Village continues hearing on plans to assist residents with storm damage
Warwick No one turned out for the public hearing on Monday evening, Dec. 5, to amend the Village of Warwick code in such a way that would allow residents with substantial damage from repeated storms to file claims with for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The law currently does not include provisions for homeowners who experience the cumulative effects of repeat natural disasters. The amendment would allow the building inspector to make the necessary findings for homeowners to file a claim for federal assistance. Although the new law would not guarantee assistance, it would increase eligibility for funding to make repairs that would meet current building codes. The board proposed the amendment because of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. The board kept open the public hearing until its next meeting on Dec. 19. Jones Chemical The board has received a petition from local village residents regarding a detour road to Orchard Street and will offer it to the county, which has plans to abandon the bridge that leads to Jones Chemical. Currently, the county does not want to rebuild the bridge, which will be flagged and given a weight limit that would preclude Jones Chemical trucks from crossing it. If the county closes the bridge without providing another avenue for Jones Chemical trucks to get out, Warwick will lose jobs and an estimated $40,000 in taxes paid by the company each year. However, the proposed detour would bring truck traffic through the village. Headquartered in Sarasota, Fla., JCI Jones Chemical is the largest repackager of chlorine in the United States. In other news The board authorized payment of bills totaling $75,574.48 The board is doing its due diligence before deciding whether to continue being a part of a municipal consortium fighting for reasonable electric rates. The next regular meeting of the board will be held on Monday, Dec. 19, at 7:30 p.m. in Warwick Village Hall, 77 Main St. The board scheduled two public hearings for Tuesday, Jan. 3, at 7:30 p.m. in Warwick Village Hall to consider a loading zone on First Street and a no parking zone on the west side of Wheeler Avenue. - Birgit Bogler