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North Carolina Department of Crime Control and Public Safety Project 5 Project Title: Getting to Open Space
Agency: Division of Emergency Management
Project Description: In the aftermath of hurricanes Bertha and Fran in 1996, the North Carolina Division of Emergency Management (NCDEM) began working with communities to acquire floodprone residential structures through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). All property acquired through the HMGP must be dedicated and maintained as open space in perpetuity to prevent future flood damages. As a result, communities preparing to implement acquisition projects are grappling with two major issues: what to do with the structure once it is acquired and how to manage/maintain the open space. Communities are encouraged to work with their project manager as they investigate alternatives. To aid in this process, the Division of Emergency Management published a document in April of 2000 entitled, Getting to Open Space: Alternatives to Demolition and Options for Land Use. This guide for local officials explores the advantages and disadvantages of six alternative demolition options in terms of their environmental, social and economic benefits. Also included are potential sources of federal and state assistance. Actions Necessary for Implementation: When exploring alternatives to demolition there are several factors to consider. How old is the structure? What is the condition of the structure? Are there public agencies or nonprofit organizations that would benefit from all or parts of the structure? Does the structure have any unique architectural features? Is the structure suitable for a training exercise by local public safety agencies (i.e., emergency management, fire, police)? A community can answer these questions then compare the environmental, social and
other benefits of each alternative. After this evaluation the most appropriate alternative
or combination of alternatives can be selected. For example, a structure not suitable for
relocation or deconstruction could be stripped of salvageable materials by a local
nonprofit agency and used for training before being demolished. By salvaging and recycling materials from acquisition/demolition projects, communities can reduce the amount of debris in their landfills, minimize demolition and
landfill costs, even offer opportunities for job training and welfare-to-work programs.
Mecklenburg County Soil & Water Conservation District led an effort to rescue plants
that would have otherwise been leveled during demolition. Ornamental plants like azalea
bushes and flowers were "saved" and transported to a nature preserve, a senior citizen's In an effort to maintain the aesthetic appeal and safety of the neighborhoods in the period between acquisition and open space, the city installs plywood – painted black – to the inside of the windows. This both secures the property, and avoids an abandoned look. Also, all exterior doors were padlocked and keyed alike to allow only authorized personnel access to the structures. The county maintains the yards until the projects are completed to further strengthen the appearance of the neighborhood and honor the maintenance agreement under the program. Public safety training is the use of a structure to provide training to local public
safety personnel before the structure is demolished. This provides valuable training
opportunities for firefighters, law enforcement (including K-9 training for drug searches
and S.W.A.T. team training) and other public safety personnel. This approach can also
reduce landfill costs and wastes. With landfill space at a premium in most communities, alternatives that reduce
the amount of demolition debris and provide the greatest benefits to the community as a
whole should be considered. Clearly, relocation offers the greatest benefits as the entire
structure is maintained in use. Total demolition provides the fewest benefits and
generates the greatest amount of waste. As a result, this should be the option of last
resort. Regardless of the options chosen, a community should make their plans at the
same time they are going through the acquisition process. This will enable a community
to take advantage of opportunities immediately after acquisition and reduce the potential
for vandalism. |
