BOSTON, MA - The Fenway Community Development Corporation owns and manages a building on Peterborough Street. This building is an affordable residence for the sick, elderly, and disabled. In 1996 the building was flooded twice. Most notably in October of 1996 flood waters and sewage entered the building via the main waste line, the garage area, and the elevator sump. Flooding caused damage to five living units, the fire alarm, fire suppression system, the elevator (a vital evacuation tool for the disabled), and the basement area which was used for an after-school program.
During repairs to the building, the Fenway Community Development Corporation worked with FEMA Region I and Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency to develop a flood mitigation project. This project included the following building retrofits: (1) The elevator sump depth was increased and equipped with a larger pump and debris screen; and (2) A check valve was installed on the main waste line to prevent sewage backup.
In June of 1998, the area flooded again. There was no damage to the building. These mitigation steps have saved over $60,000 in avoided damages from this event alone. The protection has given the residents of the building an increased sense of security.
Standard Homeowner's insurance policies do not cover flood damage. The National Flood Insurance Program makes Federally backed flood insurance available to homeowners, renters, and business owners in participating communities.