from the Portmouth Herald.

for the full story, read the Portsmouth Herald.

By Deborah McDermott

KITTERY, Maine — Many of the more than 50 residents attending a floodplain map workshop Monday said they’d help chip in toward the $20,000 cost for a town appeal of maps called flawed and inaccurate.

According to Assistant Town Planner Chris DiMatteo, the 1984 maps were paper and the 2013 digital preliminary maps “seemed like they just slid over” the old maps like a picture poorly focused. Moreover, a consultant found that FEMA used flawed data in determining coastal wave action on properties. For instance, he said, it “raised eyebrows” when the new maps showed waves would overtop Fort McClary, which sits on a bluff.

Council Chairman Jeff Thomson estimated that if between 40 and 50 properties were involved, it would cost each property owner $300 to $400. Resident Dianne Dean said she and other property owners need to know now if the town will appeal, because they will need all the time they can get to mount individual appeals if not.

 The council will discuss the matter at its April 28 meeting.

There is a complete story online at the Portsmouth Herald. Click here.

WATCH IT ON TOWN HALL STREAMS. for the most accurate review of the following workshops and meetings. 

Workshop on New Holding tank at Frisbee Pier,Planning Board, EDC and Comprehensive Plan update and working together, language cleanup with CIP Committee Charge and Flood Maps/FEMA updates.