Wednesday, January 25 - 3:20 p.m. - Since August 28th, Governor Shumlin, FEMA and Vermonters across the state continue to work towards rebuilding Vermont better than the way Irene found us.Watch the Governor speak on how local recovery with state support allows for success in our Green Mountain State.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Fairfax Board Endorses [Pre] Disaster Recovery Plan
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors today endorsed the first comprehensive disaster recovery plan in the National Capital Region. The Fairfax County Pre-Disaster Recovery Plan (PDRP) is the work of a federally-funded project led by the County Office of Emergency Management and positions Fairfax County to successfully recover from a major disaster.“The PDRP will help ensure Fairfax County can not only survive a disaster, but will be able to recover from it as the great county it is today,” Chairman Sharon Bulova said. “Recovery isn’t just about removing debris or repairing property. We must be ready to get back to work and patronize our local businesses to keep our economy moving. We must be ready to take our kids to school and to reclaim our social lives. We must be ready to face the new day.”
The plan includes partnerships with community organizations like Faith Communities in Action and local Chambers of Commerce. It considers post-disaster community needs holistically, and in coordination with our partners, it will assist the community in addressing the overwhelming and diverse issues that could arise once response activities have subsided.
“The PDRP has been praised by federal economic and emergency management officials, and localities across the country are looking to it as a model for their disaster recovery plans,” Chairman Bulova said. “Our Office of Emergency Management personnel and their director, David McKernan, are to be applauded for their efforts.”
The U.S. Economic Development Administration is currently promoting the plan as a “best practice” on their National Disaster Recovery Framework Rollout tour. Requests for more information on the project have come from multiple jurisdictions, including Los Angeles, California; Garland, Texas; and King County, Washington.
To view the final Fairfax County Pre-Disaster Recovery Plan and read about the extensive process used to develop it, visit http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/oem/pdrp/ .
Joplin leaders endorse tornado recovery plan
Thu, Jan. 19, 2012, KANSAS CITY STAR kansascity.com
JOPLIN, Mo. | Community leaders in Joplin have resoundingly endorsed a long-term tornado recovery plan they hope will serve as a national example for other disaster-ravaged areas. The standing ovations and shouts of praise from a grateful public Thursday night were a good start.
The Joplin City Council, school board and Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Board of Aldermen in neighboring Duquesne, swiftly approved the recovery plan at a meeting that ended after barely 30 minutes, though it was scheduled to last two hours. The only hiccup: passing a microphone from one end to the other of a U-shaped table crammed with 45 elected officials and business owners.
The plan was developed by a group of volunteers based on comments offered by area residents at a series of public discussions that began several weeks after the May 22 tornado, one of the nation's deadliest, killed 161 people and destroyed thousands of buildings, from homes and churches to big-box retail businesses and one of the city's two hospitals.
Recommendations include creation of four new business districts that would also allow residents to live and shop nearby. The plan also calls for a city committee to ensure new construction meets certain design standards, including more landscaping to offset commercial projects and parking lots.
Friday, January 27, 2012
A Big Check To Help In Recovery in Owego NY
Owego, NY (WBNG Binghamton) The Tioga County Historical Society is still struggling to recover from September's floods. Sunday afternoon, it received some financial assistance to speed up the process.
The historical society was given a $13,000 grant Sunday from the Preservation League of New York State.
Read more...
The historical society was given a $13,000 grant Sunday from the Preservation League of New York State.
Read more...
By Brandi Devine, January 22, 2012 wbng.com
Village of Owego NY flood recovery update
Owegopennysaver.com On 1/16/12 •
The Village of Owego is moving ahead on many fronts to help village residents and businesses recover from flood damage. A FEMA Long-Term Community Recovery team led by Peter Gozza, a Long-Term Community Recovery leader, and a staff of three people with experience in post disaster economic recovery will be working in the village. They will be meeting with a Community Recovery Committee of local business people and community leaders to develop a strategic plan for economic recovery.
A New York state grant for Long-Term Community Recovery for $50,000 is being applied for. This grant can be used to help the village review and update the Village Master Plan that was done in 2003. The 2003 Village Master Plan is on the village web site under Departments> Department of Public Works (DPW). The Village of Owego Planning Board met on Tuesday, Jan 10 to discuss reviewing and updating the Village Master Plan.
The village is applying for a $ 3,000,000 Hazard Mitigation Grant that will help homeowners elevate their homes. Homeowners who had flood insurance can get a one time $30,000 increased cost of compliance ( ICC) grant from their insurance company to elevate. A sign up sheet has been available at the village office to show that you are interested. There will be a prioritization of properties done after the grant is awarded. For more information call the Village Clerk / Treasurer at 687-3555.
The village will be participating in the development of a new Tioga County All Hazards Mitigation Plan to replace the one that ended in October 2011. This plan is needed before a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) for Remnants of Tropical Storm Lee (DR-4031) funds can be distributed in Tioga County. Owego Deputy Mayor Kevin Millar is the village representative to the Tioga County Hazard Mitigation group that will be working on the Tioga County All Hazard Mitigation Plan. There will be a consulting firm experienced in hazard mitigation plan development contracted by Tioga County to help develop the plan.
READ MORE...
The Village of Owego is moving ahead on many fronts to help village residents and businesses recover from flood damage. A FEMA Long-Term Community Recovery team led by Peter Gozza, a Long-Term Community Recovery leader, and a staff of three people with experience in post disaster economic recovery will be working in the village. They will be meeting with a Community Recovery Committee of local business people and community leaders to develop a strategic plan for economic recovery.
A New York state grant for Long-Term Community Recovery for $50,000 is being applied for. This grant can be used to help the village review and update the Village Master Plan that was done in 2003. The 2003 Village Master Plan is on the village web site under Departments> Department of Public Works (DPW). The Village of Owego Planning Board met on Tuesday, Jan 10 to discuss reviewing and updating the Village Master Plan.
The village is applying for a $ 3,000,000 Hazard Mitigation Grant that will help homeowners elevate their homes. Homeowners who had flood insurance can get a one time $30,000 increased cost of compliance ( ICC) grant from their insurance company to elevate. A sign up sheet has been available at the village office to show that you are interested. There will be a prioritization of properties done after the grant is awarded. For more information call the Village Clerk / Treasurer at 687-3555.
The village will be participating in the development of a new Tioga County All Hazards Mitigation Plan to replace the one that ended in October 2011. This plan is needed before a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) for Remnants of Tropical Storm Lee (DR-4031) funds can be distributed in Tioga County. Owego Deputy Mayor Kevin Millar is the village representative to the Tioga County Hazard Mitigation group that will be working on the Tioga County All Hazard Mitigation Plan. There will be a consulting firm experienced in hazard mitigation plan development contracted by Tioga County to help develop the plan.
READ MORE...
Friday, January 20, 2012
Residents think of ways to revitalize Athens Borough
Morning-times.com 12-13-11
Several residents talk to a FEMA official during Monday’s meeting at Athens High School. Pat McDonald/Morning TimesATHENS BOROUGH – Athens Borough residents Monday brainstormed on ways to bring the borough back after the recent flooding.
Several Athens Borough business owners attended Monday’s meeting. Pat McDonald/Morning Times“Together we can shape what will happen,” said Maslin. She said the borough now has the opportunity to come back even stronger.
Residents think of ways to revitalize Athens Borough
Several residents talk to a FEMA official during Monday’s meeting at Athens High School. Pat McDonald/Morning TimesATHENS BOROUGH – Athens Borough residents Monday brainstormed on ways to bring the borough back after the recent flooding.A community meeting was held in the Athens Area High School cafeteria on long-term community recovery with local and Federal Emergency Management Agency officials.
Athens Borough Emergency Management Coordinator, and co-chair of the Athens Recovery Steering Committee Scott Riley headed the meeting alongside co-chair Yvonne Maslin. Riley and Maslin created the committee with the help of FEMA, Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency officials and Bradford County Emergency Management Agency representatives.
“Hopefully, this will help move the borough forward,” said Riley.
“It will take all of us to put all of the pieces of Athens back together,” Maslin said to residents, adding that Athens is not the same after the recent flooding and will not be again.
Several Athens Borough business owners attended Monday’s meeting. Pat McDonald/Morning Times“Together we can shape what will happen,” said Maslin. She said the borough now has the opportunity to come back even stronger.Before creating a new community, Maslin said residents have to decide what they liked about the borough before the recent flooding and how they would like to be after it is revitalized.
Long-Term Recovery
John Boyle of FEMA, who is specifically working on long-term community recovery, said the Athens Borough Steering Committee and its FEMA consultants have also been speaking with agencies such as the Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Committee and the Central Bradford Progress Authority on ways to find funding for the borough once reconstruction plans are devised.
Minot Adopts FEMA Recovery Plan
KFYR TV News, Dec 19th, 2011
The City of Minot has approved a comprehensive, long-term recovery plan. See Plan
FEMA published the plan December 7, after months of public input following the Souris River Flood. Now that the Minot City Council is on-board attention turns to getting started and footing the bill.
Six months since the Souris River`s crest through Minot, emotions are still raw in neighborhoods... Inside Minot City Hall elected officials approved a FEMA plan that aims to get the region back on its feet.
More than 150 pages in length with a completion date years from now, it`s a challenge, but Minot Mayor Curt Zimbelman says the investment is worth it. "A lot of times these kinda plans get set on the shelf and are never looked at again but I think this is the kinda plan that we can honestly take a good hard try at and accomplish," Zimbelman said after Monday`s City Council Meeting.
Building affordable housing, promoting economic development and building parks are all priorities of the plan. Now, the minds behind the final draft say it`s important that communities work quickly to get the smaller- more manageable projects completed first.
"A lot of the things we`ve worked on in previous disasters we start with the small things, work on those, get those accomplished, and then start working on biggest things. It`s kinda that confidence builder if you will," said FEMA representative Steve Greene.
The other reason planners put smaller things first: money. Big undertakings such as improving traffic along Burdick Expressway as well as a miles-long greenway will be expensive and while this plan doesn`t come with a check- it isn`t without suggestions.
Greene said, "We don`t guarantee funding but the one thing we can do is start asking our federal and state partners what programs they have out there that these communities can take advantage of."
Will it be expensive? Definitely; but Zimbelman says the cost is worth it, "Can`t let that hold you back. You have to have a vision and I think this sets us on a track for a better Minot at the end."
Nothing about this plan is set in stone, but Minot leaders hope this will be the bed rock of a healthier city.
Ward County Commissioners will discuss the plan Tuesday.
The City of Minot has approved a comprehensive, long-term recovery plan. See Plan
Six months since the Souris River`s crest through Minot, emotions are still raw in neighborhoods... Inside Minot City Hall elected officials approved a FEMA plan that aims to get the region back on its feet.
More than 150 pages in length with a completion date years from now, it`s a challenge, but Minot Mayor Curt Zimbelman says the investment is worth it. "A lot of times these kinda plans get set on the shelf and are never looked at again but I think this is the kinda plan that we can honestly take a good hard try at and accomplish," Zimbelman said after Monday`s City Council Meeting.
Building affordable housing, promoting economic development and building parks are all priorities of the plan. Now, the minds behind the final draft say it`s important that communities work quickly to get the smaller- more manageable projects completed first.
"A lot of the things we`ve worked on in previous disasters we start with the small things, work on those, get those accomplished, and then start working on biggest things. It`s kinda that confidence builder if you will," said FEMA representative Steve Greene.
The other reason planners put smaller things first: money. Big undertakings such as improving traffic along Burdick Expressway as well as a miles-long greenway will be expensive and while this plan doesn`t come with a check- it isn`t without suggestions.
Greene said, "We don`t guarantee funding but the one thing we can do is start asking our federal and state partners what programs they have out there that these communities can take advantage of."
Will it be expensive? Definitely; but Zimbelman says the cost is worth it, "Can`t let that hold you back. You have to have a vision and I think this sets us on a track for a better Minot at the end."
Nothing about this plan is set in stone, but Minot leaders hope this will be the bed rock of a healthier city.
Ward County Commissioners will discuss the plan Tuesday.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Podcast & Photo Gallery: Cedar Rapids Flood Recovery — An Interview with Christine Butterfield
November 9, 2011 - American Planning Association - Recovery News
Christine Butterfield is the director of community development for the city of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, which was hit by a record-breaking flood in June 2008. She speaks here about the extensive planning effort to rebuild a city in which more than 10,000 people were evacuated from areas along the Cedar River, historic neighborhoods were inundated, and thousands of residents lost their homes or saw them badly damaged.
At the APA National Planning Conference in Boston in April 2011, she and her staff saw the city’s heroic efforts recognized with an APA National Planning Excellence Award for Best Practices in Hazard Mitigation and Disaster Planning, shared with Sasaki Associates, Inc., for the city’s new River Corridor Development Plan.
Vote nears on new codes for buildings
By Jason Morton, Staff Writer, Tuscaloosanews.com
Published: Wednesday, December 14, 2011 at 3:30 a.m
TUSCALOOSA | The Tuscaloosa City Council on Tuesday made a final round of tweaks to a proposed set of new building and design codes for commercial areas in the tornado recovery zone.
The changes were made in anticipation of next week’s vote by the City Council to formally introduce the new rules and begin the legally required advertising period. ...
John McConnell, director of city planning, said the intent of the codes, as influenced by the Tuscaloosa Forward task force and community input, was to create and establish urban and retail areas that are also suitable for walking. ...
For more information, or to review the proposed code changes and zoning maps, go to http://tuscaloosaforward.com/recovery-planning/zoning.
FULL ARTICLE
Joplin: A city rising from the rubble
| By Eric Adler, Laura Bauer and Mike McGraw, The Kansas City Star, Mo. | |
| McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
Last month,
"We would all love to be seven months into this and say everything is rebuilt and we're all done,"
As the year that will define
Attitude aside, the tornado also heaved up a wave of problems that many acknowledge will take more than bricks, mortar and a can-do spirit to stem.
Exactly what the rebuilt city -- population some 50,000 before the tornado -- will or should look like continues to be debated.
In November, the city's Citizens Advisory Recovery Team, a panel of some 100 residents, community and city leaders -- offered the
The thinking is that the black cloud that tossed homes, schools, businesses and some 15,000 cars into twisted heaps might also offer a silver-lining opportunity -- urban planning by tornado, just as tiny
The recommendations from the team, known as CART, ranged from bike lanes in all areas of new construction to storm shelters in new schools. It included a mixed-use pilot neighborhood that might serve as a model for future urban core construction: energy-efficient homes with underground utilities on a block where retail mixes with residential.
"I don't think we do justice to the lives that were lost, the people who were injured in the storm, if we don't do our part to build back better than what we had before," said Joplin School Superintendent C.J. Huff, a CART member. "If you don't take this opportunity to build back better and stronger, then we weren't the community I thought we were when I decided to come here."
But there lies a tension:
While planning for the future, city leaders also know they must deal with the here and now, striving to rebuild the city as quickly as possible and return to normal knowing "normal" will have to be redefined.
If displaced residents don't return -- and no one knows how many will -- city and school coffers are certain to suffer.
"I have no doubt we're going to lose families," said Huff, who is nonetheless hopeful. "I know we're going to gain some families in the years to come."
Sixty percent of the district's budget comes from property taxes....
FULL ARTICLE
But there lies a tension:
While planning for the future, city leaders also know they must deal with the here and now, striving to rebuild the city as quickly as possible and return to normal knowing "normal" will have to be redefined.
If displaced residents don't return -- and no one knows how many will -- city and school coffers are certain to suffer.
"I have no doubt we're going to lose families," said Huff, who is nonetheless hopeful. "I know we're going to gain some families in the years to come."
Sixty percent of the district's budget comes from property taxes....
FULL ARTICLE
Friday, December 16, 2011
Waterbury holds second forum on plan for rebuilding post-Irene on Dec. 15
by | December 13, 2011
COMMUNITY INVITED TO JOIN LONG-TERM FLOOD RECOVERY BRAINSTORMING SESSION THURSDAY NIGHT AT TBPS
PUBLIC MEETING INCLUDES THE PREMIERE OF A VIDEO ABOUT WATERBURY IN THE AFTERMATH OF TROPICAL STORM IRENE
The process to plan for Waterbury’s long-term recovery from Tropical Storm Irene’s destruction got underway recently and continues with another brainstorming session at 7 p.m. Thursday in the Thatcher Brook Primary School gym. The Waterbury Long-Term Community Recovery Committee partnering with the state of Vermont and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, will host a workshop where they hope many Waterbury-area residents will attend to help share ideas for rebuilding the community.
More...
COMMUNITY INVITED TO JOIN LONG-TERM FLOOD RECOVERY BRAINSTORMING SESSION THURSDAY NIGHT AT TBPS
PUBLIC MEETING INCLUDES THE PREMIERE OF A VIDEO ABOUT WATERBURY IN THE AFTERMATH OF TROPICAL STORM IRENE
The process to plan for Waterbury’s long-term recovery from Tropical Storm Irene’s destruction got underway recently and continues with another brainstorming session at 7 p.m. Thursday in the Thatcher Brook Primary School gym. The Waterbury Long-Term Community Recovery Committee partnering with the state of Vermont and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, will host a workshop where they hope many Waterbury-area residents will attend to help share ideas for rebuilding the community.
More...
Monday, December 5, 2011
Quick Response Helps Put Alabama on the Road to Recovery
By: Jim McKay and Marty Pastula on November 28, 2011, Emergencymgmt.com
On April 27, Robert Bentley’s 100th day in office as governor of Alabama, more than 50 tornadoes slammed the state, killing 243 people, severely damaging or destroying more than 15,000 homes and causing property damage estimated at between $2 billion and $5 billion. It was the deadliest tornado day since the 1925 Tri-State tornadoes and one of the costliest natural disasters in history.
Bentley earned praise for his leadership and decisive nature in response to the storms.Emergency Management magazine sat down with Bentley in August to discuss the state’s response to the tornadoes and the ongoing recovery efforts.
...How do you facilitate the recovery of the business community?
The [U.S. Small Business Administration] came in and set up in every area to help with small business loans. We also did some things to facilitate that with some of our manufacturing jobs. For instance, up at Hackleburg, where an EF5 tornado totally destroyed the town, we worked with the Wrangler plant there to not only save the 150 jobs in that small town, but because of the incentives and the package that we put together, we talked them into expanding to 200 jobs. That was one industry that we felt we had to save because if we did not save Wrangler, then Hackleburg would have disappeared.
Tuscaloosa had 1,000 businesses that were destroyed and 7,500 jobs were lost. But many of those have already started reopening and after their long-term plan for the city takes place, then those will be rebuilt and most of them had insurance. We did see a spike in our unemployment [in July], and I expect it to a go a little higher [in September].
It has been estimated that we will have about 50,000, at least temporary, jobs because of this rebuilding effort, and if that takes place it will bring our unemployment rate — which is at 9.9 percent — down to probably 7 percent. A lot of those are temporary jobs, but longtime permanent jobs will increase because there is stimulation in the economy with all the rebuilding taking place.
More...
On April 27, Robert Bentley’s 100th day in office as governor of Alabama, more than 50 tornadoes slammed the state, killing 243 people, severely damaging or destroying more than 15,000 homes and causing property damage estimated at between $2 billion and $5 billion. It was the deadliest tornado day since the 1925 Tri-State tornadoes and one of the costliest natural disasters in history.
Bentley earned praise for his leadership and decisive nature in response to the storms.Emergency Management magazine sat down with Bentley in August to discuss the state’s response to the tornadoes and the ongoing recovery efforts.
...How do you facilitate the recovery of the business community?
The [U.S. Small Business Administration] came in and set up in every area to help with small business loans. We also did some things to facilitate that with some of our manufacturing jobs. For instance, up at Hackleburg, where an EF5 tornado totally destroyed the town, we worked with the Wrangler plant there to not only save the 150 jobs in that small town, but because of the incentives and the package that we put together, we talked them into expanding to 200 jobs. That was one industry that we felt we had to save because if we did not save Wrangler, then Hackleburg would have disappeared.
Tuscaloosa had 1,000 businesses that were destroyed and 7,500 jobs were lost. But many of those have already started reopening and after their long-term plan for the city takes place, then those will be rebuilt and most of them had insurance. We did see a spike in our unemployment [in July], and I expect it to a go a little higher [in September].
It has been estimated that we will have about 50,000, at least temporary, jobs because of this rebuilding effort, and if that takes place it will bring our unemployment rate — which is at 9.9 percent — down to probably 7 percent. A lot of those are temporary jobs, but longtime permanent jobs will increase because there is stimulation in the economy with all the rebuilding taking place.
More...
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
NY Dept of State Makes Long Term Community Recovery Strategy Grants available
The following is excerpted from the NY State web-site announcing this grant to aid communities in developing and implementing strategies for Long Term Community Recovery:
http://www.dos.ny.gov/communityprojects/rfa-11-cstl-10/index.html
1.10 Background
Planning for recovery takes time, leadership, resources, and support from community stakeholders. This grant program will augment current efforts to help communities with the most damage and least capacity to develop strategies for long-term recovery.
The resultant long-term recovery strategy will ensure rebuilding that strengthens community vitality, maximizes use of available funds, and reduces future flood related damages. In the wake of the disaster, many of the affected communities have received federal and state assistance, and untold hours of volunteer services to help meet basic shelter, humanitarian and cleanup needs. As communities move beyond the immediate recovery phase of a disaster, long-term community recovery planning can help focus their efforts by establishing a vision for how they will rebuild and reduce their vulnerability to future disasters.
1.20 Funding Availability
The Long-Term Community Recovery (LTCR) Strategy Grant is a competitive grant program to aid a community in developing a strategy for long-term community recovery of the storm-struck area identified in the application. The Department of State (DOS) will make approximately twelve grants of up to $50,000. DOS reserves the right to make additional awards if funds are available. There will be up to two grant rounds based on funding availability.
CONTACT INFORMATION
General Program Information & Inquiries
Peter Walsh
NYS Department of State
Communities and Waterfronts
One Commerce Plaza
99 Washington Avenue, Suite 1015
Albany, New York 12231
Coastal@dos.state.ny.us
(518) 474-6000
Proposal SubmissionLuAnn Hart, Contract Administration Unit
Attention: RFA 11-CSTL-10
NYS Department of State Bureau of Fiscal Management
One Commerce Plaza, Suite 1110
99 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12231
LTCR Strategy Application Form (msword)
http://www.dos.ny.gov/communityprojects/rfa-11-cstl-10/index.html
1.10 Background
Planning for recovery takes time, leadership, resources, and support from community stakeholders. This grant program will augment current efforts to help communities with the most damage and least capacity to develop strategies for long-term recovery.
The resultant long-term recovery strategy will ensure rebuilding that strengthens community vitality, maximizes use of available funds, and reduces future flood related damages. In the wake of the disaster, many of the affected communities have received federal and state assistance, and untold hours of volunteer services to help meet basic shelter, humanitarian and cleanup needs. As communities move beyond the immediate recovery phase of a disaster, long-term community recovery planning can help focus their efforts by establishing a vision for how they will rebuild and reduce their vulnerability to future disasters.
1.20 Funding Availability
The Long-Term Community Recovery (LTCR) Strategy Grant is a competitive grant program to aid a community in developing a strategy for long-term community recovery of the storm-struck area identified in the application. The Department of State (DOS) will make approximately twelve grants of up to $50,000. DOS reserves the right to make additional awards if funds are available. There will be up to two grant rounds based on funding availability.
| Round 1 Application Due Date | January 12, 2012 by 4:00 pm | |
| Round 2 Application Due Date | March 1, 2012 by 4:00 pm | |
CONTACT INFORMATION
General Program Information & Inquiries
Peter Walsh
NYS Department of State
Communities and Waterfronts
One Commerce Plaza
99 Washington Avenue, Suite 1015
Albany, New York 12231
Coastal@dos.state.ny.us
(518) 474-6000
Proposal SubmissionLuAnn Hart, Contract Administration Unit
Attention: RFA 11-CSTL-10
NYS Department of State Bureau of Fiscal Management
One Commerce Plaza, Suite 1110
99 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12231
Documents
Descrpition of program and Request for Applictions: LTCR RFA (pdf)LTCR Strategy Application Form (msword)
Governor Cuomo's Storm Task Force Holds Summit to Assess Recovery Efforts
PRESSS RELEASE, STATE OF NY, Nov 28, 2011
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's Upstate Storm and Recovery Task Force today held a summit to assess the state's ongoing recovery efforts in response to the damage caused by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. The meeting was held in the Town of Windham and included state agency commissioners, local elected officials, community representatives, and was chaired by Lieutenant Governor Robert Duffy.
...
Main Street Fund
Up to $3 million has been made available through the New York State Agricultural and Community Recovery Fund to provide money to Main Street businesses in some of the hardest hit areas. This funding is available to be requested by counties on behalf of businesses and building owners to help revitalize local economies. Eligible entities will be able to apply for assistance to, among other things; rehabilitate buildings for commercial and main street residential use, repair and replace permanent fixtures and equipment, as well as for inventory and working capital.
The first round of these awards has been determined with Greene, Schoharie, and Delaware counties each receiving $500,000. The initial funds will go to businesses and building owners in the following municipalities: Greene County: Prattsville, Hunter, Windham, and Catskill; Schoharie County: Middleburgh and Schoharie; Delaware County: Margaretville, Fleischmanns and Sidney. Applications are still being accepted for subsequent rounds of grants in all affected counties, including the three with awards announced today, and awards are expected to be distributed in the near future.
...
Department of State's Long-Term Community Recovery Program
The Long Term Community Recovery Program will help towns and villages with technical expertise as they develop recovery strategies and design rebuilding projects to reestablish vibrant communities that are less vulnerable to future flooding. The program will provide financial assistance, up to $50,000 per grant, on a competitive basis. The grants will provide money to hire technical experts, consultants, and fund comprehensive strategic planning for the rebuilding of housing, economic, infrastructure and environmental projects. Applications may be submitted by affected municipalities or by counties or not-for-profits on their behalf. The total amount of grant funds presently available for this program is $789,896. The round 1 application deadline is January 12, 2012 at 4:00 p.m., and the round 2 deadline is March 1, 2012 at 4:00 p.m.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Town may move fire, police departments
November 23rd, 2011, by
WILMINTON, VT Could Wilmington’s flooding disaster become an opportunity to improve town services? Selectboard members began exploring options for municipal and emergency services this week, as part of their post-Irene long-range planning process.
On Friday afternoon, board members held their first discussion on a report produced by their long-range planning committee. Among the topics the committee explored were several options for relocating the municipal offices, the Wilmington Police Department, and the Wilmington Fire Department.
Some of the ideas the board identified for further study include redevelopment or renovation of the current town garage site on Beaver Street as a combined police/fire department building, renovating the current town hall with all municipal offices and records upstairs and meeting or retail space on the first floor, and leasing facilities.
The board also discussed whether it would be possible to build any new facilities. Board member Meg Streeter questioned the wisdom of trying to build new facilities, noting that the new town highway department garage, which is currently under construction, was initially proposed nearly 17 years ago.
“We could never afford it,” added selectboard chair Tom Consolino. “Time is a factor,” said town manager Paul Myers.
But board members agreed that relocating the town’s emergency services out of the flood zone was preferable to the alternative – putting them back in the buildings that flooded in August.
Myers said the police department’s location at town hall was less than optimal. “Their cruisers are parked out on Main Street, there’s limited area to hold someone pending processing, and limited office space. They like this (former Rite Aid) space better than the town office space.”
“The committee felt that going back into that space wasn’t a good idea,” said economic development consultant Bill Colvin, who served on the committee. But Colvin noted that the committee felt the town should avoid a solution that would include a bond vote.
Remainder of article...
WILMINTON, VT Could Wilmington’s flooding disaster become an opportunity to improve town services? Selectboard members began exploring options for municipal and emergency services this week, as part of their post-Irene long-range planning process.
On Friday afternoon, board members held their first discussion on a report produced by their long-range planning committee. Among the topics the committee explored were several options for relocating the municipal offices, the Wilmington Police Department, and the Wilmington Fire Department.
Some of the ideas the board identified for further study include redevelopment or renovation of the current town garage site on Beaver Street as a combined police/fire department building, renovating the current town hall with all municipal offices and records upstairs and meeting or retail space on the first floor, and leasing facilities.
The board also discussed whether it would be possible to build any new facilities. Board member Meg Streeter questioned the wisdom of trying to build new facilities, noting that the new town highway department garage, which is currently under construction, was initially proposed nearly 17 years ago.
“We could never afford it,” added selectboard chair Tom Consolino. “Time is a factor,” said town manager Paul Myers.
But board members agreed that relocating the town’s emergency services out of the flood zone was preferable to the alternative – putting them back in the buildings that flooded in August.
Myers said the police department’s location at town hall was less than optimal. “Their cruisers are parked out on Main Street, there’s limited area to hold someone pending processing, and limited office space. They like this (former Rite Aid) space better than the town office space.”
“The committee felt that going back into that space wasn’t a good idea,” said economic development consultant Bill Colvin, who served on the committee. But Colvin noted that the committee felt the town should avoid a solution that would include a bond vote.
Remainder of article...
The Greening of Greensburg
Posted: 11/21/11 01:31 PM ET, Vicky Collins, Huffington Post
Very early in the morning on May 5, 2007 I got a call from NBC News to hurry from Denver to Greensburg, Kansas. There had been a huge tornado and the town was devastated. Go! Go! When I pulled into the town six hours later I was stunned to see wreckage so complete that even the bark had been pulled off the trees. These skeleton sentinals stood over a community of people who were lost and dazed. The EF-5 tornado had 205 mile per hour sustained winds. Almost the entire town was in ruins. It was apocalyptic.
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Almost five years later I returned to Greensburg, and what I saw was as stunning as that first post-disaster morning. The town is cleaned up and there are beautiful new buildings. The school, the hospital, City Hall and the John Deere dealership are all built back to the highest environmental standard called LEED Platinum. There is a pretty little Main Street with shops and even a business incubator sponsored by Sun Chips. People are living in new eco-friendly homes and are saving up to 2/3 on their utility bills. And there are wind turbines everywhere powering the community. Imagine using the same wind that destroyed you to help resurrect yourself!
Remainder of article...
Very early in the morning on May 5, 2007 I got a call from NBC News to hurry from Denver to Greensburg, Kansas. There had been a huge tornado and the town was devastated. Go! Go! When I pulled into the town six hours later I was stunned to see wreckage so complete that even the bark had been pulled off the trees. These skeleton sentinals stood over a community of people who were lost and dazed. The EF-5 tornado had 205 mile per hour sustained winds. Almost the entire town was in ruins. It was apocalyptic.
...
Almost five years later I returned to Greensburg, and what I saw was as stunning as that first post-disaster morning. The town is cleaned up and there are beautiful new buildings. The school, the hospital, City Hall and the John Deere dealership are all built back to the highest environmental standard called LEED Platinum. There is a pretty little Main Street with shops and even a business incubator sponsored by Sun Chips. People are living in new eco-friendly homes and are saving up to 2/3 on their utility bills. And there are wind turbines everywhere powering the community. Imagine using the same wind that destroyed you to help resurrect yourself!
Remainder of article...
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Residents get chance to plan redevelopment
Posted: November 27, Timesleader.com
Residents get chance to plan redevelopment
SHICKSHINNY – Borough residents might be wondering just who those people in polo shirts wandering through their community are and why they’re passing out fliers.
Caption: Shickshinny Mayor Beverly Moore addresses the town’s Long Term Community Recovery Steering Committee in the basement of First United Methodist Church during its first meeting.
Residents get chance to plan redevelopment
SHICKSHINNY – Borough residents might be wondering just who those people in polo shirts wandering through their community are and why they’re passing out fliers.
They are the members of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Long Term Community Recovery Team, and they’re here to help the town make a comeback, said team leader Shea Christilaw.
The LTCR team, comprised of municipal planners, is spending the next three months in the borough to help the community shape a new direction as residents and businesses work to recover from Sept. 9 flooding that ravaged nearly all of the town’s homes and all but one of its 28 businesses.
Shickshinny and Athens, Bradford County, are the only two Pennsylvania communities marked by FEMA to receive long-term recovery assistance following a five-point plan called Heart-and-Soul Community Planning.
“It’s finding out what makes Shickshinny special and using those things and places … to plan for the future,” Christilaw said.
“We don’t want to lose what gives Shickshinny its character. We want to make sure those special places are preserved and those values are carried through even in the face of change, because things are going to change,” she explained at a recent “story circle” meeting at First United Methodist Church.
Christilaw said the team will help create a long-term recovery plan.
Many voices
Many voices
The process should include everyone: council, business owners and residents. A committee of community members – residents, business owners, senior citizens, students – and a few Luzerne County representatives will help steer the process, she said.
The Rev. Terry Hughes, pastor of First United Methodist and a steering committee member, said the process is an opportunity “to paint the picture of Shickshinny the way you envision it.”
“One person says I think Shickshinny should look like this, another person says it should look like that. When you put all of them together, what are the things that are in common? These are the things that we need for Shickshinny for it to feel like home,” Hughes said.
Read more: http://www.timesleader.com/news/Residents_get_chance_to_plan_redevelopment_11-27-2011.html#ixzz1exBqTvHkCaption: Shickshinny Mayor Beverly Moore addresses the town’s Long Term Community Recovery Steering Committee in the basement of First United Methodist Church during its first meeting.
Shickshinny on the mend
Residents’ spirits high in flooded river town
The answers are a little different for everyone, but they follow a common theme – a strong thread that seems to weave through this river town community, reinforcing it to withstand a disaster that inflicted millions of dollars in damage to nearly all of the town’s 430 housing units and all but one of its 28 businesses and might otherwise have torn it apart.
Learning from history
Read more: http://www.timesleader.com/news/Shickshinny_on_the_mend_11-27-2011.html#ixzz1ex5BtDtr
SHICKSHINNY,PA – Why come back? How many times can you start over?
They’re reasonable questions to ask residents and business owners in a small town with limited resources that has been flooded out numerous times over the last 40 years, the most devastating event this past September.
They’re reasonable questions to ask residents and business owners in a small town with limited resources that has been flooded out numerous times over the last 40 years, the most devastating event this past September.
Clarence Lewis wants to live in a town made special by its sense of community.
“You can’t go to Philadelphia, you can’t go to Allentown, you can’t go to Wilkes-Barre as we know it and sit down in the coffee shop and talk to the baker or the people who own it and say, ‘We want a doughnut named Flood Mud.’ … And the next thing you know, everybody is coming in asking for those things. It’s the (sense of) family that’s coming out,” Lewis said.
Pizza shop owner Jim Houseknecht likes that the town is small and safe, yet busy enough to support his livelihood.
The answers are a little different for everyone, but they follow a common theme – a strong thread that seems to weave through this river town community, reinforcing it to withstand a disaster that inflicted millions of dollars in damage to nearly all of the town’s 430 housing units and all but one of its 28 businesses and might otherwise have torn it apart.
The mayor of the borough of 838 residents seems to have a good grasp on what makes the town special and worth saving as well as why so many of her constituents wish to remain and are determined to see it thrive once again.
“We could have a fire that devastates the town. We could have sinkholes open up. For the love of God, we had an earthquake. You have to deal with it. There is no absolute safe place. So why would you not be where you feel you’re the happiest?” Mayor Beverly Moore said in a recent interview.
“I love this town. Everybody here knows just about everybody else. You know the people in the stores. It’s a great little place. It’s like a little secret. Just the traffic alone here could support our businesses,” she said.
Learning from history
The recent flood? She labels it an inconvenience.
“We’ve been through flooding before. Did we have a good flood plan? Absolutely. Did this last flood screw it up for me? Yup.
“But we go out as soon as we hear from (the emergency management agency), everybody starts moving their stuff, we don’t have anything hysterical going on. They all know they have to move it. You know at that point the chances are you’re going to have to replace your flooring, some of your walls,” Moore said.
She said it wouldn’t be feasible to raise up every home and business eight feet so they’re out of the flood zone. “And at the same time, I don’t think my town should become a ghost town because of it.”
Moore said Shickshinny will prepare a flood plan based on the most recent flooding that likely will address an even higher crest than the record 42.6 feet the Susquehanna River reached on Sept. 9.
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Read more: http://www.timesleader.com/news/Shickshinny_on_the_mend_11-27-2011.html#ixzz1ex5BtDtr
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