Property owners seek town interest as FEMA hazard‑mitigation acquisitions advance; owner offers 130 Central Avenue to town

Several property owners told the council they have applied to the county’s hazard mitigation acquisition program and asked the town to consider acquiring or partnering on nearby property for park and community uses if FEMA purchases flood-damaged parcels.

Diane Douglas, a local business owner whose property and neighboring group homes were damaged, said owners had filed applications with “CEMA’s hazard mitigation grant program” and that she had been told acquisition negotiations might take “somewhere between 8–18 months.” She said owners retain the right to withdraw applications at any time.

Douglas described the opportunity for the town to assemble more than four acres for a park if acquisition proceeds and urged the council to consider purchasing 130 Central Avenue, a three‑quarter‑acre building that she said has 3,000 square feet and parking. “This property would be an amazing adjunct to the probable park,” Douglas said, suggesting potential town uses such as restrooms, storage, a youth center, or offices.

Why it matters: staff said property acquisition under FEMA hazard‑mitigation programs typically limits future development on acquired parcels and can provide the town with riparian or floodplain management space. Douglas said she and other owners have applied and are waiting on program determinations; she asked the council to visit the property and discuss options.

Council response: Councilors did not commit to any purchase during the meeting but acknowledged the potential opportunity and asked staff to monitor grant and acquisition status. Staff noted owners can withdraw or revise applications during the process.

Ending: Owners and councilors agreed to continue dialogue as acquisition determinations and timelines become clearer.