Twelve flood damaged townhouse units along Shoreline Drive are scheduled to be demolished this week, more than two years after they were damaged by Hurricane Florence. The property owners of the units voluntarily sold their units in accordance with FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) after they received extensive damage.
The addresses of the affected units are 84, 86, and 90 Shoreline Drive. Once the flood damaged structures are removed, the property must be maintained in perpetuity as open space in order to conserve natural floodplain functions.
FEMA will reimburse the City of Jacksonville for all expenses associated with the acquisition and removal of the units. Director of Planning and Inspections Ryan King says the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program “provides acquisition, relocation and elevation opportunities for homeowners with structures within special flood hazard areas. Additionally, it is imperative that citizens consider obtaining flood insurance in the event of flood damage. The City of Jacksonville is a Community Rating System (CRS) community which provides a reduction on flood insurance premiums.”
In order participate in the program, all owners within a single building had to agree to sell their property. The City is still working with property owners to acquire one additional flood damaged building along Shoreline Drive as part of the HMGP program.
Prior to demolition of the units, Jacksonville Public Safety participated in a number of training exercises using the buildings. Fire & Emergency Services personnel practiced vertical ventilation techniques with a ladder truck and the Police SWAT team used the buildings for tactical training.