Montecito Center staff helps locals decipher FEMA Recovery Maps
Montecito residents confused by the newly released FEMA Recovery Maps have a new resource for help as the community prepares for Thursday’s Community Meeting.
Staff at the Montecito Center on Coast Village Circle are hosting map viewings for people with questions. The free service is a great way for experts to walk homeowners through properties damaged or destroyed in the January 9 mudslide and debris flows, via the computer.
“We’re here for the long-haul to help people navigate this complex situation,” said Michele Drum, Team Leader of California HOPE 805.
By late Wednesday morning, at least a dozen people sought help deciphering Santa Barbara County’s newly released topographic maps.
“I drew them up on my computer this morning but I had a lot of questions,” Steve Cole said.
Cole, a Montecito resident, was one among those people with blueprints and architectural renderings arriving at the center with critical questions.
“Will I be able to build my ADU that I’ve already been approved?” Cole asked. “If there’s changes to the elevation through these maps I’ll have to go and start all over again.”
Staffers inside admit, the maps and color legends are confusing.
“Folks are dealing with a litany of issues in their path to recovery,” said Ben Romo, Community Recovery and Engagement Coordinator for Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management. “And for those folks with damaged property, figuring out these maps is a critical first step.”
This English Tudor-turned-Montecito Center is the hub connecting people to all types of resources.
“It’ll tell you in case of a flood what amount of water your property might be subjected to,” Drum said as she pointed to the colorful and interactive FEMA Recovery Map.
Flood experts and case managers are available for those with property damage, requesting critical advice about whether to repair or rebuild.
“Readysbc.org is where you can actually look up your parcel,” Drum said. “Click on that and get the name of your case manager.”
“Montecito’s a lucky place,” Cole said. “We’re really happy that we’re being taken care of.”
The night’s Community Meeting gives the public an opportunity to go over the FEMA Recovery Maps with experts as guides. The meeting location is Santa Barbara County Administration’s fourth floor Hearing Room at 105 E. Anapamu Street. Thursday’s meeting starts at 6:00 p.m.
