'Homeless in Seaside Park' Frustrated With Red Tape
Former Ocean County Director of Human Services upset with confusing mandates, insurance delays
An open letter to: President Obama, All the members of Congress, Governor Christie and members of New Jersey Senate and Assembly and to local mayors and council members
MY DESCENT INTO MADNESS BY WAY OF THE RABBIT HOLE
Super Storm Sandy has displaced seven people in my family. We all lived in Seaside Park, New Jersey. We are no different from the thousands of people who are facing what seems like insurmountable obstacles towards rebuilding our homes, our lives and our communities.
During the height of the storm our local rescue workers, emergency personal and police were heroic in their efforts to save lives and mitigate damages. The weeks following the storm were also filled with countless stories of families, neighbors, friends and strangers offering a helping hand. I have always had faith in the humanity and I was not disappointed. So many volunteers, so many offers of housing and food, countless acts of kindness and then the madness of trying to return home began.
Today, I feel like Alice in Wonderland. I have fallen into the rabbit hole and my world no longer has any logic to it. There is nowhere to go to get answers to the problems you are facing and no one place that can offer help, advocacy, guidance and real answers! The FEMA centers are certainly not the panacea of assistance they are made out to be.
I am a trained crisis counselor and I find it amazing that our government believes that families who have lost their homes, who are struggling to make sense of recent events, fully expects us to plow through hundreds of brochures on the FEMA web site, to find an answer to what needs to be done, negotiate with insurance companies, mortgage companies and contractors.
Like Alice, the characters in this new world really don’t make sense and are certainly not there to give anyone clear and concise answers. Rather like the Cheshire Cat they present you with riddles and you are left trying to figure out the answers!
I have been to the FEMA offices 5-6 times in the past 2 months. There are some very nice people there, but handing me another brochure is really NOT helpful. I have made at dozens of phone calls to various government offices to educate myself on what needs to be done, develop a plan of action and put that plan in place, all the while trying to secure temporary housing, comfort family members and grandchildren, mitigate our property and find answers to complex and confusing issues.
Here are a few of the dilemmas we face; these are not in order because they are all intertwined!
- If you rebuild your home as it was, you will not be able to afford the flood insurance premiums FEMA is putting into place (see brochure on rising flood insurance costs).
- If you want to do the right thing for the future you need to raise your home according to another FEMA brochure. However, if your home hasn’t been damaged more than 50 percent and you have not had storm damage twice in the past ten years, you are not eligible for the ICC payment of up to $30,000 to raise your home. HUH? You pay for this coverage and yet you are not eligible!
- The new FEMA flood maps seem to be in flux. So you really don’t know what your home’s flood elevation is on the new map. Then you have to wait to see what your town does in terms of adopting the new flood maps.
- Then there is “Free Board” (Not a surfing term!) which as I understand it is another level of elevation towns can adopt which will require you to raise your home, your heaters, etc. yet another 1-2 feet! This is another 1-2 feet in addition to the height elevations FEMA is strongly suggesting homes be raised to. Do the municipalities realize that with every foot you raise your home your heater, etc. that there is a related cost to the homeowner?
- In New Jersey, state government cannot implement a new requirement on without a corresponding funding source otherwise known as, “State Mandate, State Pay.” It would be nice if our federal government extended that premise to all the “suggestions” (Wink! Wink!) That FEMA is imposing on us! If we don’t follow their suggestions, our insurance rates will hit the roof. Where is the fairness in this?
- If you can’t get the ICC funds to help defer the costs of raising your home, where will you get the money to cover the additional cost of “Free Board”?
It seems to me that FEMA really wants me and thousands of others to file for bankruptcy!
- Try talking with your mortgage company to explain all this (some mortgage companies like Aurora Financial seem to be listening and are trying to find a way to help you! Others like PHH mortgage, Nation Star and others want you put back your home exactly like it was. They they don’t want to hear what FEMA requires in terms of elevations!
- Insurance adjusters are coming from all over the United States and promise reports within 7-14 days (we have been waiting 6 weeks for the reports). I called my mortgage company and they really don’t know whom they sent out to see my home!
- If you are lucky enough to get an advance payment from your insurance, the mortgage company requires you to get a release of lien and W-9 payment for each vendor/contractor you use. What vendor wants to sign a release of lien payment when they haven’t been paid?
- If the contractor signs off, but doesn’t put his title on the waiver of lien page, the mortgage company will reject the form! If you are waiting to pay the contractor, add at least 2-3 weeks unto the time frame to get your insurance advance payment back from the mortgage company, once they receive the amended document.
- You think you have done all the paperwork and you call to find out where the check is and guess what?? They need additional information and now want a statement from your insurance company stating that the contractor fees are reasonable (please see #6 my insurance company has dropped off the face of the earth, I can’t even get a report from them.)
- All the time you are trying to get all the paperwork done, the mold and mildew continues to grow in your home. If you don’t have the savings to front money forget about getting anything done in a timely fashion.
- It is my understanding by friends who have been lucky enough to get a report from their insurance company the money you think you are going to get really doesn’t happen. And another Alice in Wonderland experience begins! It seems that the insurance company depreciates everything to the point that the payment you may receive is 1/3-1/2 less than the actual replacement cost. So if you HVAC system cost you $9,000 to replace, you are lucky to get $3-5,000. And then you need to fight to get the money back from your mortgage company; who again like the Queen Of Hearts wants more paperwork, or she screams, “ Off with their heads.”
- I pay the insurance premiums; I pay the mortgage and more than anyone I want my house whole! Why do I have to struggle with my mortgage company to get money to pay the contractors? Why has getting access to your own money turned into a house of cards?? One false move and the whole thing collapse and you have to start all over! Is nothing simple and straightforward anymore?
- If you have a job, good luck keeping it in this surreal world because while you are at work you need to make dozens of calls to insurers, FEMA, SBA, contractors, Code Enforcement Officers, mortgage companies, etc. trying to get answers and they are mostly available during your regular work hours.
- So, you make calls when you can and stay up late to get the paperwork done, mailed in, and then of course redone because you never do it to the satisfaction of: FEMA, SBA, Insurance companies and mortgage companies.
- Here’s another example of the madness you face. You finally get back to work after the storm and your first day back a FEMA representative calls and says he will be at your house in 2 hours. When you explain this is your first day back to work since the storm and he says, “well if you can’t get here today, it may be 2-3 weeks before we can reschedule a site visit!” You decide.
- I can’t tell you how many agencies have asked me for me income, my tax returns, my monthly bills, debts and so on. And yet when I go on the FEMA site the security questions they ask me in order to verify that I am who I am, relate to people I knew or were married to 35 years ago, or the name of my best friend, or a street I lived on as a child. The government knows a lot about me and yet they still ask for a copy of my taxes! Really?? I can’t get help without a ream of paperwork and countless documents; which the government and the mortgage companies already have!
- Finally, let me add that in times of natural disasters our government has sent millions of dollars to other countries to help them to rebuild. I am just wondering has anyone sent money to us to help with the rebuilding of the East Coast of the United States? I know I haven’t gotten a check.
- When Congress is withholding funds, I really need to question their reasoning. Isn’t it the tax dollars that we have all been contributing for years and years? Is this not our money? Or is Congress thinking like the mortgage companies and they continue to think my money is really their money? Yet another Alice in Wonderland dilemma. My descent into madness continues!
- We need money now, not in a month or next year. Those of us with and without insurance need help to rebuild our homes. Does our United State Congress have something against New Jersey? Is it Snookie? Have we done something to offend them or am I forever doomed to living in Wonderland?
- When Katrina hit New Orleans (a city I love) we spent billions to help them out and yet it is a city that sits in a bowl surrounded by water! Did anyone tell them they had to raise their homes? If we can help New Orleans, why does the US Congress not want to help us??
I am tired and saddened by all these things and more. The emotional, financial and physical toll of this storm is taken on so many families is immeasurable. It begs the question: Who can give us clear and financially doable options to help us rebuild?
I believe I am strong person who could handle most challenges. But I doubt that I will come out of this one whole. I am asking for help and compassion from my government at the local, county, state and federal level. Without that help, we as individuals and as a state will fail to come through this crisis and I for one may never find my way out of the rabbit hole.
Please, we need answers. We need affordable, doable options so we can rebuild our homes and business. We need the insurance companies to be more responsive and the mortgage companies to know that we cannot repair anything until they release our money and we CANNOT put our homes back to the way they were. We need FEMA to understand we cannot all raise our homes and we cannot pay $10-18,000 annually for flood insurance.
The mad hatter is calling, my tea is ready and I must go. Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Sincerely,
Faith C. Liguori,
Homeless in Seaside Park, NJ
126 8th Ave
Seaside Park, NJ 08752
Floodgate
9:26 am on Monday, January 21, 2013
Perfectly said for all of us affected by this devastation worse than sandy .this should be passed on by everyone to all our leaders
Michael Capo
9:36 am on Monday, January 21, 2013
Amazing ...but sadly true My son lives in Seaside Park and he is going through the exact same mess. I wish you the best.
Faith Liguori
4:13 pm on Monday, January 21, 2013
Thank you. Please pass along to your contacts. I believe we need to ban together!
Steve
8:21 pm on Monday, January 21, 2013
I posted on Facebook.. lot's of people are reading it and saying the same thing unbelievable!! I have heard so many sad stories the last few months,
Roseanne R
7:16 am on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Faith: You comments are so perfectly and precisely laid out. Although I had a home to return to days after Sandy, the emotional toll of the Storm, our property losses and troubles have not lapsed like those who are supposed to help. Yes, FEMA looks good in its PR releases and brochures. My 17 years of timely paid flood insurance premiums (for AE zone house now apparently converted to a V zone) have got me a determination that I am not covered! My home owners insurance for a wind damage claim is like the Queen of Hearts. The small check they have received is being held hostage. I have coined myself an "OINC" - Over Insured, Not Covered". It seems to fit nicely.
And oh yes, let's not forget about the SBA loan. Applied for timely (again) only to find out we donot qualify for the low interest rate. I was given an over the phone number quote of 3.375%. What happened to the big advertsed 1.68%? We are employed and have good credit therefore we do not qualify.
My best wishes to you.
kelley dewkett
8:31 am on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
I posted on facebook also. The problems are unsurmountable for those affected. This letter was well written. I hope all of you share this so these people can be heard.
lynn bassinder
9:56 am on Monday, January 21, 2013
I agree with everything you wrote Faith. I am in the same dilemma and frustrated without getting the answers I need. Do I rebuild now and then raise my house later? Do I raise my house now? What do we all do??? No one seems to have concrete answers and we are all stuck with you in the rabbit hole.
no_money_left
10:03 am on Monday, January 21, 2013
Faith,
Thank you for taking the time to concisely document all the craziness that surrounds us and the dilemmas and pitfalls that we are dealing with.
If I wasn’t dealing with the same things, it would be so hard to believe.
I hope your letter moves more people (and our government officials) to action.
theresa Caporizzo
12:38 pm on Thursday, January 24, 2013
I wasn"t effected by Sandy ,But experienced Irene , Same issues ...
Faith , You comments are right on.....
vincent piperi
10:15 am on Monday, January 21, 2013
The original writer (Faith Liguori) of this detailed article did a GREAT job of exactly what is happening. I too feel like my life is over, doing 3-4 hrs of paperwork/phone calls everyday, time in addition to working. It's all so crazy. Can we get a petition to the Congress and President. I don't know how to start one, but maybe it would help. I feel for all of us in this horrible situation. Thanks Faith for putting it all in writing. I too have no home at all: it burnt down and flooded in Camp Osborn, Normandy Beach, where my 94 y/o father was living and now displaced, and getting disoriented in a new home. That's the result of natural disaster, but YES, let's get it fixed asap!
foggyworld
4:45 pm on Friday, January 25, 2013
You can start a petition to the White House but they just upped the ante. Until recently it took 25,000 signatures to get a response. A few weeks ago, that was upped to 100,000 signatures.
Therefore, it might be wise to include all the people in the States slammed by Sandy no matter where they reside or resided.
I personally think the Wizard of Oz is running us all in a circle just hoping we will drop!
Floodgate
10:27 am on Monday, January 21, 2013
We are the only ones that can truly help ourselves ,i myself have already sent letters to the governor and president to name a few , but this letter is better than anything ive written. Again, THIS needs to be passed on everywhere if its ok with you Faith ( omitting the personal info of course, such as adddess ). Thanks again!
cindy
11:27 am on Monday, January 21, 2013
Faith, You hit everything to a "tea". I face all of the same concerns.
Pat Marlo
11:08 am on Monday, January 21, 2013
Faith, Your comments were "right on" and accurately stated.
We have been treated like we are asking for handouts, when all we are trying to do is recover what we thought we were paying for through our taxes and Insurance payments. This tide of bureaucracy is overwhelming. We are in temporary housing and every 2 weeks we get threatened we have to move out and then only given a stay at the last minute. Nothing has really changed since the storm except we are out about $15,000 to tear out the sheetrock and insulation to clean up from the storm. Now we are learning that money may be wasted, because if we have to raise our home, the builder has advised us the cheapest thing to do would be tear it down and start from scratch, since we are on a concrete slab and have no crawl space.We still have no information to make a rational decision and there are still no places for rent in close proximity to our house in the Coves at Manahawkin. The duplicity, the redundancy of the documentation and the overall lack of accurate information is turning into a nightmare I wish on no one. I hope your astonishingly well written letter is taken to heart by our government officials, and a plan of action will be implemented to take care of our citizens as we so readily take care of others.
Pat Marlo
P301am@aol.com
Captainahabb
11:17 am on Monday, January 21, 2013
I was at a meeting in Manasquan on Saturday morning, and as an FYI, A FEMA rep. said that the new insurance premiums will not go into effect until 2014, or later as the revised elevations are not written in stone yet. They said it may take up to 18 months. As for the ICC, if you rebuild as you are now, you have up to 4 years to apply for the ICC portion of your flood policy.
Chief Wahoo
11:35 am on Monday, January 21, 2013
Do you think any of those people this letter is addressed to , care about any of you..... Does the Pope poop in the woods ?
Where is all the money ? ...... What is money ?...... Gold is money. How much gold do you all have.
Is this the American dream ? ...... Well you have to be
asleep to believe it.
Why do people think wahoo is crazy? ...... Because they are afraid to take the red pill.
What are we going to do when Sandys big brother Sanford comes rolling onto town next ?..... Well of course we will become renters , that's been plan all along silly rabbits.
Now give up your guns , because guns kill..... I always thought it was the bullett ??
George Kasimos
11:49 am on Monday, January 21, 2013
You all have hit the nail on the head.
We need to get together and voice our opinion together.
visit and LIKE www.facebook.com/StopFemaNow
I have several articles and information concerning our issues.
I have not slept right in the last month.
Also if you live in toms river the city is having an "informative meeting" this Saturday, January 26, 2013. You must reserve your seat.
Here is the link
http://www.tomsrivertownship.com/index.php/FEMA/fema-informational-workshop-for-residents-impacted-byhurricane-sandy-register-now.html
Feel free to email me if you want to talk.
GeorgeKasimos@gmail.com
Michael Capo
11:56 am on Monday, January 21, 2013
ALL of our politicians have lost sight of why they are there. They no longer place service to us as their main job focus. What they consider their mission is to a) get as many friends and relatives cushy government jobs. b) make sure they continue to get benefits that far exceed what the private sector gets and c) get re-elected year after year after year to propagate a) and B). Until we remove EVERY politician from EVERY office and put TERM LIMITS in place.......nothing will change.
TR Voice of Reason
9:44 pm on Monday, January 21, 2013
The President has term limits and it is FEMA (federal) who is imposing impossible standards on rebuilding. How was that costly 2nd Inauguration? The only chance we have to make it out of this "rabbit hole" is our Governor. He needs to continue to make noise along with Governor Cuomo. I am starting to think that whoever is the head of FEMA has been given his marching orders to financially destroy this country one natural disaster at a time. We just happen to be first. I can always attribute my paranoia about how we are being treated to my "descent into madness." After dealing with this madness for almost 3 months it is becoming painfully clear that our President has no intention of stepping in and directing FEMA to assist us in getting back into our homes instead of continuing to create every road block possible. If you think that our local officials have any influence on a Federal Agency when our own President has not intervened, then you apparently just want to play the blame game. Let me know where that gets you. I agree with Faith and most people, we need to all fight with our local officials, all NJ/NY/CT legislatures and our Governor to fight FEMA and whoever is really in charge of them. Thank you for a wonderful article Faith.
charlotte
12:36 pm on Monday, January 21, 2013
Thank you Faith for taking the time to write about all that we have been going through. It is like living a nightmare that has taken away our normal and the stress has affected our health. We also feel overwhelmed and in an impossible situation. We are doing the best that we can - (some of) the politicians certainly lost sight of their mission.
Jersey Girl for Life
1:36 pm on Monday, January 21, 2013
So well written!!! You touched upon every impossibility we are facing in efforts to rebuild our homes and lives. Thank you and God bless you!!
Faith Liguori
4:48 am on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
thank you!
carolyn
1:40 pm on Monday, January 21, 2013
I am so sorry for everyone going through all of this. If anyone is looking to buy a home with all furnishings included I am selling mine. Holiday City Carefree, Bimini Drive. Its another alternative if you don't want to re build. hippydippy50@aol.com
Jaime B
1:45 pm on Monday, January 21, 2013
Great letter...it is just amazing to me (but not really) how victims of this natural disaster are being treated by all parties involved. You just feel like there is nowhere left to turn - it is a system set up for failure.
Faith Liguori
4:49 am on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
I think you are right!
carolyn
1:47 pm on Monday, January 21, 2013
I am so sorry for everyone that is going through this. If anyone is interested in buying a home in Holiday City Carefree on Bimini Drive with all furnishings included I am selling mine. Its a Caslte Harbor Model. If you don't want to rebuild your home this is a nice alternative. hippydippy50@aol.com
minnie
1:47 pm on Monday, January 21, 2013
Faith C. Liguori i face all of the same concerns.We keep hitting a wall everytime you turn around more papers to fill out and no answers please keep us updated i live in shore acres brick I thank for your letter because there is a lot of us out here going through it maybe your letter will be able to start opening doors Minnie
Faith Liguori
4:48 am on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Thank you; my frustration is through the ceiling and I really don't know what to do and how to pay for it. Stay strong, Faith
Big Bill
1:48 pm on Monday, January 21, 2013
Well said . The more you contribute to society the more you will bend over when your time comes for a little help. Thank god for the Religious groups for the help they have given .Fema ,The US Goverment and the Insurance companies are Satan We are all doomed
TR Voice of Reason
9:54 pm on Monday, January 21, 2013
Big Bill I agree with you. There is far more going on here then we know. They were able to rebuild as is after Katrina, why all these impossible conditions for us? Most religions believe that the beginning of the end was coming some time, who's to say that the time isn't now. Some people are truly going to lose their minds, along with their homes and financial stability, all because of a Federal agency that has been empowered, even though they were broke, and is hell bent on destroying us.
Michael Capo
2:13 pm on Monday, January 21, 2013
There is a distinct difference between those devastated by Sandy and those devastated by Katrina. That difference is probably why Katrina aid came in around ten days and ours is just about starting.
shore1709
11:55 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
how true
lisa
2:55 pm on Monday, January 21, 2013
wow, well said faith. i personally (my home) was not affected, but alot of people around me were, i live in little egg harbor and am a local contractor (house raiser, bulkheader.etc) i am dealing with homeowners all day long and just try and do what i can for them. what i have seen is that people who rented homes that were destroyed already got there $$ and a place to live, and all the homeowners are screwed. were is the logic in that. we went to a local fema meeting and not only do the homeowners not know what to do, the fema officials don't know either. good luck
Michael S
10:25 am on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
I am working in the Command Center of a Federally-funded program, NJ
Hope & Healing Center. The Command Center’s mission is to coordinate
outreach efforts to raise awareness of the program’s ability to serve
as a gateway to no-cost emotional support services and an access point
to relief aid resources for those adversely affected by Super Storm
Sandy. Please pass this on to anyone you see who is overstressed and needs help controlling their emotions so they have the ability to rebuild
foggyworld
4:55 pm on Friday, January 25, 2013
To Michael S. below:
Somehow or other most of us just don't want counseling from any of the folks who are making a living by being part of this completely non-functioning system. What exactly are you offering us? Sounds to me like the Comfort Care that Seniors now are getting in lieu of actual medical treatment.
The displaced and demolished simply need the government and insurance companies to live up to their obligations. Why don't you push for that and watch the stress just run away.
george ackerman
4:02 pm on Monday, January 21, 2013
Faith,
May I suggest that you send your comments to all your representatives. Also, remember how Obama said that "all the red tape would be cut out to get the assistance you need? Well ,maybe our politicians show be held accountable for all the empty retoric. Also to Christie for mugging it up with Obama for the cameras..where are they now? Also bring it to the major news and cable networks to shed a light on what is really NOT happening for the residents of Seaside. Remember, how they all said help would come and they wouldn't rest until then. Well????
Chief Wahoo
4:14 pm on Monday, January 21, 2013
the red tape, is now holding down the red carpet at the big party tonight.....Forward !
KC
11:25 pm on Monday, January 21, 2013
Faith I so much agree with Mr. Ackerman. The Patch is a wonderful, favorite resource, but agree you need to go to the major news and cable with this. You are a great writer and I think you should submit this story.
Mike
4:09 pm on Monday, January 21, 2013
How does a city built in a bowl, encircled by water, situated below sea level,(New Orleans)get almost instant help...and yet NJ does not?
Write to Obama...there's a good idea. He has already gotten our votes, he no longer needs us... the liberals will see you again in about four years...and we will probably vote for them again...like the dunderheads that we are.
Christie is doing the best he can, but there is no help coming from Washington, even if there was...it would be too late for many of us.
shore1709
11:57 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Thats correct...they put hi
m in for another 4 yrs....really?
Susan
4:24 pm on Monday, January 21, 2013
Dear Faith, Reading your letter, I realized it could have been written by me. The question you asked "Who can give us clear and financially doable options to help us rebuild? " is obviously unanswerable. Or, perhaps the answer is only too clear, no one. The system that is set up is designed to protect no one except the banks and the insurance companies. They are free to impose anything on us and we do not have any support from anyone nor do most of us have the means to fight them for they have legions of lawyers on staff. I wrote a similar letter to the Governor and the President...so you are not alone. Not that I take any comfort in other's suffering, so it would almost be comforting if each of our stories was unique.
ellen
5:31 pm on Monday, January 21, 2013
wow faith, i thought you were writing about my life experience with all of this hell since hurricane sandy. i have done everything i could spent 7 hours on the phone, 4 times a week in femas office. sat in bricks city hall, went to the meetings, tried to talk to the insurance company and the mortgage company i get an over seas customer service who transfers me to every different department with no answers. I sat and watched the president today with all of the promises why don't they just stick to their promises that they already made. all these billions of dollars where are they going to a roller coaster how about our homes first, is anyone out there listening we need help now not in 18months when hazard mitagation is prepared STOP THE EXCUSES AND PLEASE HELP US NOW!!!!!
Dainty
6:11 pm on Monday, January 21, 2013
Bravo! and you are not alone! FEMA registration ends Jan 30th and they are so surprised so many folks HAVEN'T signed up. Folks feel why should they? All these forms, 12 weeks later, still NOTHING! We need folks with Laptops and 5g phone to get to volunteer events to get folks signed up, so IF any monies do come thru, residents can benefit from it* Beach areas are a mess, I dont see anyone other than grassroots efforts. Where are all these monies collected for Sandy survivors? Ortley folks havent seen a penny!
charlotte
7:03 pm on Monday, January 21, 2013
Many people were evacuated (some still evacuated) for months, trying to work, go to school, sitting in hours in traffic to spend a few hours to mitigate mold in our homes. There hasn't been any time for ANYTHING. You are so right Faith - the endless forms and insurance red tape is impossible. I hope someone listens to your letter.
Amy Westlake
7:36 pm on Monday, January 21, 2013
Paid flood insurance. Paid 100% of my property taxes even though I'm not a permanent resident. Check. Went to FEMA office. Was told if I had no flood insurance and was a permanent resident, they would hand me a check for $32,000. Huh? Structural engineer said foundation needs to be replaced. Insurance adjuster ( who did not come to our home) said foundation is fine even though toms river has categorized our home as severely structurally damaged. Talk about a rabbit hole! If new jersey wants a viable beach community, they had better act soon before we all throw in the freakin towel.
Lagoongram
9:05 pm on Monday, January 21, 2013
I pay 100% of my property taxes in Stafford and FEMA did not give me a check for $32,000. I did get a check but amount varies.
Condor
7:50 pm on Monday, January 21, 2013
That was a great letter. So many people are just getting so frustated over this whole FEMA clusterf..k.
clamdigger
7:51 pm on Monday, January 21, 2013
talk to the man in the white house who promised to cut the red tape and get people the necessary funds and help to get you lives back in order.
IMO it's time many of you folks that were affected to get together and get yourselves on national tv then maybe someone will get you all the answers you're looking for.
Condor
7:54 pm on Monday, January 21, 2013
Keep this blog going.........
Pat
7:58 pm on Monday, January 21, 2013
Faith - I feel like you wrote a letter about my life at this time, I feel your frustration since my husband and are are going through the same, in almost the same order. Thank you for being concise.
John Pizzuto
8:02 pm on Monday, January 21, 2013
Thank you for expressing all the concerns we have and haven't been able to express. When will someone listen, when will someone help us??? I think not too soon!
Living in Reality
8:05 pm on Monday, January 21, 2013
KUDOS Faith !!!!!
jude
8:11 pm on Monday, January 21, 2013
Faith
Great letter, right to the point. Let's hope some big wig reads it and acts on it. I love the Jersey Shore and it's beaches and boardwalks but come on, people are homeless and going through red tape but the state is on track to rebuild the boardwalks so the tourists can come. What happened to helping the people in need before we worry about the bennies coming down. Ok they spend money but we need people to have a home so they can provide for their families first. Maybe, we can open up another tent city and see how fast that makes the news. My heart goes out to everyone and I cannot believe how our government fails us citizens.
KC
11:32 pm on Monday, January 21, 2013
Open the tent city ON THE BEACH ON MEMORIAL DAY. That should get the powers that be's attention. I cannot believe what people are going through.
Mattie
8:12 pm on Monday, January 21, 2013
I have family members in Silverton who also lost their home of 28 yrs to 4' flood waters. Same story.... no clue how or when they will be getting money to start rebuilding, no clue yet if they need to start from the foundation up, or is the foundation still sound (inspected more than 3 weeks ago, no decision, yet), they get checks willy nilly in small amounts with no idea what the total will be when all is said and done. How do they start? What are their options to rebuilding? They are told by one person their home needs to be rebuilt an additional 3-3.5 feet higher than it is now.... but what if they don't want to live in a house that's 8-9 feet off the ground when there are people in the home who might not be able to handle steps?
Can they sell this home as is, repay what's owed on the mortgage (not much) and move elsewhere? Well, they were told if they put the home up for sale, they'll get no more $$ for repairs and rebuilding. WHAT?? The whole ordeal is a mess.
Chief Wahoo
8:28 pm on Monday, January 21, 2013
so many people popping up with the same stories......does anyone think this is a major problem.....perhaps this is not just a coincedence......WAKE UP PEOPLE !!!!!!!
Its well past time to protect your family, friends and neighbors....Too bad it took a natural disaster ........Hopefully, enough are you are finally ready to have guts to become FREE again......Time is getting short
Anarcho-Capitalism
Floodgate
8:29 pm on Monday, January 21, 2013
Lets face it ,Fema is more concerned about recouping their money from a horribly ,financially structured government insurance agency since 1968 , now they are in the red and want to start with us to catch up ,whether we go bankrupt or not . They've even said it in past township meetings "people are going to have some tough decisions to make " what decisions are there when you have no options ,we made one decision already and that was to put our faith in Fema ,guess we were wrong ,it really doesn't matter to them ....now how the hell do we get this to go on a national level?
clamdigger
9:03 pm on Monday, January 21, 2013
a national level? think snowball effect. first you have to start small, local protests/outcries. someone needs to start an organization to get news out to all those in trouble, possibly a quick and easy website that is nothing but necessary info, times locations of rallys/meetings. once word starts to spread and a group can become "organized" then and only then will national media start to cover your situation. this cannot be just "Brick", "Tomes River", "Silverton", "Ortley" thing, it would need to involve all so the group can have real credibility.
Condor
9:12 pm on Monday, January 21, 2013
Quick note to the editor..
Please tie this letter in to all the Patches, not just Berkeley.
We need to get the media involved, especially with this deadline approaching, which is absurd. Soon we will all be living underneath that Belmar boardwalk they're building.
George Kasimos
9:23 pm on Monday, January 21, 2013
U mean the non elevated boardwalk. Why does everyone's home have to be raised but not the boardwalk?
Faith Liguori
4:45 am on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
I wonder that too? Will our Churches, Pizza Palor, Gas Stations, etc all be elevated? will we become a land on Stilts?? It is mind blowing! Faith
George Kasimos
9:26 pm on Monday, January 21, 2013
Concerning clam diggers comment
There is a simple website www.facebook.com/StopFemaNow
If you agree with the site please LIKE it and become a friend.
There is an informational meeting this Saturday at toms river east high school
clamdigger
11:32 pm on Monday, January 21, 2013
if people want help and for the all parties involved to step up and do the right thing you're all going to have to take the first step, come together and be heard as a collective group.
be heard at town hall.
be heard at Trenton
be heard in Washington,dc
be heard up and down the east coast.
use all forms of social media to your advantage, put the screws to everyone involved, be the squeaky wheel.
George Kasimos
9:29 pm on Monday, January 21, 2013
By the way this IS a national issue
The new flood elevations will affect all waterfront homeowners up an down the east and west coast of America. Don't forget to add the homeowners that were on the cusp of a flood One and now they will require flood insurance and or need to elevate their homes!!!!
Faith Liguori
4:42 am on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
You are so right. That' s another thing that amazes me. Doesn't anyone get how many people will be effected by the new flood maps? The economic impact? It is staggering to me.
Missing Brick
9:40 pm on Monday, January 21, 2013
There is sure a lot fishy to this whole thing.
Just a couple months after the worse hurricane to hit NJ in my life time and all of a sudden FEMA throws out the new flood maps that were supposedly "coming anyway."
At the same time the Flood Insurance guys holding back even the advances they promise (still don't have mine which will not come close to paying for what my home needs repaired) and now we are not elgible for the $30k grant if our homes are not 51% damaged, but at the same time need to comply with new codes in raising our house (estimate of 70-100k in my case) and this is HELPING us?
I'd like to know where all this money is going supposedly to help us recover. I see no one dredging the bay, and seems like homeowners are rebuilding the dunes where they can...so what have they done? Pick up debris at some inflated rate?
FEMA go home...you suck.
Faith Liguori
4:44 am on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
You are so right! I feel like the I am living in the twilgiht Zone and no one cares.
Floodgate
10:02 pm on Monday, January 21, 2013
Someone should post this on Jersey Shore Hurricane News (on Facebook) as well ,he's from Seaside ,I'm sure Justin will be affected too ,over 193,000 people view that page
Faith Liguori
4:29 am on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Please post; I am not really versed on how to do that. I really appreciate you support. thank you, Faith
Arthur Williams
10:03 pm on Monday, January 21, 2013
Faith-absolutely wonderful synopsis of what so many of us are going through. If the pattern holds true, you will wait 2-3 months for a "lowball" estimate and then it will start all over. We had 44" of water throughout our house in Sunshine Harbor, Pt. Pleasant, with water coming through the windows for 2 days. Over 2 months to get an estimate of $64,000 --after we already spent $15,000 tearing out everything just to stop mold. We now have a second adjuster and starting out again. As I see it (after 40 years in the insurance industry, unless our legislature enacts a "bad faith" statute, there is absolutely no up-side risk to these carriers. The goal is to wear you down. My carrier has been in the news so often, what good does it do to go to the papers? You do have the appraisal option which you should pursue immediately-and if you sue, without a "bad-faith " statute, they have to incentive to move because there is no extra-contractual risk!
Faith Liguori
4:32 am on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
My frustration is staggering! Thank you for sharing your story and suggestions. I know we will get through this, i wonder about the the actual and emotional cost on us, our parents, children and friends! Faith
Lisa
10:05 pm on Monday, January 21, 2013
This has got to be the best letter written as of yet regarding the inept handling of this whole traumatic situation. Many of the officials dictating "what happens next" are not being empathetic enough for the homeowners that are faced with all these overwhelming issues.
My heart goes out for the writer of this article and I feel so sad for all of you who are experiencing this nightmare... I am gad that Fema is "nice" but obviously that is not gonna cut it !! These homeowners need answers not broshures!! I think this article should be sent to every official you know!! Also, I would bring this well written article and read it out loud to everyone at the town meeting that FEMA is having this Saturday at toms rivier east highschool!! That should turn some heads!! Good luck to you... and all of you who are experiencing the same.. My thoughts are with you...
Faith Liguori
4:34 am on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Thank you for all your support. Faith
Av
10:06 pm on Monday, January 21, 2013
Do like the occupy wall streeters did
KC
11:36 pm on Monday, January 21, 2013
Yes, Memorial Day on the beach!
Faith Liguori
4:35 am on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
that's a thought, I think there are plently of us who are going through the same thing!
Mike
10:35 pm on Monday, January 21, 2013
The guy who promised to help us is doing...nothing. So this is Hope and Change.
clamdigger
11:23 pm on Monday, January 21, 2013
try reading the transcript of his speech from today, nothing but more BS.
Gina
11:03 pm on Monday, January 21, 2013
Faith I agree 100%. It is mind boggling and takes such a toll on your mind and health. Nearly impossible to know what to do, and still function for work and as a mom of 3 and a wife.
Faith Liguori
4:37 am on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Thank you! I understand, I hope the children are doing ok. It is so hard to explain to your children why they can't go home. Stay strong. Faith
Chief Wahoo
12:01 am on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Letters , protests , groups , all sound nice ...... But will do very little
There is no money !!!!!
They want your money. Stop giving it to them. All of you !
Even those of you not as affected by the Sandy damage.
Are you really going to fix up your houses with every last penny in savings and then can't afford the property tax , which they will increase because of 'improvements'. So then they can pick up your fixed up house for pennies on the dollar.
Or is smarter for everyone to say No More !!!!! Hold your money and kill the machine. And even if they beat us and take our houses , you still have your savings to start over, instead of being penniless.
You do not need to listen to some lying politician on the lemming freeway. You are free , if you want to be.
Nurselilyfield
6:40 am on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/. Once the threshold of signatures is received, the government must respond. Faith...it's worth a try.
Jennifer Pricci
8:27 am on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
It sounds as if you've done an unbelievable amount of research here.
Patrick Parker Realty based in Bradley Beach has released a downloadable eBook that may assist in some of these obstacles or at least may help others in similar situations.
You can access this eBook at:
http://patrickparkerrealty.com/uncategorized/free-ebook-a-guide-to-hurricane-sandy-assistance-hurricane-sandy-series/
I hope this can help in some way.
Ingrida Zilyte
8:43 am on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
so sad that so many of us have the same story and not many want to hear it or help...
Chief Wahoo
8:49 am on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Anyone notice the foreclosure fraud is the same story. Everyone has the same story regarding abuse from the banks and yet nothing ever gets fixed or helped.
Maybe those people aren't deadbeats afterall....... Maybe you/we should listen to them , even if we are not in foreclosure. The people vs. the corporate fascism. Real change vs. the status quo. It's time you all picked what side you are on. Choose wisely.
Anarcho-capitalism
medeelee
9:13 am on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
My heart breaks for everyone affected by the storm with stories such as Faith's....I too question why our government is all too eager to help send aid elsewhere but here? I wonder if the aid we do send comes with all these obstacles as well?
foggyworld
5:09 pm on Friday, January 25, 2013
But Egypt really NEEDS those F-16's that are heading their way courtesy of our tax dollars, and based on a request made by the imprisoned former President Mubarak.
Michael S
10:21 am on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Call 877-294-HELP (4357)
I am working in the Command Center of a Federally-funded program, NJ
Hope & Healing Center. The Command Center’s mission is to coordinate
outreach efforts to raise awareness of the program’s ability to serve
as a gateway to no-cost emotional support services and an access point
to relief aid resources for those adversely affected by Super Storm
Sandy.
foggyworld
5:11 pm on Friday, January 25, 2013
Michael,
You mean well but really no-cost emotional support services would not even be required if your employer would just step up to the plate and do the right things.
Dr. Maureen J. Persi
10:48 am on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Thanks Faith for taking the time to write what frustration we are all feeling. I would have liked to write a letter like yours,but like you said after spending 8-4 in Ortlely Beach,5- 11 is spent on paperwork. Thanks for writing and if I can help you personally in anyway, count me in!
Ryan Lake
11:32 am on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Faith,
Excellent Letter. Unfortunately I think you only touched the surface. There are still the issues of Height restrictions, inability to secure loans because of higher interest rates as a second home (jumbo ++++), unavailability of constructions loans, lack of equity in your home because of decreasing home values....the rabbit hole goes deeper!! More paperwork to fill out!! It is time the feds and the state get involved because local government is no help, nor are they really interested in helping. They still can't figure out that the garbage is not being picked up!! Unless you look at this on the level of the individual homeowner, you really don't have a sense of what is going on. Well Said!
Laura Madsen
12:35 pm on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
"in times of natural disasters our government has sent millions of dollars to other countries to help them to rebuild." - And I wonder if they made these people in other countries go through so much paperwork and as much red tape in order to do so! I think not! It's a shame that the billions of dollars allocated to restoration are not being directed at those who need help most, and it's being tied up in processing paperwork.
Chief Wahoo
12:40 pm on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Watch money. Money is the barometer of a society’s virtue. When you see that trading is done, not by consent, but by compulsion — when you see that in order to produce, you need to obtain permission from men who produce nothing — when you see that money is flowing to those who deal, not in goods, but in favors — when you see that men get richer by graft and by pull than by work, and your laws don’t protect you against them, but protect them against you — when you see corruption being rewarded and honesty becoming a self-sacrifice — you may know that your society is doomed. - Ayn Rand
KC
1:15 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Ritacco, Kelly and Atlas all shrugged.
foggyworld
5:17 pm on Friday, January 25, 2013
But WHERE is John Galt?
Dr. Maureen J. Persi
3:06 pm on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Faith,
how about a bus rally to Trenton and a peaceful march at the State House Steps. We can make signs and get the press/ media to attend. "We have had enough and we are not going to take it anymore."
I have been trying to pass legislation for 3 years now Bills S(1502) & A (392); designated Peggy's Law. I get no respect or reply from Senator Vitale or Assemblyman Conaway.
Now that I am a victim of Sandy in Ortley Beach, I feel like I have gotten a double whammy.
Everyone call Governor Christie's Office Jeanne Ashmore,Head of the Governor's Constituent Relations. I will post her number. Let's flood the office with calls about how we want the straight facts,not the mumbo jumbo. I will post shortly.
Dr. Maureen J. Persi
3:16 pm on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Jeanne Ashmore,Head of Governor Christie Constitutent Relations (609) 777-2508.
Anyone out there interested in having a bus rally to Trenton ASAP,please contact me at mjppersi@AOL.com Let see what we can put together.
charlotte
6:57 pm on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
It would be very difficult for some of us to take a bus to Trenton (our jobs, working on our homes, exhaustion). Can we think about a rally around here on the beach and invite the news media. Block Party? I will make the phone call - thanks for the number.
Chief Wahoo
3:18 pm on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Sorry to cold for me.
Property Tax revolt is much warmer.
Chris Buono
4:30 pm on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Hi Faith,
My wife and I are Silverton residents living almost the exact same nightmare you so eloquently described. We were extremely diligent in the days that followed the storm while dealing with the utter shock this had happened at this level. No one thought it was going to be this bad. We're also sadly starting to realize there may be people in high places who salivate over opportunities like this to push forward whatever warped agenda they subscribe to. That conspiracy non-sense aside we're doing everything we can do get answers, i.e. research, going to town meetings, doing the phone calls, applying for grants, writing to governmental officials - all of it. As you know you have your good days where you think you actually took a step closer to a solution and the next day where you discover a new obstacle - one far greater than the good news you thought you had the day before.
If you're gathering an email list please add me: chris AT chrisbuono.com. We up for anything to move forward. Even if it means finally confirming we're basically screwed and that's it's time to walk away and start over. Trust me, we do NOT want to do that. We're parents of two young boys who deserve to go home, who need to see their parents fight and do the right thing and who need to learn by example you don't walk away from your responsibility. I just hope reality doesn't force my hand and we have do what we have to do in the end.
Good luck to you and everyone here.
Chris Buono
Chris Buono
4:31 pm on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
P.S. If you're looking for a good read I invite you to my ongoing, long-winded posts on Facebook. They're never dull ;)
http://www.facebook.com/ChrisBuono72
Michael Capo
7:23 pm on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
The problems that we are all having are simply because we don't speak the same language as the government, banks, insurance and mortgage companies. The language they speak is the language of MONEY. They aren't paying us anything so we need to speak their language and STOP paying them. Stop paying your mortgage, insurance premiums and property taxes. Once their sources of revenue (us) dries up then they can no longer function or do business. Watch them all sit up and pay attention when the gravy train stops. And what are they going to do? Foreclose on 1,000's of properties to add to an already bloated backlog of foreclosed properties that they can't unload? We still have some power, and that power is to turn off the cash spigot. No more revenue for local government, no more revenue for insurance companies and no more revenue for mortgage companies. We can make a financial mess that would dwarf the mess that Sandy created. We hold the purse strings.
Chris Buono
11:14 pm on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
This is the TRUTH. This is what needs to happen. I've said from the start of this going south the only leverage we have is the money. We have nothing more to lose. Loss is actually a moot point after an event like this. I don't fear loss at all anymore. I already lost mostly everything I cared about in the material world. What? You gonna take my house if I don't pay? Go for it. It's gutted to the ceiling with most of the sub floors gone. There's NOTHING left. I have no electric meter and gas and water are turned off. Sewer lines are non-functioning and my neighborhood now floods regularly. Good LUCK making off on that particular ledger line Mr. Bank Man. I haven't paid since December - they gave us a two month deferment period that I got extended until April. No one is getting paid right now. If something hasn't changed by April 1st they can all go screw. Why would I pay any one of those entities by then if I'm still in this limbo? The mortgage company has been nothing but ruthless from day one, the house is not worth anywhere near what it's assessed at and flood insurance can go shit in a hat. Where's my paperwork and WHERE'S MY MONEY THAT I PAID FOR?
This is what everyone needs to do. I'm in.
Chief Wahoo
8:30 pm on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Careful Michael Capo. You are thinking like a free person.
Vinny G
8:49 pm on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Your right MIchael....but the double edge sword is that we screw ourselves by damaging our credit if we don't ante up...which...in this country, good credit means everything to move forward. I'm in the same boat as many with all this mess and don't know what to do. But when I start over, I need good credit. There is no easy way out of this. We're all screwed.
Chris Buono
11:18 pm on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
We are, but if we roll over because of fear of "bad credit" we'll never, ever win. If you have good or descent credit previous to holding your mortgage hostage you can come out of it OK. A creditor will see a stellar record and ask why the sudden blemishes on once particular area. Mention the word "Sandy" and you'll need not go much further. Trust me, I don't want to burn a perfect credit history I've maintained for the last 20 years, but what choice do we have at some point. I'm also not going to throw money out the window just because I'm supposed to. It's insane. No. Uh uh. I hold the cards here.
KC
1:25 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Vin is there a lawyer who would get a class action law suit going against these insurance companies? Has that avenue been pursued? I mean realistically most people here aren't in the financial shape to pay, but someone looking to make a name for themselves might work pro-bono or for a percentage after a settlement. IMO The people here need to select a spokesperson, pursue litigation and perhaps withhold monies as Chris Buono is saying.
Chief Wahoo
9:12 pm on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Vinny what good is credit if they drain you of all your money and have no money left to pay it. Cash is king. Keep it its yours to do as you please. Volunteerism.
Anarcho-Capitalism
TR Voice of Reason
9:25 pm on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Ok now I know I am "descending into madness" when I am starting to agree with Chief Wahoo.
Vinny G
10:05 pm on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
I hear what your saying, and Point well taken...but unfortunately I have not been able to stach away cash as you have. It is sad, but I rely on good credit to survive. Maybe you could loan me a couple of bucks to slide by...
I see your posts all the time, I still don't know what to make of you
KC
1:26 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
lol Treason, I was thinking the same thing. Hey, even a stopped clock is right twice a day. The chief is just very cerebral.
Chief Wahoo
10:15 pm on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
I am just trying to wake up people to what is happening. I'm not doing a very good job however. People do not realize they are never going back to the past 20 year bubble. Not just at the shore but everywhere in USA.
I have prepared well for my family as I should. If people think I'm crazy well that's the way it's gotta be I guess. Maybe the storm will help more people take the red pill, as I have noticed a few agree with chief posts this week. LOL
Just Remember I mean well. Other than that I don't have all the answers. Oh and I never took a penny from anyone here at the threat of force.
Vinny G
10:28 pm on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
You do seem to be a voice of reason in an odd way. Just wish that if I (and maybe others) have planned as well as you have for this unfortunate disaster (which none of us have been prepared for, nor can escape from), would have been better off. Kudos to you...you may be my new hero!
foggyworld
5:27 pm on Friday, January 25, 2013
It's hard to plan these days when the rules of the game keep changing. Many of us paid into Social Security for decades even if we didn't want to with the understanding being that we would get retirement money and Medicare. Both are about to go out the window because the funds were never invested but simply looked at as cash on hand to those pols who grabbed it.
lu ann silveri
6:30 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
When I hear these slogans about "Jersey Strong" or "We will Rebuild" I want to scream!!
You can't rebuild if you don't HAVE MONEY!!!!! Plain and simple!!!
(Where is all the concert money going to?)
Chris Buono
7:56 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
The big 12.12.12 concert money went the Robin Hood Foundation. Not to be callus, be if you play by the rules - pay taxes, pay your mortgage, etc. - you likely see a dime from those guys. A lot of money goes to organizations like the Red Cross who have incredible overhead so they continue to exist. Helpful? Yes. Helping us to do the real thing, which is "Rebuild the Shore" and be "Jersey Strong?" Nope.
JIM COLETTO
7:11 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Faith this sounds typical in thid red tape politically correct society of ours today, after reading your letter one can only imagine what others are suffering as well, i wish i could give you the money you need to move forward, all my best to you and your family and im sure in time it will all work out for you....God speed Faith.....Jim C of JRC Commercial Property Restoration.
ICARE
8:58 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Chief,
you are right on. I still cannot come up with one country that has offered to bail us out of what Sandy did to us. Tsunami? Hell yes, the U.S. will step right in. Haiti? Hell yes, the U.S. will step right in. Where in the hell are Clinton and Carter pushing to raise money for the releif of what Sandy did? Money talks and Bullshit walks.
shore1709
12:08 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
They were kissing the presidents' ass!
Sharon Tinucci
11:06 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Wow...Faith...thank you so much for putting this cluster in writing. I also have a home in SP and it sits gutted...Bought it in March and was told then that I didn't need flood insurance on the new house. Funny thing, I moved 15 houses from middle of O Street to the lagoon on N Street. My flood insurance on O Street was $1200/year and on the water on N Street was only $350/year...in 10 months I have gone from not needing insurance to being in the V Zone. Really??? If the flood maps were being updated and had nothing to do with Hurricane Sandy, why wasn't I told at my settlement that my house was about to move into the dreaded V zone? Now I am told my house needs to be raised but they cannot get the pile driver under the home and they cannot move the home to put pilings under it, cannot sell bc I owe too much on it and I will lose a big down payment...so, the cheapest option is to knock it down and build it back up to avoid the insurance premiums. Unfortunately, I don't have the money to do that, so I guess I will walk away from my home!
Chris Buono
12:22 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
There it is in a nutshell for many of us here in Silverton. More frustrating is the fact parts of Silverton has been changed to a V Zone that make no sense while parts that should are not. Or the fact parts of the barrier islands are not a V, but my house which is surrounded by streets is. BTW, I pay $1900 a year for flood.
George Kasimos
2:04 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
How about another tidbit of irony
The seaside park boardwalk is in a V zone
Ocean terrace, the next block from boardwalk, is an A zone
Homes located in lagoons in Toms River and Brick are in a V zone
V zone states that we are susceptible to 3-5 foot waves from a storm surge
How does the mainland sustain 3-5 foot waves and the barrier islands don't
Lucy, you have some spraining to do
Please like www.facebook.com/stopFemaNow
We need to get together to fight this ridiculousness
Chris Buono
2:26 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
My wife went to the Toms River Council meeting last night and our mayor said flat out this is bogus. He had a face-to-face with Gov. Christie earlier in the week and pointed out this exact conundrum. It's absurd and wreaks of foul play. Seems like the blocks that have the highest claim are the one changed to a V Zone. That's FEMA and the NFIP either covering their so that there's nary a chance a claim could be generated from these properties again by forcing the homeowner to lift or they're creating a situation where the homeowner just ups and leaves or is beat down to the point they'll take a buy out on pennies on the dollar thus once again trying to make sure a claim will never be generated from that property again. Someone took a gamble on the policies and now they have to pay and it's freakin' someone out big time. We can't let them run from the deal they made with every policy holder. We're OWED full compensation for whatever coverage you PAID FOR.
foggyworld
5:39 pm on Friday, January 25, 2013
This V zone business is the rip off of all time. We built a house to Outer Banks building code specs and as a result our home was dry after the storm. For doing what the local pols wouldn't - put the NJ shore into those same codes - because builders didn't want them there, we are being punished.
And worse than that by far, is living in a war zone and scooping up one's devastated neighbors and helping in any way possible. Things have not improved one bit and in fact have gotten worse. No one even sent spray in to curb the mold that is now festering on most of these houses. For the first 3 weeks in Berkeley Township, we couldn't even get once a week brown can pick up and now as of January 16th, the town will no longer pick up any storm damaged materials.
People are leaving quietly and they are walking over this State's borders and its truly heart breaking to watch this escalate every day. We have one Senator who is 89 years old and thinking of running again while the other one is being looked at for his paying 16 year old girls in the Dominican Republic for sex. We have no representation in the Senate and boy does it show.
M
4:30 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Same for those of use in New York's Sandy affected areas. We had over 7 feet of water in our house in Long Beach, NY. We were lucky enough to independently find a sublet in NYC near our business (which, because it's below 39th Street was also affected). Now we are having to move again. The SBA deadlines loom with their paperwork requirements. I call FEMA looking for advice, help, answers. I've been to the Disaster Center. Everything written here is 100% accurate regarding the conundrum for home repairs/mitigation. Where is the "help"?
Big Al
6:25 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
everything said is so true...I just need to applaud Aurora Mortgage co...they are there to help and will, Im so glad they are my mortgage co....a big help....
Carlo
12:32 am on Thursday, January 24, 2013
Well said!!!? I'm from ortley beach today for the first time I drove down to Normandy beach I'm sad to say but I'm a shame what I see in my community and the
More I drove north the worst it got we all in the same boat and I'm afraid to say but we are alone
Chris Buono
12:37 pm on Thursday, January 24, 2013
Stay tuned to this:
http://tomsriver.patch.com/articles/christie-to-make-announcement-on-flood-map-regulations
Chris Buono
5:10 pm on Thursday, January 24, 2013
Well, here you go:
http://m.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/breaking/gov-chris-christie-to-announce-new-rules-for-rebuilding-after/article_9e5124a8-6626-11e2-a8dd-001a4bcf887a.html
Correct if I'm wrong but I think Christie just forced me to walk away from my home. He changed nothing and made the ABFEs that came out last month law effective today. I'm now in a Zone V at 9 ft. with my highest elevation in my home at 5 ft. according to my elevation certificate. I'm four feet under on block. I'm doomed.
2012 was the end of my world.
Good luck everyone.
foggyworld
5:42 pm on Friday, January 25, 2013
You may not be doomed. There is federal grant money out there for people who need pilings. The problem is the amount of funding isn't going to begin to cover the actual need.
Chris Buono
5:51 pm on Friday, January 25, 2013
@foggyworld
I'm on all that. I was told by a FEMa rep at the Fisher Blvd. DRC that the FEMA Mitigation Grant could take 4-6 years to come around. Also, there's ICC pay back still outstanding from Katrina. Not only may you have not have enough, you may die waiting for whatever is available. AND, there's no guarantee the Mitigation Grant money will come to life. It's supplement leftovers after claims are paid. Considering claims are not even being paid out it's unlikely this grant will be funded. It's a bullshit.
Elayna C
12:05 pm on Friday, January 25, 2013
Just to add, today I called my Mortgage co., who is supposedly working on a loan modification, which they received on Dec15 from me, but they still cannot find, even though they say they are looking at it, (WHAT?) ...and was told that they are tacking on VACANCY INSURANCE due to the fact that they sent and inspector to my home in Seaside (at my expense they told me) and the inspector found that the house is vacant and looks unliveable. Rabbit hole...nuff said....
Chris Buono
12:57 pm on Friday, January 25, 2013
My mortgage company - Hudson City ... demons - wouldn't even returns calls made by OceanFirst requesting mortgage deferment periods. OceanFirst had to just say it was so. Even better, they it's a DEFERMENT, not a credit. I still have to pay it. So as of April 1st I owe for months mortgage. What's the purpose you ask? So I had cash in hand to do some work on the house while I wait for the flood insurance settlement. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! What settlement?
Elayna C
5:59 pm on Friday, January 25, 2013
Chris...I got a deferment as well. They call it a forebearance. But mine runs out Feb 1. That's why I asked what's up with my loan modification, and guess what I was told. "NO IDEA WHAT TO TELL YOU. Must pay...plus extra, since the place is vacant and we had to go inspect. BTW, when will you be moving back in? CANT HAVE IT VACANT!"
Chris Buono
11:27 pm on Friday, January 25, 2013
We were originally supposed to get back into the payment schedule Feb. 1st, too. I told them I had to have more time. They know we have nothing to lose - we already lost everything. Isn't that some shit they charge YOU for the inspection? Mine is pulling that crap as well. Unreal.
carolyn
6:06 pm on Friday, January 25, 2013
My home is still for sale with furnishings if any one is interested. Holiday City Carefree, Toms River. Just move right in. My heart goes out to all of you. hippydippy50@aol.com
Chris Buono
11:29 pm on Friday, January 25, 2013
If anyone is going to the FEMA Workshop tomorrow at TR HS East, please help me ask these real deal questions:
Who pays for a rebuild if you fall below FEMA's $:$ ratio in a V Zone? In other words, is there grant money for a rebuild if you're home is not worth lifting?
Can someone confirm whether or not grandfathering is negated due to the Begerts-Waters Act of 2012 and, if so, WHEN will rate increases will apply? Will it be two years as Brick Mayor Acropolis stated earlier this week?
Will Toms River require "free boarding?"
How does the Hazard Mitigation Grant point system work?
Has Toms River applied for the Community Development Block Grant and how do we get on the list?
Elayna C
6:00 pm on Saturday, January 26, 2013
I get no FEMA money since I had flood, and I get no flood since my mortgage company will get the check and they already are threatening foreclosure. I really think we all have to withhold property taxes. But it has to be everyone. Otherwise I'm betting there is some conglomerate out there who would be willing to buy up our homes and are just waiting to find which they can choose from.
Dainty
7:21 pm on Tuesday, January 29, 2013
We are volunteers helping gut homes and remove debris. While we have been mostly in Ortley, we'd be trilled to help out in Seaside, if you have those needs. Please contact me. Joan* Sandy Weekday Warriors on Facebook* 732 672 1472
George Kasimos
8:30 am on Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Joan,
Can you please help spread the word. We are bringing the fight to FEMA.
I live in Toms River and our house was flooded and we need answers from FEMA to rebuild. We need to know if we will finally be in an A or V zone. We need to know if / when / how much money we will receive from the Mitigation Grants. We need answers now, NOT in FEMA time.
www.facebook.com/StopFemaNow
Please join and like
Elayna C
10:37 pm on Tuesday, January 29, 2013
My husband spent the last 2 1/2 months gutting our 2 houses by himself. Physically and emotionally totally taxed. Now with the new FEMA map that Christie signed off on, it seems we will lose everything. We cannot elevate since our houses are all concrete block. Would have to tear them down and rebuild, costing way more than we have. If we dont, our Flood policy will be up to 30K per year beginnning in 2 years. Obviously impossible. I have never seen him give up before. I cannot believe this has happened to the shore, to our lives, and that our govt is allowing it.
carolyn
11:17 pm on Tuesday, January 29, 2013
If you can't build then you can come and take a look at my home for sale with everything you need inside. All appliances and furniture, You can even have the dishes pots and pans towels and tools in the garage. There is also a piano . TVs and microwave. Toaster Coffee Pot Fireplace , Outside furniture and swing. Great Clubhouse with new pool. Castle Harbor Model on Bimini Drive, Holiday City.
2 Bdrs. 2 Bths Liv Rm Dn Rm Kit with Den and fireplace. Laundry room. Garage Enclosed porch. Central Air Baseboard gas heat. New Roof. Asking $200,000, Its negotiable. hippydippy50@aol.com (732) 674-9699 Carolyn
Chris Buono
8:49 am on Wednesday, January 30, 2013
To all:
You MUST call your insurance agents and talk to them. In the past few days I've learned we're all jumping to conclusions when it comes to the rates - no thanks to Christie's speech. The skyrocketing rates due to the new law passed last July (Bigerts-Waters Act of 2012) applies to secondary home and businesses. Sadly their rates already started to go up by 25% increments and will for the next three years until they're at full risk rate UNLESS they comply. This does NOT apply to primary homes. Right now, we are grandfathered. If you watched Brick Mayor Acropolis' video he's incorrect in saying all grandfathering has been eliminated. I spoke to two different agents this week and they both said identical things in regards to this. If your policy states a Zone A, your rates will stay Zone A even if it changes to V. Your rates will go up under normal circumstances, not under this doomsday scenario. Now, if you try to build new or expand you will have to comply to whatever the Zone is at that time. Bottom line: primary homeowners go home, rebuild, wait out the grants. As for flooding in-between that time - we're getting content insurance and keeping EVERY receipt. Hopefully we can elevate before another significant flood. It's still a crap shoot, but we're NOT walking away and losing everything. No way.
Also, there's aggressive research into V Zone construction with alternative modified foundations. It's not just pilings! As long as your at or above BFE it will fly.
BB
11:23 am on Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Chris
Just to clarify, thats correct that secondary and businesses get rate hikes first. However insurance rate hikes to primary homeowners is being rolled out as per a timeline. It is in the plans and will occur so it is not really grandfathering.
Also would you be able to advise as to what other alternative structural options we may have in V Zone besides pilings or helicoils which are extremely expensive? Thanks
Chris Buono
1:07 pm on Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Hey Jack,
I first read that on the FEMA pages and have been on the defense ever since. It's the main deterrent from moving forward for us. The intense diggin I've done has come up with the contrary for primary homeowners as stated by several insurance brokers I've grilled ad nauseum. Do you or anyone have a source, a website, a doc to be scanned and distributed that actually addresses this one way another? That would be incredibly helpful to all of us.
Here's the deal on V Zone construction in Toms River: As long as your engineer signs off on the method, Toms River will approve. I have an email straight from TR engineering confirming this. Here's the most important part of that email:
"Your engineer should be aware of all the codes that he/she must follow when raising your house to a V standard. Therefore, if your engineer is able to determine that raising your house on masonry is viable, then it will be his responsibility to put his name to it."
Masonry materials will not only help drop the cost, but more importantly NOT CONDEMN OUR HOMES TO THE IMPOSSIBILITY OF PILINGS. The insurance rates are based on elevation height, not the construction method. However, the method will come back to haunt you if this happens again - and it will at some level - if you disregard details like finishing walls within the elevated area or you lose something you were storing in there. The big question is can we go home and wait out the grants? There's still answers to be found.
Chris Buono
8:59 am on Wednesday, January 30, 2013
To add:
If you go to sell, that's another story. Depending on the rules of the mortgage company/bank you may or may be able to transfer the elevation cert. thereby selling the flood policy to the buyer. If not, they will be hit with the current rates and elevations and will, of course, walk from the sale. Only a cash buyer can circumnavigate this. But who the hell does THAT?!! HAHA!
Also, keep these two things in mind:
Though Christie said what he said last week the town STILL has to adopt it. They set the building rules. Also, the spring is supposed to be when FEMA takes another look at the V Zones in residential areas where the science makes no sense. There's strong belief we will be rolled back to A Zones. Regardless, you're still grandfathered and can go back and rebuild what you had. For restoration Toms River is now enforcing permits. Only for new construction.
To be totally honest we're entertaining two scenarios:
1. Sell the house for the balance minus the flood settlement - end all this. Already consulted a lawyer - this can fly. No bank is going to refuse MONEY. Take our savings and put a down payment something else. We'll be house poor, but out of flood zones and done with this.
2. Take the settlement money and rebuild and return. Wait for the Mitigation Grants and the Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) to come through. My family wants their home back. The one they love. I do, too. If we can't sell then we fight to make this whole.
Chris Buono
5:09 pm on Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Sorry, I meant to write, "for restoration Toms River is NOT enforcing permits." There's building going on all Silverton with no pink slips in the windows!
George Kasimos
12:21 pm on Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Dear Press, Public Officials and Flood Insurance Property Owners:
What we want are our Politicians to change;
1) A thorough re-evaluation of the flood zones, in a timely fashion.
2) Evaluating if we raise the dunes a few feet if it will significantly reduce all our flood levels and insurance premiums.
3) Getting quick answers as to who gets the mitigation grants, when they get the grant and for how much.
4) Creative ways to lower our flood insurance premiums
5) Grace period of a few years before the rise in flood insurance premiums
6) FEMA to notify all homeowners of the impending new flood insurance rates and elevation requirements
What we want from all Flood Insurance homeowners to do;
1) Copy and paste this email and send to your local, state, federal politicians and members of Press.
2) Form Coalition to protect our interests.
3) Spread the word to your neighbors
George Kasimos
www.facebook.com/StopFemaNow
150 members and growing
Chris Buono
12:45 pm on Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Good for you, George. Consider this done.
Corinne
4:55 pm on Wednesday, January 30, 2013
FAITH; Thank you for sharing your wonderfully expressed letter. You hit the nail on the head. I am sure that there are thousands of us experiencing what you have been thru.
CHRIS ; tThank you ever so much for sharing all of your research and acquired knowledge. You surely have put lots of time into your investigations.
Dixie, a Silver B
Missy Russoman
1:02 pm on Friday, February 1, 2013
Well said. Faith, you are and always will be an inspiring and amazing woman of truth and knowledge, and of love. I wish you and your family, my Mother, and all who have lost and/or were affected by this tragic hurricane a faster restoration of lives, homes, and well-being. I wish you the best and may all the pieces fit back together again to make you whole- and not remain in one.
Theresa Krakauskas
10:00 pm on Sunday, March 10, 2013
God bless you for putting into words what we've all been feeling. I live in North Long Branch & your letter fits our situation to a T. I'm at the point where if I have to fill out one more sheet of paperwork, I'm going to scream & never stop. While we did manage to extract a partial payment from the insurance company after 4 months (the last month being taken up by the mortgage company), it's been a daunting & exhausting experience. If it hadn't been for the kindness of a friend who used to be in construction who taught us how to demolish walls & an electrician who rewired our kitchen with no money up front, I'd be sitting here with mold growing to my ceiling & no refrigerator or stove. The best joke was when one of the representatives from CitiMortgage asked me why there hadn't been more work done at this point. Um, because you won't release my money & workers want to get paid? This is Wonderland, Oz & Twilight Zone all put together.