-third deposit is given when the tenant signs the lease. In addition, most property owners require a security deposit of $500 and most agents charge a lease processing fee of $45. In the event you must cancel your rental, your deposit is held until the unit has been re-rented and is typically subject to a cancellation fee of 10% after 72 hours. Credit cards are accepted for carry over and initial deposits.
What's Included
Rental units are usually complete with the exception of linens and towels. A daily maid service and/or departure cleaning is not included in the rental, but is available as an option for a reasonable charge. Properties are expected to be left reasonably clean at the end of your stay, with reasonable wear and tear excepted. A "clean-up" list is included in your check-in packet. Pets are usually not allowed. Check our "Pet Friendly" rental section for units that allow pets with a minor additional charge.
Beach Tags
Beach tags are required for all persons over the age of 12 and are not normally included in your rental. The cost of beach tags is $20 for a seasonal tag ($25 after May 15), $10 for a weekly tag, and $5 for a daily tag. Beach tags are not required on Wednesdays. Tags can be purchased on the beach from an inspector or at the beach tag office at JFK Blvd. and Park Blvd.
Parking and Transportation
Parking is at a premium. The City has public parking lots located at 48th St and Park Road, JFK and Landis Ave. and on 42nd Street at the Bay. Access to downtown is now available by a public jitney system that operates from June until Labor Day from 2:00pm until 10:00pm with a late nite service on weekends from 10:00pm until 3:00am.

Miscellaneous
Appliance and air conditioning breakdowns sometimes occur. Under normal conditions, repairs are made within 24 hours. Refunds are not given for breakdowns. It is important to specify the exact number of persons you need to accommodate when making your reservation. The maximum number of persons is listed on your lease and filed with the City. Do not rent a property if you expect to exceed the allowed number of occupants. Check-in time is 1:00pm on Saturday and check-out time is 10:00am. A clean-up list is included in your check in packet. Be sure to return the keys to the agent's office so that you are not charged for a new set. The unit should be clean when you take occupancy. If it is not, advise the agent immediately. Please clean up the unit prior to departure.
Accidental Damage Waiver
All Landis Co leases include a non-refundable $45.00 fee for an Accidental Damage Waiver (ADW). This waiver protects the tenant from the expense of unintentional and accidental damages tenants and/or their guests may cause to the rental property during the term of the lease. The ADW eliminates the large up front payment of a property Security Deposit. All covered and non-covered damages must be disclosed and reported to the rental agent within 24 Hours of the occurrence and prior to check out. Upon receipt of notification of damages, the Agent will immediately order an inspection and verification of the damages including an estimated cost of repair/replacement. The ADW fund will pay maximum damage protection of up to $1,500. The tenant will be responsible for any damages that exceed this amount as well as damages that are listed as excluded from coverage. If during the term of the lease, a tenant or guest causes any damage to the leased real or personal property as a result of inadvertent acts or omissions, the ADW fund will reimburse the property owner the cost of repair or replacement of such property up to a maximum damage amount of $1,500. Certain terms, conditions and exclusions apply.

ADW WILL NOT COVER THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
• Group Seasonal Rentals are specifically excluded from this program
• Damages considered to be normal wear and tear
• Cleaning or excessive cleaning (Tenant is responsible to clean up before leaving)
• Beach Tags
• Trash removal and/or violations of the City Trash Ordinance are not covered if the owner does not provide a required number of lids and cans.
• Acts of God
• Loss or damage to tenant's property or rental equipment brought on the premises
• Pet damage in pet friendly units covered up to $250
• Violations to the owner of any City Ordinance or Citation caused by the tenant covered up to $100

Additional details of the ADW can be found in the Landis Co handout. By submitting payment for this plan and accepting the terms and conditions of the lease, the tenant authorizes the Landis Co Realtors through the ADW Fund to disburse any amount due and payable under the terms and conditions as set forth in the program. The tenant must notify the Landis Co of their non-participation in the program PRIOR to signing a lease. Upon waiving ADW Fund participation, the tenant will be required to pay a refundable security deposit in the amount of $500. Please refer to the Security Deposit clause in the lease agreement for more information.

For more information about Sea Isle City Vacation Summer Rentals contact The Landis Company at info@LandisCo.com or (609) 263-3400. Find us on the internet at www.LandisCo.com

Sea Isle City Mayor's message - FEMA Flood Elevation Info

MAYOR’S MESSAGE: 
The recently issued FEMA Advisory Maps have become a cause for concern among property owners at the Jersey shore.  Be assured that we are working hard to obtain the facts so we can keep Sea Isle’s homeowners accurately informed.  Toward that end, I will soon be travelling to Trenton with other Cape May County mayors to meet with the Governor’s cabinet and FEMA representatives to discuss our concerns and gain substantive information that I will pass on to you.  We are grateful for the efforts of Senator Jeff Van Drew in facilitating this important meeting.  Please use the links in the “FEMA Flood Elevation” section below to learn more about this issue.

Through the cooperative effort of the City, the Tourism Commission, and the Chamber of Commerce and Revitalization, we’ve embarked on an exciting campaign to expand our marketing area.  A picture of a billboard that was rented by the Tourism Commission near Lincoln Tunnel is found below in “Recent Photos.”  Tools like this will get the message to our North Jersey and New York neighbors that our gem of an island to their south is open for business and ready to offer visitors the vacation of a lifetime.  Please note that the expense for the billboard was funded entirely by the Tourism Commission with no taxpayer dollars spent.

The largest ribbon-cutting ever held in New Jersey will take place on Friday, February 15, on the promenade.  The ribbon will stretch the entire length of the promenade and the cutting will officially launch Polar Bear Plunge Weekend and Sea Isle City’s 2013 visitor season.

Saturday, February 16, is Sea Isle’s much-anticipated Polar Bear Plunge.  We expect this year to be the best ever with several brand new additions to the festivities.  Safety, of course, always comes first and, in the interest of your safety, we ask that plungers only enter the water in the designated plunge area.  Also, in the interest of your safety, you are reminded that the promenade is closed north of 32nd Street.  The last three blocks of the promenade are blocked off to secure that area for repairs necessary due to damage caused by super storm Sandy.  Contractors are being lined up and repairs will begin shortly after Presidents’ Day Weekend.  Rest assured that the north end of the promenade will be safe for your strolling pleasure well before the 2013 summer season.

Sunday, Day Three of Polar Bear Plunge Weekend, is highlighted by the Annual Run/Walk for Autism.  Please support this important event, knowing that all proceeds go to Autism research.

Smile…You’re in Sea Isle!

Leonard C. Desiderio, Mayor of Sea Isle City 

FEMA FLOOD ELEVATIONS: 

There is a lot of information – and misinformation – circulating around town concerning upcoming changes to the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM).  Sea Isle City’s Administration and City Council are working in close consultation with State and Federal agencies to clarify and bring the most up to date information available to our property owners and residents.  City officials will continue to bring you the latest and most accurate information regarding this very important subject as it becomes available.  

For a list of “Frequently Asked Questions” and a link to the Governor’s Rule, please read the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s February 5 press release by clicking HERE.  For additional information and copies of the new advisory base flood elevation (ABFE) maps, please visit www.region2coastal.com/sandy.

Regulations to Allow Residents and Businesses to Rebuild Faster, Stronger and Safer from Hurricane Sandy

For more information about FEMA rules and flood insurance issues contact The Landis Co., Realtors. at info@LandisCo.com or (609) 263-3400.   www.LandisCo.com 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJanuary 24, 2013 Contact: Larry Ragonese (609) 292-2994 Governor Christie Outlines Regulations to Allow Residents and Businesses to Rebuild Faster, Stronger and Safer from Hurricane Sandy Standards Will Ensure Lower Premiums In The Long Term, Protecting Residents From Out Of Control Costs (13/P6) TRENTON – Taking action to give New Jersey families, businesses and local governments the best available guidance to quickly and more durably rebuild from Hurricane Sandy, Governor Chris Christie today signed emergency regulations to adopt the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) updated Advisory Base Flood Elevation (ABFEs) maps as the rebuilding standard for the entire state. These regulations establish requirements and more efficient procedures for residents and businesses to construct, reconstruct, relocate and elevate buildings and other structures in flood hazard areas. Using the best available science and data as reflected in these advisory maps will give families, businesses, and communities the best assessment of their risk – allowing them to better mitigate damage from future flood events, avoid higher flood insurance costs, and begin the rebuilding process immediately. Because of federal reforms to the National Flood Insurance Program to move towards increased flood insurance rates that reflect actual risk, families who rebuild their properties in a manner that does not conform to updated base flood elevations will see significant premium increases. By acting today to use the latest available information and data from FEMA to set rebuilding standards for New Jersey, Governor Christie is helping homeowners and small businesses rebuild properties that are less at-risk, while also helping them avoid potentially massive, out-of-control flood insurance costs over the long-run. While each property and rebuilding situation is unique, an example provided by FEMA illustrates the dramatic impact new standards can have on flood insurance rates, in addition to the issues of increasing the risk to the safety of the property and its inhabitants. If a property owner is currently in an "A zone" at 4 feet below the BFE elevation and are reclassified as a higher threat "V zone" and take no action, that property will be rated at a higher risk and be subject to an approximate annual premium (phased in) of up to $31,000. In addition to the threat posed by being 4 feet below the BFE in elevation, the property owner will be non-compliant with V zone construction standards. In contrast, if the owner were to rebuild to the suggested BFE and appropriate construction standards, the annual premium (phased in) would be approximately $7,000. If the resident rebuilds 2 feet above the BFE with the construction standards for their new zone, the annual premium would be approximately $3,500. A savings of up to $27,500 annually. "It is absolutely critical that we take this opportunity to rebuild New Jersey smarter and stronger in the aftermath of Sandy. That's why today I am approving emergency regulations being proposed by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to help fast-track the rebuilding process," said Governor Christie. "By doing so, we're helping residents and businesses who have endured so much, to get back on their feet while at the same time ensuring that rebuilding occurs as quickly as possible, without costly red tape slowing this process down for our families and small businesses. As New Jersey recovers from Sandy, utilizing the best available data provided in these FEMA maps will give our communities the ability to rebuild with the least possible risk from future storms moving forward." With over 8.4 million residents in its 8,721 square mile area and approximately 3.8 million residents in flood hazard areas, without swift and immediate action, the state is presented with a risk of continued severe impacts during the next flood event. The DEP is adopting an emergency rule with common-sense provisions for rebuilding stronger structures, more quickly: Adopts the height and construction requirements in FEMA's Advisory Base Flood Elevation (ABFE) maps as a state standard for reconstruction. The ABFEs reflect the best available, most current scientific data about 100-year floods. Allows property owners who rebuild to the ABFEs (plus one additional foot, as has been required by the New Jersey Flood Hazard Area Control Act since 2007) to do so via Permit By Rule (PBR). This eliminates the need for thousands of property owners to apply for DEP's Flood Hazard Area permits, saving them at least $500 in permit fees plus the design and engineering costs associated with an application, and allowing them to begin reconstruction without waiting for department review as part of the rebuilding process. Allows "wet floodproofing" for non-residential buildings. Wet floodproofing means that a building may flood but will structurally withstand the water, and enables reconstruction in urban areas in a safe and less costly manner than requiring elevations or dry floodproofing. This is especially important in highly developed areas like Hoboken or Jersey City. Without this change, residents and small businesses would have to comply with the existing rules, which could significantly drive up costs and make some redevelopment impossible. Eliminates requirements that now allow certain building foundations to have only three walls –a potentially unsafe construction method. By adopting the ABFEs as the state standard immediately, the state will ensure that coastal communities are reconstructed using the best elevation guidance that is available, preventing the level of damage experienced in Sandy. The emergency rules also bolster DEP construction requirements to make structures more storm-resilient, to prevent the level of destruction caused by Sandy. "Unfortunately many of the structures that were hardest hit by Sandy were built decades ago, prior to the establishment of much more protective state and federal building elevation requirements," said DEP Commissioner Bob Martin. "If homes had been built to these standards prior to Sandy, it is fair to say that property damage would have been significantly less. It is critical that we have the statewide elevation standard and a permit by rule process in place before large numbers of permit applications for rebuilding start coming in and reconstruction of our state begins in full force." In many cases, FEMA flood maps for coastal areas of New Jersey were more than two decades old and did not reflect real hazards. FEMA was in the process of updating the flood insurance maps, upon which the ABFEs are based, when Sandy struck. The agency released the ABFEs December 15, 2012 for some 200 communities affected by tidal waters. The maps use modern technology, modeling and updated topographical maps to better define storm risks. They are designed to help state and local governments employ mitigation actions that ensure structures are rebuilt stronger, safer, and less vulnerable to future flooding events. Adoption of the emergency Flood Hazard Area Act rule using the ABFEs as the base elevation standard will ensure that every development in every municipality will apply the appropriate elevation standards across the board. Otherwise municipalities might adopt a patchwork of local standards that might be implemented while FEMA works to finalize the flood maps based on the new ABFEs. This process could take many months and cause significant delays as New Jersey recovers from its worst-ever natural disaster. The rule will become effective immediately upon filing with the Office of Administrative Law. Copies of the emergency rules and the DEP statement of imminent peril are attached to the release. For more on ABFEs, visit: http://www.region2coastal.com/sandy/abfe

Sea Isle City ~ Rebuilding the Jersey Shore

Smart thinking and smart growth could equal sustainability for the Jersey Shore

Is it possible to rebuild the Jersey Shore so that it is more resilient to extreme storms like Hurricane Sandy? 

By Tom Johnson, December 13, 2012 in Energy & Environment 

Related Links

Ten Years to Rebuild a Smarter, More Resilient Jersey Shore, Experts Say

That issue could qualify as Topic No. 1 for many local and state officials as they struggle to decide where and what to do about rebuilding a coast devastated by what most call the worst storm to hit New Jersey.

It was also Topic No. 1 when Tom Johnson, NJ Spotlight's cofounder and energy and environment writer, sat down and talked with WHYY/NewsWorks about the plans and policies that are being considered -- particularly a comprehensive dune system that will reshape the Shore and remake its communities.

Download Podcast 

For more information about FEMA, flood insurance, and other Sea Isle City building issues contact 

The Landis Co., Realtors, (609) 263-3400 or info@LandisCo.com . wwww.LandisCo.com

Sea Isle property owners to save on flood insurance

By LEE PROCIDA, Staff Writer Press of Atlantic City

Sea Isle City residents will be able to save 20 percent on their flood insurance starting this fall because of the community’s acceptance into a national flood mitigation program.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Community Rating System is a voluntary incentive program that promotes better planning to prevent flooding and awards insurance discounts based on danger reduction efforts.

Sea Isle’s status in the program was rescinded in 1995, but Mayor Len Desiderio said Monday that the city, after nearly 20 years of working toward improving its flood rating, was able to enter the program this year as a Class 6 community, one of only 10 in the state, according to FEMA’s website.

“We’ve actually gone from one of the worst to one of the best in flood planning management,” he said.

Among the city’s actions were an ordinance banning the building of family rooms or spare bedrooms at ground level and a requirement that all homes built after 1993 be one foot higher than FEMA’s base flood elevation.

The city also hired a consultant on floodplain management two years ago.

Communities in the program are ranked from 1 to 9, with Class 1 communities the most prepared and Class 9 the least. There are 59 entities in the program inNew   Jersey, and none are ranked better than a 6, according to the latest information from FEMA.

In The Press ofAtlantic City’s coverage area, Sea Isle City joins Avalon, Brigantine,Long BeachTownship, Longport and Stafford Township as the only communities where residents can get a 20 percent discount on their insurance.

A total of 20 towns along the ocean and bays in the area are in the program, with discounts that range from 5 percent, such as in Atlantic City and Greenwich Township, to 10 percent, 15 percent and 20 percent.

Desiderio said the city’s homeowners will collectively realize about $800,000 in savings by participating in the program, which is made possible through a number of new plans and ordinances implemented over the past 20 years, such as outlawing ground-floor storage rooms and requiring flood vents in homes.

“We have made great strides,” Desiderio said. “We’ve worked very hard to achieve this.”

FEMA Likely to Expand Flood Zones Along N.J. Coast in Wake of Sandy

The federal government is poised to expand flood zones and push for increases in building elevations along the New Jersey coast in the wake of flooding from Hurricane Sandy.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency was planning to revise flood-elevation rules in coastal zones sometime next year, but due to the extensive damage caused by the storm it will issue stricter advisory recommendations as early as next week.

For more information about Sea Isle City real estate, flood insurance, mortgage finance contact The Landis Co., Realtors at (609) 263-3400 or info@LandisCo.com

For find us on the web at www.LandisCo.com or www.SeaIsleCityRealEstate.com 

The rules, expected to result in construction at much higher elevations along the New Jersey shore, will be pushed earlier than expected to make sure rebuilding from Sandy will follow stricter codes. The concern was that people would rebuild to today’s requirements and that new construction already would be obsolete sometime next year.

A flooded backyard in a Hoboken, N.J. neighborhood, on Nov. 1. The storm surge severely flooded much of Hoboken in immediate days after Sandy. Photo credit: Liz Roll/FEMA.

“In all likelihood, they will change the building heights. Next week we’ll have a better idea of what’s actually going to happen when these advisories come out,” Neil Byrne, the construction official and certified flood plain manager for Sea Isle City, told The Press of Atlantic City.

FEMA will issue “Advisory Base Flood Elevations,” dubbed Advisory BFEs, for New Jersey’s coastal counties next week and follow that the week of Dec. 17 with Advisory BFEs for New York coastal areas. The Advisory BFEs will be estimates of areas that have a 1 percent chance of being flooded each year, the so-called 100-year storm, and will be expanded from current mapping.

Byrne was one of the flood managers who participated in a recent online seminar with FEMA that has created a buzz along the shore that the agency would extend to other areas the strict rules that apply to V-zones along the shore. The V-zones are high-velocity wave zones along the beach that have the strictest elevation and other building requirements.

Shore towns typically have a V-zone along the beach and different A-zones behind it. Sometimes the highest ground, with no real flood concerns, can be a different zone, often called an X-zone.

Each town has its own zones and heights that affect FEMA ratings and flood insurance costs. In Sea Isle City, which has one of the better FEMA ratings along the shore, construction must be at 14 feet above base flood elevation in the strictest V-zone.

A photo of a Bay Head, N.J., home destroyed by Sandy. Photo credit: Liz Roll/FEMA, Nov. 26.

Besides the V-14 zone, Sea Isle also has a V-12 zone calling for 12-foot heights, along with A-10 and A-11 zones. Sea Isle requires an additional foot to all zones for what is known as “freeboard” underneath a structure. That means, for example, that floor joists on the first floor of structures in the V-14 really must be 15 feet above base flood elevation. Adding freeboard can improve FEMA ratings. Some towns add two feet of freeboard in each zone and get better FEMA ratings.

Long Beach Township Mayor Joseph Mancini said there is a lot of speculation about what the new regulations could include.

On Friday afternoon, the township held its regular Board of Commissioners meeting, which usually lasts for about 20 minutes during the winter months but went on for about an hour with discussion of the flood maps.

“Everyone is concerned about what’s coming out. I’ve told everyone, `Relax. We’ll see what it is, and we’re going to have to conform to whatever it is,”’ Mancini said.

When it comes to discussion about extending the V-zone back toward the street, that would address issues of wind and water impact in the township’s Village Harbor section that Mancini said took a beating when 4-foot waves were hitting homes.

Bryne said many properties in town suffered substantial damage from Sandy and should be rebuilt to the new standards, but he noted it still isn’t clear what they will be. It’s also unclear if they will be stricter than what would have been required next year if Sandy had not hit.

The FEMA spokesman for New Jersey did not return phone calls Thursday and Friday. A spokesman for FEMA in Washington also did not supply requested information on Advisory BFEs.

“It all depends on how high they raise the BFEs,” Byrne said. “They could come up with a zone called a Coastal A, which would be an area of limited wave action, waves of less than 3 feet, behind the V-zones, where building is to the same standards as the V-zone.”

North Wildwood Mayor William Henfey was concerned. He said new construction could dwarf existing homes built at ground level.

“The shore towns are already built up,” argued Henfey. “There’s got to be a better way. Let’s just not go overboard.”

Cape May Point Deputy Mayor Anita van Heeswyk said new mapping by FEMA in 1995 put her Central Avenue home in a flood zone even though water has never been on the property. Van Heeswyk participated in the online seminar and said one thing she got from it is FEMA is pushing for more freeboard under homes and the new maps will come with higher flood insurance premiums.

Paperwork van Heeswyk received from FEMA said the Advisory BFEs will reflect higher elevations than on current flood insurance-rate maps. It said coastal flood zones may extend further inland. FEMA also predicted higher initial costs but lower long-term costs due to less flood damage.

Whatever height requirements emerge, Byrne said they will apply only to new construction or restoration work under the damage rules.

The FEMA recommendations are also not law. Towns still must put any new height or building requirements into local ordinances. Byrne said there would be public hearings before anything is enacted.

Failure to follow FEMA guidelines, however, can affect the agency’s ratings for the town along with the price and availability of federal flood insurance. Following what FEMA wants can lower premiums and possibly even result in more storm-reconstruction money. Homeowners in towns that conform to FEMA rules can get as much as $30,000 for flood-proofing, elevation, relocation or demolition of a house in a high-risk area.

Older towns with ground-level construction could face the most aesthetic problems. In Cape May, a town full of 19th-century homes, most are built at ground level.

“The problem is you’ll be able to build less and everything will be up on piling,” said Construction Official Bill Callahan, who also serves as flood plain manager.

Prior to Sandy, FEMA had been expected to unveil new flood maps next August. FEMA is now expected to issue Advisory BFEs for 10 counties in New Jersey and eight in New York.

Coastal homeowners already were facing higher flood-insurance costs before Sandy hit. A federal law approved in July re-authorized the National Flood Insurance Program for five years but eliminated a lot of discounts and subsidies, including those for secondary homes, many businesses and properties that suffer repeated flood damage.

For more information about Sea Isle City real estate, flood insurance, mortgage finance contact The Landis Co., Realtors at (609) 263-3400 or info@LandisCo.com

For find us on the web at www.LandisCo.com or www.SeaIsleCityRealEstate.com