George Loza: Raise that house high enough for more parking

Many homeowners near the ocean in New Jersey may be required to raise their homes to protect them from future floods. FEMA has approved new flood elevation maps that will be used as a guide to how high is considered safe. At a recent public discussion held by WHYY on Long Beach Island in New Jersey, a local architect offered this tip to his neighbors: Raise your home high enough to park your car underneath. It may sound basic but he says some people only jack up their house a few feet to meet requirements. 

Loza took part in one of five forums sponsored by NewsWorks to develop a smarter plan for rebuilding the Jersey shore. Ready for Next Time? Rethinking the Shore After Sandy forums were held in Philadelphia, Cape May Court House, Mays Landing, LBI and Tuckerton. 

At each event, local residents gave their reactions to three different strategies to create a sustainable shore living. The first approach was rebuild the shore the way it was with some extra protections like dunes. The second approach called for making controversial steps of creating no build zones in high risk areas. The third approach calls for an all out retreat from the barrier islands. 

This video is just one of the activities offered to participants to ensure their views were heard. 

In the coming weeks, we’ll present a report that outlines where there is clear agreement and direction. Check back to NewsWorks.org/NJ soon.