From economic, natural resource and safety perspectives, keeping new
development out of the river corridor, the area vulnerable to flooding
and erosion, makes sense. With careful planning, many flooding disasters
can be avoided. While Waitsfield's current zoning bylaws contain
language that restricts development in the floodway, as designated by
the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the language is now
outdated and needs updating. In addition, new studies conducted by the
State Department of Environmental Conservation (in partnership with the
Friends of the Mad River) have provided planners with information about
areas that are vulnerable to damage by erosion (the fluvial erosion
hazard zone) but are not protected by FEMA regulations.
The Waitsfield Planning Commission recently completed proposed flood and
fluvial erosion hazard zoning amendments to address new FEMA
requirements, and also address the Fluvial Erosion Hazard zone. The
Waitsfield Select Board will be holding a public meeting at the town
office on Monday, May 17, to discuss the proposed amendments.
The Friends of the Mad River encourage residents to attend this meeting
to learn more about flooding and fluvial erosion hazards in Waitsfield,
and how we can best plan for and address these issues as individuals and
as a community.
Caitrin Noel, coordinator
Friends of the Mad River
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