Last July, FEMA issued new flood insurance rate maps for the Town of Ocean City that recognized the value of the dune system constructed by the Army Corps of Engineers by locating the VE Flood Zone, or the most onerous flood insurance rate designation, “seaward of the landward toe of the primary frontal dune system.” In simpler terms, FEMA concluded the eastern edge of the long-established dune line should be the line of demarcation of sorts for the higher flood insurance rates and any properties west of the primary dune would fall into a lesser flood zone designation.
However, in a few areas of the resort, particularly along condo row from 93rd to 123rd streets, FEMA determined through its new maps an existing secondary dune, built in front of several oceanfront properties in the early 1980s is now the standard by which the VE Flood Zone is determined. As early as 1983, the town mandated certain new oceanfront projects construct a dune in front of the properties to protect them somewhat from storms, coastal flooding and beach erosion.
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ReplyDeleteBeach Lives Matter!
With all due respect.. those who buy property within a half-mile or so of the coast are knowingly taking a big risk from storms and they are the ones who should bear the financial burden for that.
ReplyDeleteHurricane after hurricane over the past decade or so in the US has produced catastrophic losses, and the TAXPAYERS end up footing a lot of the bill, while the people who got mashed up turn right around and rebuild in the same place.
I personally believe that anyone who builds within a half-mile of the coast should do so at their own risk, and should have to waive any expectation of federal or state money after storms or flooding.