Message from Mayor Madden: The Clarion Call for Heather Lane
After two years of identifying and addressing this dangerous yet growing pernicious environmental problem, bringing the issue to the attention of regional, state and federal governments and agencies, we have yet to secure a practical utilitarian remedy for these residents and neighbors on two other nearby cul de sacs experiencing a similar erosion problem.
The remedy must consist of state and or federal aid probably in the form of grant funding. The Borough cannot get involved in private property even with a matching grant. In my opinion, the best solution would come out of the Governor’s office and the Federal Government, particularly FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) in the form of 100 % grant funding. FEMA offers a “National Preparedness System” in which communities identify and assess such (environmental) risks, threats and hazards.” Thereafter building and sustaining capabilities based on this risk assessment are formulated. Heather Lane in my opinion fits squarely within this purview.
FEMA is a federal agency within the Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS). Their 10 field offices manage disaster response and recovery. In fact, the director of FEMA reports directly to the DHS secretary.
Unfortunately such a callous renunciation of accountability and obligation concerning this issue and of this magnitude lends a compelling wrinkle in the quiver of financial resources available to the state and federal government while accepting zero liability.
An important note is that the Emergency Management and Technology Subcommittee maintains complete oversight of FEMA. This subcommittee focuses on “emergency preparedness, response, mitigation, resilience and recovery.” Their hazard mitigation funding comes with a well-defined cost/benefit ratio with a 25 % Borough match.
My frustration centers around the interesting responses that I have received from these various agencies. The most recent one since reaching out to the EPA Region 2 officials last week was that said agency will not get involved since this situation is not covered within their scope or policy even though they acknowledge that Middlesex Borough is an “underserved” community (key for their engagement). Instead their response was to “call Congress since this is where their funding comes from.”
I am urging that all residents please reach out to these government officials to help in this cause. Would this problem have been resolved if these officials lived here in Middlesex on Heather Lane?
Enjoy your day and be well.
Mayor John L. Madden
Watch Mayor Madden’s Interview with News12 About the Urgent Issues on Heather Lane
Image link clicks through to News 12 NJ’s website to view the video.