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Irma’s aftermath

State finally giving relief by buying damaged Middleburg homes at pre-hurricane values

By Nick Blank Staff Writer
Posted 7/24/19

MIDDLEBURG – While several are still waiting for funds to repair homes damaged by Hurricane Irma, the state has offered to buy homes at pre-hurricane values.

Dozens flocked to the …

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Irma’s aftermath

State finally giving relief by buying damaged Middleburg homes at pre-hurricane values


Posted

MIDDLEBURG – While several are still waiting for funds to repair homes damaged by Hurricane Irma, the state has offered to buy homes at pre-hurricane values.

Dozens flocked to the Middleburg-Clay Hill Library Monday to question local officials about the state’s Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Relief application process. The homes on the floodplain would be demolished and become county-maintained green space.

The state had a brisk 30-day turnaround timeline. Shanti Smith-Copeland, a contracted emergency management advisor, said notifications for the voluntary program had to be made by Aug. 15. Every county had a $5 million allotment, which could change based on the number of applicants.

“If it feels like we’re pushing hard, we’re pushing hard because it’s a lot of money,” Smith-Copeland said. “This is the last best chance for this type of program for anyone with Irma damage.”

Smith-Copeland said the goal of the program was to get as many homes out of the flood-prone area as possible. There were two requirements: low-to-moderate income or an urgent need. She said the state would try move residents and tear down homes within two years.

“Pretty much everyone is here is going to hit urgent need. Most of the houses we’ve targeted have been flooded repetitively before Irma,” Smith-Copeland said. “Irma was simply the last straw.”

If a resident had already torn down their house, the land could still be purchased. Besides houses, the program would look at buying adjoining lots that could be developed. Applicants also did not have to live in the home or have flood insurance at the time of the hurricane.

Joe and Patti Joe Denney lost everything by Irma, they said, including pets. Patti Joe Denney called the meeting informative, but she said she had more questions than answers.

“So much time has gone by. We’ve had to survive this way and that way,” she said. “It’s a miracle we heard about this.”

Joe Denney said he had lived on Hill Road for more than 30 years. Since the storm, he said the two shared time in a camping trailer on Hill Road and a motel.

“Our house had eight feet of water in it for three days before it started coming. I mean, we got reimbursed from flood insurance that we paid for,” Joe Denney said. “It’s been tough.”

“We got out by the skin of our teeth,” Patti Joe Denney said. “When you get to retirement age, you have what you need to function the rest of your life, and the water just takes it away.”

Monteen Pillay’s mother was retired and in her late-80s, and no longer in her flood-prone house. Pillay said she would consider information from the meeting.

“If you haven’t been able to rebuild your house yet, this is a great opportunity, because chances are you can’t rebuild it,” Pillay said.

Noel Starnes took notes and stayed after the meeting asking questions. Starnes said he tore his house down after the storm. He said he felt the numerous programs assisting residents impacted by Irma were taking too long.

“Everybody is in the same boat,” Starnes said. “We’re all still sitting here waiting.”

Residents were told to submit a voluntary form with personal details to the county by July 29 and the application deadline was July 31. For more information, residents can call the county’s flood hotline at 529-2794 or email Irma-Grants@ClayClountyGov.com.