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County flags FEMA SWIFT option for flooded 25 Old Jackson Avenue; town wants written proposal
Summary
Board discussed a FEMA SWIFT/FEMA grant option for flood mitigation at 25 Old Jackson Avenue; county staff signaled they might cover the local share, and the property owner (Peter Duda) aims to rehabilitate the building for a daycare, but the board requested written plans and more detail before any commitment.
Town staff briefed the board on a project at 25 Old Jackson Avenue — a property that the town has long identified as flood-prone. Peter Duda, the property owner referenced in meeting comments, seeks to address flooding and make the building habitable for a childcare facility. The county planner indicated a grant program (FEMA/SWIFT) could cover the local 10% share up to 50% of the total project cost, but the county’s response as described to the board left open several conditions including easements for the life of bonds and project specifics.
Board members said they needed more written detail before the board could commit town resources or agree to easements. "If the county is willing to take the 10% and assuming we could address the flooding problem, that's not going to cost the town anything," one board member said, while others warned about contingencies that could require the town to administer and carry project obligations. Members emphasized the need for a formal written proposal from the applicant and for a coordinated meeting that includes county planners and DPW staff so the engineering scope and long-term maintenance responsibilities are clear.
The board directed staff to contact Peter Duda, to invite county planning staff into a joint meeting with town engineering and DPW representatives, and to ask Duda for a written project proposal that outlines scope, estimated costs, and any easement or ownership implications.
No grant application was approved at the meeting; members repeatedly said they were supportive of obtaining more information to evaluate whether it is feasible and in the town’s interest to participate or administer any resulting grant-funded work.
