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Board hears why dozens of Hurricane Aileen demolition permits remain incomplete
Summary
Staff told the board the department processed about 150 FEMA-related demolition applications after Hurricane Aileen but only about 42 demolitions have been completed; many homeowners or contractors appear to have completed work outside the program.
Ashley, the department director, told the board the department received roughly 150 applications tied to FEMA demolition and debris-removal programs but that only about 42 demolitions have been completed under the program so far.
"We reported previously that we processed around a 150 applications for demolitions... And to date, they have actually only done, I believe, 42 total," Ashley said, explaining many applicants appear to have dropped out of the FEMA process to do work faster on their own. She said staff are working to process invoices and permits and that several sites originally on FEMA lists were discovered already demolished when inspectors arrived.
James (staff) and other staff clarified regulatory distinctions: grouped FEMA demolition jobs are covered under federal NESHAP asbestos rules and therefore require handling consistent with those federal standards, while private residential demolitions done independently may not fall under the same federal notification rules. The board discussed enforcement discretion as staff seek to balance public‑health protections and homeowner hardship following the storm.
