County to present $1.54 million FEMA-backed buyout and demolition plan for Roosevelt Estates

Supervisor Humphrey told residents that at tomorrow’s Board of Supervisors meeting staff will present the county’s planned purchase of 10 properties in Roosevelt Estates, including eight homes directly impacted by flooding and two additional parcels needed for the project. “On June 17th, 2024, FEMA awarded the county a $1,541,258.25 grant to purchase these properties,” Humphrey said.

Humphrey said staff will ask the board to approve the lowest, most responsive and qualified bidders to survey and remediate asbestos in the homes and to demolish the 10 residential structures, with a tentative demolition start date of December 2024. He also said county staff will ask the board’s permission to advertise for proposals for design services for flood protection at Campaign Creek, Roosevelt Estates.

Humphrey added that Mesquite Street would be reopened after demolition only if county staff determine that opening the low-water crossing “will not negatively impact the residences that are adjacent to the buyout.” He said the county will not consider installing a gate at Mesquite until the safety of the crossing is established.

Supervisor Humphrey said he and Jammer, a county staff member, would inspect culverts in the Estates to formulate next steps for drainage work. Residents present raised concerns about nearby properties and public health issues, including a report that a county-owned water bladder behind the fire department had rotted and was contributing to pack-rat problems at a nearby RV park; Humphrey directed residents to report the condition so staff can follow up.

The immediate next step is the Board of Supervisors meeting tomorrow, where the board is scheduled to consider awarding contracts for asbestos survey/cleanup and demolition and to authorize advertising for flood-protection design services. No final contracts or demolition start dates are official until the board acts.