Plan to Raise Homes Would Decrease Flood Insurance in Fairfield – TAPinto.net

FAIRFIELD, NJ — Fairfield Township received a $5 million grant for the raising of 22 houses in the Fairfield flood plain.

At Monday’s council meeting, Mayor James Gasparini announced that the Department of Community Affairs, along with the federal government, will pay for the entire process of raising these houses, which are located throughout the township and have repeatedly flooded.

In the fall of 2019, Fairfield was asked to take part in a pilot program for homeowners whose homes repeatedly flooded.  Owners of such homes received a letter from the township explaining the pilot program and were invited to a special meeting that took place in November 2019.

The mayor said that residents were skeptical about the program, but he encouraged them to fill out the paperwork since there was no commitment involved. All 22 residents who filled out the paper work have been accepted into the program. Gasparini said that he has not received all the paperwork, but he will have it in a few weeks. Residents, who were accepted into the program, officially have not been notified.

With the lift, property values will increase, and flood insurance will decrease. The mayor added that it would not only be beneficial to the homeowners but also to first responders, who would have to take people out of harm’s way.

According to Health Officer William Wallace, in his quarterly report to the council, as of March 20, there have been 765,000 cases of the COVID-19 virus statewide. In Essex County, there are about 265 reported cases per day and about 70,000 cases total so far, with 2,400 deaths. In Fairfield, there have been about 605 cases. 

As for vaccine distribution, 3.5 million doses have been administered statewide. About 2.3 million have received their first dose, and 1.2 million are fully vaccinated. As for Essex County, 71,000 people have received their first dose, and 62,000 are fully vaccinated.

Wallace stated that the health department is working closely with the Fairfield public schools and working to get the latest guidelines from the state so that “we can get these kids back in school.” 

A letter was sent out to former pool members to see if there’s an interest. From the responses, Council President William Galese said, “It is highly unlikely we will reopen. North Caldwell will be accepting our residents.”

If any senior needs a property tax relief senior freeze form completed, it is not necessary to bring the form to the tax office. Councilman Joseph Cifelli said that the form can be created using the township’s online system. All one needs to do is to call the tax office at 973-882-2700 x2507 and provide your name and address and answer a few questions. The form will be completed and mailed to you at your home. 

The Easter Bunny will be waving to the children from the Fairfield Volunteer Fire Department’s firetruck on Saturday, April 3 starting at 11 a.m.