Hundreds of Cary homeowners to save money on flood insurance
Hundreds of Cary property owners will be able to save money on flood insurance premiums next year thanks to a unanimous vote by the Cary Town Council.
The vote adopted a resolution Thursday night to join the Community Rating System, a FEMA program that rewards communities for flood-plain management.
“There will be a significant number of citizens that are going to benefit from this just based upon what we do right now, right off the bat,” said Matt Flynn, the public works director for Cary. “They’re going to see a 10 to 15 percent reduction in their premiums next year if we join this, and they won’t have to do anything. It’ll just happen magically.”
After the town’s application and a roughly six-month evaluation period, insurance brokers will reach out to clients about the discount, Flynn said.
According to FEMA, 711 flood insurance policies remained active in Cary as of September 2021.
Assistant Town Manager Danna Widmar said after years of working on stormwater and flood plain management programs, joining the CRS is the town’s next logical step.
“Given increased variability in weather patterns, I’m pleased to recommend this flood program because it has tangible benefits directly to our citizens,” Widmar said.
Communities in the program earn points based on designated measures for flood plain management.
The town has worked to secure points by preventing further development in flood plains and stream buffers, developing a warning system with stormwater sensors, and working toward diminishing effects of a potential 100-year storm, according to Flynn.
Additionally, the town is working to preserve natural habitats by restoring tree canopy and the natural function of the flood plain.
“You’re going to see a comprehensive and cohesive open space restoration policy coming to you that includes a number of new metrics such as restoration of natural function of flood plain that directly benefits not only property owners immediately adjacent to where that work happens but also downstream property owners,” Flynn said.
Town Council Member Jennifer Robinson asked Flynn to let state officials know the benefits of taking such environmental measures.
“Oftentimes the state considers putting clamps on what local governments can do for environmental protection,” Robinson said. “And I think some of the things that we’ve done are kind of cutting edge and maybe a little innovative, and I’d love for them to see how our citizens are having financial gains from the work that we’re doing.”
New sidewalks approved
In other business, the Cary Town Council approved spending $1.75 million of the town’s sidewalk funds.
On Wrenn Drive, 1,300 feet of sidewalk will be constructed to connect apartment communities to bus lines, Briarcliff Elementary School and businesses on Kildaire Farm Road. A 350-foot gap on North West Cary Parkway near the Cary board will be filled in, which will be easy to construct according to Luana Deans, transportation planning engineer for Cary.
Additionally, a sidewalk will replace a 2,900 foot cap on West Chatham Street. The new sidewalk will connect Bond Park to greenways, housing on West Chatham Street and access to businesses on Old Apex Road.
“These are three great segments to finish out,” said Robinson. “I’m thrilled to see them, especially Wrenn Drive. I mean, that’s wonderful that that is being funded.”
Hindu temple expansion
The Town Council approved a zoning request to let Venkateswara Temple build an assembly hall.
The temple, at 121 Balaji Place, now can build up to 55,000 square feet of new construction and remove buildings at 9423, 9441, 9445 and 9455 Chapel Hill Road.
American Rescue Plan Act
The Town Council approved the allocation of $20 million to fund priorities such as nonprofits, sidewalks and housing initiatives.
The American Rescue Plan Act designated approximately $16.5 million for use by the town, with an additional $3.5 million from Cary’s general fund. As the year progresses, the council will decide which projects to fund.
