FloodHelpNY.org is a project of the Center for NYC Neighborhoods. Forum Photo by Michael V. Cusenza.
The official revised flood maps will not be available for another two years, but a new website can help homeowners familiarize themselves with the upcoming changes and flood insurance requirements right now.
A project of the non-profit Center for New York City Neighborhoods, FloodHelpNY.org provides updates to the city’s flood insurance map, and answers to questions regarding what the changes will mean to particular homes in specific zones.
The site was detailed at a flood-information event in Rockaway last week organized by City Councilman Donovan Richards (D-Laurelton).
“Flood insurance rate increases pose a major threat to housing affordability in many of our coastal working- and middle-class communities, especially those that are still struggling to recover from [Superstorm] Sandy,” said Christie Peale, executive director of CNYCN. “Communities need to know what to expect as the flood zone expands and insurance rates increase, which is why we created FloodHelpNY.org. Partnering with community leaders and institutions is key to getting the word out and we applaud Council Member Richards for convening this event.”
Richards warned that “the new flood risk assessment threatens to tear at the fabric of [the Rockaway] community by making it unaffordable for those that call the peninsula home. The Center for NYC Neighborhoods has been instrumental in the fight to stop displacement and I look forward to continued work with them on behalf of hardworking families.”
By Michael V. Cusenza
