As the Borough prepares to celebrate its 125th Anniversary, I am reminded of the development and growth the community has experienced throughout the years. I am honored to be a part of the Borough’s continued history and redevelopment within the community.
The first major redevelopment project, Lakeside Commons Apartment, is nearing completion and this four story facility offers 52 one and two bedroom rental units. The complex will assist with the stabilization of taxes along with stimulating growth within the downtown area as it is within walking distance to shops, eateries, entertainment and local transit system.
As the lead agency, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) partners with States and communities in an effort to collect data to identify flood hazards and assess flood risks. The data collected is incorporated into flood maps known as Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) that supports the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and are the basis for community floodplain management regulations and flood insurance requirements. Recently, the Flood Hazard Mapping study for the Borough of Pompton Lakes was completed and the flood maps have been revised. The Borough continues to object to changes within the revised maps and has appealed the revisions. The Borough has received the Letter of Final Determination and the revised FEMA Flood Maps will take effect on April 17, 2020. The new revised maps change the mapped flood hazard as well as building and insurance requirements.
In an effort to alert residents of the FEMA mapping changes, the Mayor and Council, along with the Flood Advisory Board will host a presentation for Flood Hazard Mapping Revisions and Updates. The presentation is scheduled for Thursday, February 27, 2020 at 7:30 and Nick Agnoli, Engineer and Borough CRS Consultant will identify the map changes, flood insurance risks and mitigation actions. I strongly urge residents to attend this presentation along with contacting their insurance company to further explore flood insurance options.
As winter continues, I would remind all residents to remove their vehicles during snow events until the roadways are cleared, basketball hoops should be removed from roadways, remove snow from your sidewalks and do not throw snow into the roadways. If your home is located near a fire hydrant clear the snow around the hydrant. Please be safe in the winter months.
Until next time,
Mayor Michael Serra