In Montclair: FEMA Plans Changes to Flood Maps

Are you a homeowner with flood insurance in Montclair?

You may want to take a moment to see if the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is about to throw you a curve ball when it makes changes to its Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs).

On April 2, FEMA opened its 90-day comment and appeal period for communities where the floodplain delineations and modeling have been updated. The comment period closes on June 30, 2015.

Several areas within Montclair may be affected by the new maps, including properties along or in the vicinity of Toneys Brook, Nishuane Brook, and the Third River and its branches. Changes in the flood hazard determinations may include the addition or modification of base flood elevations, base flood depths, special flood hazard area boundaries or zone designations, or the regulatory floodway.

Montclair residents can see if their property is affected via FEMA’s online database.

During the comment period, relevant technical information and other comments are solicited on the proposed flood hazard determinations shown on the preliminary FIRM and/or Flood Insurance Study report for Essex County, according to a release.

These flood hazard determinations are the basis for the floodplain management measures that Montclair is required to adopt in order to remain qualified for the National Flood Insurance Program.

Maps are available for review in-person at the Department of Planning and Community Development, 205 Claremont Avenue and at the Engineering Bureau, 219 North Fullerton Avenue.

Comments can be sent to: The Honorable Robert Jackson, Mayor, Township of Montclair, Municipal Building, 205 Claremont Avenue, 1st Floor, Montclair, NJ, 07042.

Learn more about government flood insurance at FEMA’s online Flood Hazard Mapping Status Report for Property Owners in Essex County, New Jersey.

Photo caption: A Montclair home on Orange Road is flooded in 2011 following a string of rainy days.