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Tredyffrin board greenlights $2.7 million FEMA buyout to remove flood‑prone homes on Park Ridge Drive
Summary
The Board of Supervisors authorized execution of a hazard mitigation grant agreement with Pennsylvania and FEMA to acquire and demolish two flood‑prone houses on Park Ridge Drive using approximately $2.7 million in FEMA funds; the township plans to restore the parcels to natural conditions.
The Tredyffrin Township Board of Supervisors voted July 15 to execute a hazard mitigation grant program agreement with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to acquire and demolish two homes on Park Ridge Drive.
Township Manager Martin told the board the FEMA application the township had supported was approved and that the grant award is for about $2.7 million to cover acquisition, demolition and associated project costs. "Most of that is for the home acquisitions to pay the homeowners fair market value," Martin said, adding the grant also includes demolition and site restoration costs.
Why it matters: the board said the buyout will remove structures from a repeatedly flooded area, reduce long‑term flood risk for downstream properties, and return the parcels to natural conditions. The township will take ownership after demolition and decide future maintenance and stewardship options.
During public comment, resident Patrick Clark asked whether the project includes downstream flood‑prevention work. Martin responded the grant primarily funds acquisition and demolition; after removal, the township will restore the lots to meadow conditions and consider additional measures as part of longer‑term watershed planning. "Part of the whole project is to take over these properties, demo them, grade and restore to natural conditions," Martin said.
Board members asked procedural and fiscal questions before the motion was moved, seconded and carried by voice vote. The motion's approval authorizes staff to execute the grant agreement and begin the acquisition process.
Next steps: staff will proceed with acquisition tasks, coordinate demolition and grading work funded by the grant, and follow federal and state grant reporting requirements. The board did not set a public timeline for demolition beyond standard grant milestones.
Sources: presentation by Mr. Martin to the Board of Supervisors and questions from public commenter Mr. Clark during the July 15 meeting. The board approved the agreement by voice vote.
