Central NJ Leaders Discuss Storm Frustration and Flood Mitigation Efforts

Impact of Recent Storms

• 🌧️ Central New Jersey communities are still recovering from extreme storms that occurred over the last month, with leaders expressing frustration.
• 🌊 The recent storms were less than two weeks apart, with one event causing two to three feet of floodwater on streets, submerging police officers up to their chests.
• 🏠 Residents in areas like Park View Avenue have experienced their worst storm ever, surpassing the impact of previous major events like Sandy and Irene.

Causes of Increased Flooding

• 📈 Leaders attribute the worsening situation to increased development, particularly in valley areas, and antiquated infrastructure like storm drains that cannot handle heavy rainfall.
• 🏞️ Creeks and rivers are rising with nowhere for water to go, exacerbated by sediment buildup in riverbeds that reduces their depth and capacity.
• 🏗️ The development of more affordable housing, often mandated by the state, is contributing to increased asphalt surfaces, leading to greater rainwater runoff.

Calls for Government Action

• 💰 The primary request from local leaders is the completion of the Green Brook Flood Commission project, which has been stalled for over 30 years despite having substantial funding.
• 🚤 They are also urging for the dredging of rivers to remove accumulated sediment and restore their original depths.
• 🏛️ Leaders are seeking federal government assistance and express frustration with FEMA, questioning why they are fighting to provide aid for areas that have paid into the system.
• 🏘️ There is also a need for buyouts for some homes and a reduction in flood insurance costs, which could have been facilitated by the timely completion of flood control projects.

Ongoing Challenges and Future Concerns

• ⚠️ Despite the significant damage, mayors have been informed that their towns' damage does not rise to the level of receiving FEMA assistance.
• 😥 Residents are facing extensive cleanups and claims, with the looming anxiety of the next storm always present.
• 😟 There is a sentiment that people are becoming desensitized to these extreme weather events, which leaders emphasize is not a normal or acceptable situation.