Friday, November 26, 1999
Colerain awaits buyout verdict
Flood-prone homes would be razed
BY LEW MOORES
The Cincinnati Enquirer
COLERAIN TOWNSHIP — The township could hear by February whether its application for funds has been approved by the federal government. That would clear the way to begin negotiating with homeowners along Blanchetta Drive and Royal Glen to buy them out and demolish the homes.
The whole process could take at least a year once the application for hazard mitigation grant funds is approved by the Federal Emergency Man agement Agency (FEMA), meaning the project would not be completed until 2001.
At least 12 of the 16 homeowners surveyed by the township have expressed an interest in having their homes bought out.
For three decades, homes along Blanchetta and Royal Glen have been subjected to severe flooding that has cost both homeowners and the government thousands of dollars. The area, located in the southeast corner of the township, is on the West Fork of the Mill Creek.
“According to preliminary analysis, it seems to be the best alternative at this point,” said Frank Birkenhauer, assistant township administrator. “It appears as if acquisition will be the most cost-effective means.”
The state is doing a detailed analysis of the benefits of buying out the homes rather than elevating structures or dredging the West Fork again. The state will then forward the application to FEMA.
The county has also tried capital improvements to stem the flooding, such as pump stations, to no avail.
“The project will also reduce the need for future financial assistance from the feder al, state and local funding agencies in addition to reducing the decline of property values and future economic harm” to the property owners, according to the funding application filed by the township.
“There's been pump stations installed there, there's been dredging, and despite all that, it's still flooding,” said Mr. Birkenhauer. “It's been happening for over 30 years. People have had to replace appliances and had severe damage to homes and vehicles.”
The township is working with the Ohio Emergency Management Agency (OEMA) to secure the funding under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. Grant monies from FEMA have been used elsewhere in Southwestern Ohio, such as Cincinnati, Clermont County and Whitewater Township.
The money is used for flood-proofing properties, elevating structures and buying properties prone to flooding.
The township is seeking $1.2 million and will use $409,000 of money it controls, potentially through community development block grants.
The money would be used for appraisals, attorneys, demolition work, relocation and buying the properties.
Residents say their homes, most of which were built in the late 1940s, are worth $80,000 to $90,000. In surveys, they have listed property damage from recent flooding as being anywhere from a few hundred dollars to close to $5,000.
Joe Bellman, who lives on Royal Glen, is interested in selling. He has lived in his home for 35 years, but the aggravation has been persistent.
“I said I'd go along with it as long as the price is right,” said Mr. Bellman. “I'm retired and I sure don't want to go back into debt again. I got the house paid for. I don't keep anything in the basement anymore. It's still an aggravation. Putting the washer and dryer up and all this other stuff.”
Deborah Hatley, who lives on Blanchetta, said residents are optimistic about the project being approved.
“Actually, I'm pretty excited about it,” said Ms. Hatley. “They said if everything works out, they'll start doing appraisals in April.”
Cop charged in jogger's death
'Ramping' blamed for fatal crash
Two children killed on Ky. 17
Airport garages tracking license plates
Holiday warning: Beware mall music
Shoppers advised to remain on alert
Safe shopping tips
Go online to shop out-of-town
Rudd Farm lights up one last time
Grand homes dress in wreaths and bows
Cards with a cause
Christmas festival has Welsh flavor
Holiday workers make the best of it
'Pretty slow' day for crime
Stealth politics waged on Internet
GET TO IT
13 (children) turned out lucky
City parks want some 'Friends'
Colerain awaits buyout verdict
Eastgate Bigg's recalled turkeys
Guadalupe festival is outreach to Hispanics
Officer charged in bar scuffle
Sidewalks have lots of support
TRISTATE DIGEST
Warren picks Franklin for sewer link
