New Jersey's Flood Solution: A $234 Million Buyout of 1,200 Homes
In an effort to combat the growing threat of flooding and sea level rise in the state, New Jersey has turned to a novel approach: buying out homes in flood-prone areas. The Blue Acres program, which began in 1995, has spent over $234 million on buyouts, permanently relocating thousands of homeowners and restoring properties to open space.
The program's success is evident in Manville, a town that has long struggled with flooding. In the past few decades, the town has been hit by several major storms, including Hurricane Ida in 2021, which caused catastrophic damage and displacement. Yet, despite these challenges, Manville remains a desirable place to live, thanks in part to the Blue Acres program.
The buyouts are not just a matter of saving money for homeowners; they also provide a chance for communities to rethink their relationship with flood-prone areas. By converting properties back into open space, municipalities can reduce stormwater runoff and create more resilient ecosystems.
However, the process is not without its challenges. Homeowners who sell their homes through the program often face difficult decisions about leaving behind memories and familiar surroundings. For Wendy Byra and her husband, Thomas Kline, the buyout offered a chance to move to higher ground and avoid future flooding. However, they also had mixed feelings about the amount of money they received.
The Blue Acres program has been hailed as a model for other states struggling with similar issues. According to Georgetown Climate Center, New Jersey's approach has achieved "significant results" in terms of buyouts and community engagement.
Yet, despite its success, the program is not without its critics. Mayor Andrew Nowick notes that elevation and repair remain viable alternatives for some homes, particularly those owned by residents who are willing or able to invest in upgrades. Furthermore, the loss of tax revenue from sold properties can take a toll on municipalities like Manville.
As New Jersey continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change, it's likely that the Blue Acres program will play an increasingly important role in shaping its response. Will it be enough to save towns like Manville? Only time will tell.
In an effort to combat the growing threat of flooding and sea level rise in the state, New Jersey has turned to a novel approach: buying out homes in flood-prone areas. The Blue Acres program, which began in 1995, has spent over $234 million on buyouts, permanently relocating thousands of homeowners and restoring properties to open space.
The program's success is evident in Manville, a town that has long struggled with flooding. In the past few decades, the town has been hit by several major storms, including Hurricane Ida in 2021, which caused catastrophic damage and displacement. Yet, despite these challenges, Manville remains a desirable place to live, thanks in part to the Blue Acres program.
The buyouts are not just a matter of saving money for homeowners; they also provide a chance for communities to rethink their relationship with flood-prone areas. By converting properties back into open space, municipalities can reduce stormwater runoff and create more resilient ecosystems.
However, the process is not without its challenges. Homeowners who sell their homes through the program often face difficult decisions about leaving behind memories and familiar surroundings. For Wendy Byra and her husband, Thomas Kline, the buyout offered a chance to move to higher ground and avoid future flooding. However, they also had mixed feelings about the amount of money they received.
The Blue Acres program has been hailed as a model for other states struggling with similar issues. According to Georgetown Climate Center, New Jersey's approach has achieved "significant results" in terms of buyouts and community engagement.
Yet, despite its success, the program is not without its critics. Mayor Andrew Nowick notes that elevation and repair remain viable alternatives for some homes, particularly those owned by residents who are willing or able to invest in upgrades. Furthermore, the loss of tax revenue from sold properties can take a toll on municipalities like Manville.
As New Jersey continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change, it's likely that the Blue Acres program will play an increasingly important role in shaping its response. Will it be enough to save towns like Manville? Only time will tell.
i think its a good start but also kinda weird how they're just buying out homes instead of trying to fix the flood issues themselves. dont get me wrong, saving ppl from floods is super important but idk if thats the best solution. seems like they're leaving out other options for homes that arent in super high risk areas.
I'm low-key impressed by New Jersey's $234 million buyout plan 
. It's all about prioritizing flood resilience and community well-being, you feel? 
The fact that it's been a success in Manville is a huge win for climate change adaptability 
. Of course, there are some challenges to navigate (literally!), like the emotional toll of leaving behind memories and the financial impact on municipalities. But hey, every little bit counts, right? 
Maybe this will inspire other states to take a page out of New Jersey's book 
. As for me, I'll just be over here, hoping that coastal towns can stay afloat (pun intended!) 
, I mean, flooding is getting worse and it's not just about saving money for homeowners, but also about preserving communities and reducing stormwater runoff 
. It's all about finding a balance between progress and preservation, right? 
, but I think we need to keep having the convo about elevation and repair too 
, especially for ppl who can't afford the upgrades 
. And tax revenue loss can be a big hit for municipalities like Manville 
.
, it's all about taking care of our communities and our planet Earth 
. And who knows, maybe we'll learn from NJ's experience and find ways to make flood-prone areas more resilient and sustainable 
. But at the same time, I'm worried about all those memories and stories that are being left behind 
. And what about the folks who can't afford to upgrade their homes? I mean, I get that some people might be able to put in the work, but for those who aren't, it's just not fair 
. Still, I guess it's a start... and if it helps prevent more flooding damage down the line, then I'm all for it 
it's also interesting that some towns are already seeing benefits from the program and they're saying it could be a model for other states, but at the same time there are still some critics saying elevation and repair might be better options for some people... anyway i think it's a step in the right direction and hopefully it will help save places like manville 
. I mean, who wants to deal with flooding and water damage every other year? It's not exactly the most pleasant life 
. And hey, at least they're thinking about the future and trying to make their communities more resilient 
. I've seen friends move away from places just because of flooding issues 
. And it's cool that NJ is leading the way with this program 
. Who knows, maybe other states will follow suit 
.
.
. I mean, who wants to deal with constant flooding and worrying about their home getting washed away? It's better to just get paid and move on 
! Buying out homes in flood-prone areas can actually help create more resilient ecosystems and reduce stormwater runoff. It's like, we're not just preserving our homes, but also the environment around us. Plus, it gives communities a chance to rethink how they interact with nature. I mean, who needs a boring old park when you can have a restored wetland or floodplain? 
... still, I guess it's a step in the right direction, and if it helps prevent more homes from flooding, then I'm all for it 
. I wish other states could learn from New Jersey's example and create similar programs 
.
i think its genius that NJ is taking proactive steps to deal with flooding and sea level rise - we gotta do more as a society to address climate change 