The official process for finalizing controversial flood maps in Ocean County has begun. The federal agency that manages flood insurance for thousands of New Jersey residents today announced the release of preliminary flood insurance rate maps for the Jersey Shore community hard-hit by Hurricane Sandy. The Federal Emergency Management Agency released the maps on Friday. Similar maps are also available for Hudson, Middlesex and Monmouth counties....

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FEMA announced Tuesday that, effective May 1,  people who purchased new homes after Biggert-Waters became law on July 6, 2012, or who didn’t have insurance before that date, or whose insurance lapsed, will revert back to premium schedules in effect Oct. 1, 2013. FEMA still has to determine how to alter future rates for people who are scheduled to keep their grandfathered status for subsidized rates as result of the new flood insurance...

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The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on Friday, March 28, 2014, released Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for Ocean County that reflect the latest refinements to the ongoing analysis of flood hazards. This release is the next step in the coastal Flood Insurance Study update. The Preliminary FIRMs replace the Preliminary Work Maps for Ocean County that were released in June of 2013 as an interim product. The new maps are...

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New this week, Melillo Architecture can now be found on Houzz.com! For homeowners, Houzz is a great place to get inspired when building new or renovating, with the ability to browse photos and rooms by which style you prefer. It’s a great place to see products that are recommended by pros, and get an expert opinion on the discussion board. Houzz is also perfect for finding local professionals and browsing through their designs, products, and...

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Architects blend beauty, function and structural integrity into a breathtaking package. Here’s how to get the most from your collaboration.  Click to read more from the Houzz article.

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Outdoor living spaces have “stay-cation” potential — they are becoming more and more popular for short daily escapes. Quiet moments in a hammock or deck chair — listening to the soothing sounds of the ocean waters as birds sing all around — offer ongoing opportunities to disconnect from technology, so sorely needed in today’s modern life.  

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