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Second homeowners and businesses were left out of the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act, which presents more problems for the economy.
If we walk away or lose our homes, our neighborhoods lose all the tax dollars we contribute to the towns for services we hardly even use. I’ve been paying taxes for schools, police and fire for 21 years.
Then add in the loss of summer rentals in tourist areas.
THE AUTHOR:
Susan Belka
My Brick Township home alone has not been rented or used by our family, which cuts out all the monies that would have been spent in local restaurants, gas stations, food stores, etc.
I’m having trouble hanging onto a house I can’t use for pleasure or rent until I retire. I’ve also been paying flood insurance for 21 years.
Yes, I am in a flood zone, but to pay more and get less on the first claim I ever filed is a real slap in the face. Now they want a higher fee $250. on top of my premium.
One common misbelief is that if you have a second home, you must be rich. We worked hard for what we have, and now life has become a daily battle with our banks and FEMA.
What I call “vultures” want to buy up our homes for pennies on the dollar, acting like it’s a favor.
A grassroots group that I strongly support, StopFemaNow has been a driving force in the changes that have recently taken place.
We just want the politician’s to realize that this can’t just be an over-and-done-with deal. Too many people still need so much help. Our numbers are growing.
And we will not back down.
Susan Belka is from Lyndhurst
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