Politics & Government
Sandy Victims Rally to "Stop FEMA" at Town Hall
Residents and representatives rally against rising flood premiums.
Dozens of Long Islanders were at Babylon Town Hall on Saturday, joining politicians and others in a "Stop FEMA Rally."
Similar protests were held across in the country as new premium increases from FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program will take effect on Tuesday.
According to Newsday, the increases will affect the most flood-prone areas as part of the Biggert-Waters Reform Act of 2012. The increases put into place will help fund the insurance program for the next five years, as directed by Congress.
One local insurance agent told the newspaper some homeowners could see premium increases upwards of $2,000 to $3,000.
The new increases are not only causing issues for homeowners – it's already affecting the housing market. West Islip real estate broker Maria Puglisi told Newsday Long Island's housing market was already having its issues.
"There are currently over 200 homes listed for sale located south of Montauk Highway just in the Town of Babylon alone," she said. "These homes are losing value immediately simply because of the unfair flood insurance premiums."
She added: "They will virtually be unable to be sold."
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
