Union County announces senior storm-relief grant after deadly floods; residents press for infrastructure fixes

Union County commissioners announced a storm-related emergency home repair grant for eligible senior homeowners after severe storms in July that county officials said caused multiple deaths and major property damage in towns including Plainfield.

Chairwoman Andrea Leon said the county is launching the grant for residents age 62 and older who own and occupy a single- or two-family home and who qualify as low- or moderate-income. “Eligible seniors receive up to $10,000 towards repairs,” she said, and added that homeowners must be current on mortgage and property taxes. Applicants will receive an inspection and a cost estimate that will determine the grant amount; additional funding may be available through the Union County Home Improvement Program.

Residents from Berkeley Heights, Plainfield and other municipalities used the public-comment period to describe large, rapid flooding and repeated basement and structural damage. Several speakers asked what the county and state are doing to review flood maps, pursue engineering solutions and press for federal aid. “We need to do this,” said Terry Seuss, a resident of Union, urging a working group to study flood maps and retrofit needs. Steve Gribben of Berkeley Heights described five feet of water in his basement and estimated $35,000 in restoration costs for his home.

County Engineer Rick (last name given in meeting) acknowledged the scale of recent storms and said there is no single solution. He advised that property owners have some responsibilities where streams run on private land while also urging collaborative county, municipal, state and federal work for larger projects. “Anything specifically related to county easements, feel free to reach out to myself and director Palakey, and we can certainly try and work with anyone, local, municipal, other counties,” he said.

Several commissioners urged residents to seek federal relief and to contact congressional offices; county officials said FEMA eligibility can be complex and described typical thresholds for disaster declarations. Commissioner Williams described ongoing work by the Green Brook Flood Commission and cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on longer-term projects. Vice Chairman Bodek and others urged patience while stressing the need for multi-jurisdictional funding.

The board said staff and county departments have been engaged with municipal partners to provide rescue operations, social services and information during and after the storms. Chairwoman Leon directed eligible seniors to contact Development Directions LLC at (732) 382-8100 to apply and said the home improvement program remains available regardless of age for income-eligible homeowners.