News

October 29

Residents get flood information

Shickshinny officials and FEMA discuss buyouts and repair permits.

By Jerry Lynott jlynott@timesleader.com
Business Writer
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SHICKSHINNY – Buyouts, permits and the slow pace of payments were among the topics discussed Friday night during an informational meeting for residents whose businesses and houses were damaged when the Susquehanna River flooded last month.

Approximately 75 people heard from borough and Federal Emergency Management Agency officials in the Shickshinny Volunteer Fire Co.’s hall, which had taken on 4 � feet of water in the flood and whose walls were stripped of drywall, exposing wooden studs and wiring.

Before any repairs can be done on damaged properties, permits have to be obtained, said Melissa Weber, borough secretary-treasurer.

She directed them to meet with representatives of the engineering and consulting firm of Barry Isett & Associates Inc., the borough’s code enforcement officer.

The flood plain management ordinance adopted by borough council beefed up the codes, she explained.

“They are stricter regulations than normal,” said Weber.

The firm reduced its rate, but the $104 cost was steep for some residents.

Brenda Boston said she’d comply, adding, “As long as it keeps my contractor out of trouble.”

She and her husband are repairing their McClintock Street house that had water nearly up to the second floor when the river crested at a record height of 42.66 feet on Sept. 9.

They have no plans to apply for a buyout under a program of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency or use the $30,000 available under the National Flood Insurance Program’s Increased Cost of Compliance to elevate, relocate or demolish the structure.

“We deliberately came back here (from Philadelphia two years ago),” said Boston. “We want to be here.”

She and others were upset with how long it’s taking to find out how much money they would get for repairs.

Mayor Beverly Moore said an adjuster working for the flood insurance program waited four weeks to input information of damage to residents’ properties.

“It’s not acceptable on any level whatsoever,” said Moore.

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