The Rising Tide and Retreat: Manville, New Jersey‘s Tough Choice in the Face of Increasing Floods
Is your community grappling with the escalating risks of climate change and increasingly frequent flooding? The story of Manville, New Jersey, offers a stark, and increasingly common, illustration of the difficult choices facing towns across the nation. Faced with relentless deluges, Manville is navigating a complex path between rebuilding, repairing, and ultimately, retreat – a strategy embodied by the state’s Blue Acres buyout program. This article delves into the challenges, frustrations, and future outlook for this flood-prone community, examining the broader implications for coastal resilience nationwide.
A Town Defined by Water
Manville, nestled along the Raritan River in Somerset County, has a long history with flooding. While periods of calm can stretch for years, major storms like hurricane ida in 2021 dramatically underscore the town’s vulnerability. Extraordinary flooding events are becoming more frequent and intense, forcing residents and officials to confront a sobering reality: the customary approaches to flood management may no longer be sufficient.
The town is a patchwork of risk. Some neighborhoods sit on higher ground, relatively safe from inundation. Others are repeatedly battered by rising waters, leaving residents in a cycle of damage and recovery. This disparity creates a unique set of challenges for local governance and community cohesion.
The Blue Acres Program: A Buyout as a Last Resort
For years, Manville residents relied on a combination of federal and state aid to rebuild after floods. However, following Ida, New Jersey shifted its strategy. The state announced it woudl prioritize using federal funds solely for the Blue Acres program – a voluntary buyout initiative aimed at acquiring and demolishing flood-prone properties.
The Blue Acres program, managed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), offers homeowners a path to move away from high-risk areas. https://www.nj.gov/dep/blueacres/ The program aims to transform vulnerable land into open space, reducing future flood damage and creating natural buffers. However, the shift in policy caught many residents and local officials off guard.
Frustration and Concerns Over the Buyout-Onyl Approach
Mayor Richard Onderko,a lifelong Manville resident,expresses deep frustration with the state’s decision. He believes that elevation and repair should remain viable options for some homes, offering residents a chance to stay in their communities.
“It’s very frustrating,” Onderko stated. “It feels like we’re being asked to give up parts of our town.”
The concerns extend beyond individual homeowner choices.Buyouts remove properties from the tax rolls, diminishing the town’s revenue base.Manville is then responsible for the ongoing maintenance of the newly acquired open space, adding another financial burden. This creates a difficult equation for a town already struggling with the economic impacts of repeated flooding.
The Long-Term Outlook: A Town at a Crossroads
The future of Manville remains uncertain. Mayor Onderko fears that even more homes will be at risk with each subsequent flood event. He acknowledges the daunting task ahead, stating, “It’s going to take a miracle to try to save this town.”
The situation in Manville isn’t unique. Coastal communities across the United States are facing similar dilemmas. As climate change intensifies, the costs of repeatedly rebuilding after disasters are becoming unsustainable. Managed retreat – strategically relocating people and infrastructure away from vulnerable areas – is increasingly being discussed as a necessary adaptation strategy.
However, retreat is rarely a simple solution. It involves complex social, economic, and emotional considerations. Fair compensation for homeowners, community planning, and the preservation of local identity are all crucial elements of a accomplished retreat strategy.
Evergreen Insights: adapting to a Changing Climate
The story of Manville highlights several key lessons for communities facing similar challenges:
* Proactive Planning is Essential: Waiting for disaster to strike is not a viable strategy. Communities must proactively assess their flood risks, develop comprehensive adaptation plans, and invest in mitigation measures.
* Diversify Adaptation Strategies: Relying on a single approach, like buyouts, can be problematic. A combination of strategies – including elevation, floodproofing, improved drainage, and managed retreat – is often necessary.
* Community Engagement is Paramount: Any adaptation strategy must involve meaningful engagement with residents. Understanding their concerns, respecting their choices, and providing adequate support are crucial for building trust and achieving successful outcomes
