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FEMA awards roughly $5.63 million in buyouts for Johnson properties; town outlines next steps
Summary
The select board was told FEMA approved approximately $5,627,000 to buy out 16 Johnson properties; appraisals will follow and staff urged careful coordination with affected residents, tenants and the sheriff’s office.
The select board was told the town had secured FEMA approval for buyouts affecting 16 applicants, totaling about $5,627,000. Staff said appraisals should be completed within two months and emphasized the need to manage transitions sensitively where residents still occupy buildings.
"We got an announcement from FEMA today," said Howard Romero (staff member), calling the award “really exciting” and warning that timing for individual transfers may differ depending on whether buildings are occupied. He told the board FEMA’s process means property owners may decline a buyout up until closing and the town likewise retains discretion until transfer is complete.
Town staff noted that the state has contracted attorneys to assist with closings and that those attorneys will represent the town in the transactions. The board discussed logistics including potential demolition, recycling of building materials, and attorney-fee coverage; staff said the state indicated it would help cover legal work on the closings. Appraisals and subsequent closings will determine exact timelines for each parcel.
