Missed the Flood Facts for Fairfield Residents session in the Community Center on January 25, 2025? Below is a summary of the FACTS event presentations, with a link to the presentation as it occurred.
Stormwater Committee Chairperson Ray Redniss focused on drainage problems in Fairfield Harbour, a community built on Eastern Carolina’s flood plain with an aging, inadequate drainage system. To fully correct all FH flooding problems, he told us, would cost an estimated $4 -$5 million. However, the POA budget has continued to fund the corrections for immediate problems. Ray also spoke about the impact of new construction and the current relationship between the Stormwater Committee and the Property Control Committee.
Donnie LaVelle, Craven County Planning Department, began his presentation by saying that to be eligible for any type of disaster assistance, communities must adhere to FEMA flood development standards. Craven County enforces flood damage prevention laws and is happy to answer any questions via a simple telephone call. Donnie spoke about the Community Rating System which recently took FH from a community status offering a 10% discount on flood insurance to one offering a 15% discount. He explained Base Flood Elevation standards and an online software tool to determine a property’s flood zone. He also discussed elevation certificates and provided his contact information.
Heather Thornburg, a Risk Advisor for Wade Associates, sells and services insurance. Heather began by saying the purpose of insurance is not to improve an existing situation but to return the property’s condition to what it was before the event took place. She also spoke of the importance of elevation certificates and how without them, intuitive decisions made may or may not be wise. An elevation certificate, on the other hand, may save money for the insured. No one knows what the weather is going to be or what FEMA will pay, Heather concluded. “If you don’t know what you have in insurance coverage, talk to someone who understands the process.”
Betsy DiNardo, Neuse Realty, discussed Flood Disclosure documents as part of real estate transfer for buyers, sellers and renters. She explained ways to determine the flood status of a property and how organizations such as MyFloodStatus will offer reports for a reasonable cost. However, she said, interpretating these reports can be a challenge. County, insurance, and real estate organizations can supply this information at no cost. Betsy told us the NC Real Estate Commission’s Residential Disclosure Statement is now a legal requirement the seller must give to the buyer.
Margaret Rose, President and co-owner of Neuse Realty, explained the NC Realtors Form 142 regarding flood disclosure for vacant lots. In the 1970’s, FH properties were sold by the land developer without a “buyback” consideration. In contrast, surrounding communities required the land to be developed within a specific time frame, usually a year. Because Fairfield Harbour had no such requirement, land banks began purchasing lots cheaply from owners who did not build, and eventually sold large numbers of these lots to home builders. One builder approached the NC Real Estate Commission complaining that he was not informed of the cost of correcting some of these lots. Form 142 addresses this. Margaret concluded with a discussion of Form 142 and how it might change future development in existing or new subdivisions.
A Question & Answer session followed during which home owners asked what to do about flood insurance assessments and asked about problems which arose, particularly after Hurricane Florence.
Click https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJmalo1vqoE to watch a video presentation and learn what experts advise Fairfield Harbour property owners to do now, before the next Hurricane Florence or Helene threatens.
Your FACTS Reporter