Protect Your House from Flooding in Herkimer Village! Fire Hydrant Test Misses the Mark

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by Linda Kaidan

Do you have protection against basement flooding? “IDK” is not a good answer!

9/26/23 My foot above a clooged drain on Herkimer's Pleasant Avenue following today's fire hydrant test. I clered this drain. The rest remained clooged.
9/26/23 My foot above a clogged drain on Herkimer’s Pleasant Avenue following today’s fire hydrant test. I cleared this drain. The rest remained clogged.

Flood insurance is not cheap and basement insurance is limited. Yet most basements have expensive infrastructure like one or more electrical boxes, furnaces, water lines, and heating systems. If you have ever hired a contractor, you might realize that repairing or replacing some or all of these systems is very costly.

The least expensive protection is to prevent your basement from flooding in the first place.

One of the major factors in flood prevention is periodically clearing the storm drains that move water from streets into an effective municipal drainage system.

Is this more difficult than ever before? Sadly, the answer is yes, because more rain is falling than ever before. We can handle this increase in rain by having excellent storm drains that move the water away from buildings and control the flow into conduits that can carry it to reservoirs or into waterways that can handle the flow. But this requires constant vigilance on the part of residents and government.

What is your local government doing about this?

In Herkimer, NY a water hydrant test was conducted this morning on our street. I had forgotten all about it. I think it was around 9:30 AM 9/26/23 when I realized our street was streaming with water from Protection Ave to 328 Pleasant, halfway down  Pleasant Avenue, where the only truly clear storm drain gurgled happily, indicating the system worked well at this specific location. One reason it functioned adequately was because I had just cleared it of the fallen leaves that had accumulated on the grating at street level.

Today’s test showed that a small amount of intentional runoff from a fire hydrant caused backup of all drains except for the at 326 Pleasant Ave. The photo above shows me putting my foot in it. Well worth the effort :)!

It was sunny this morning as big puddles collected the length of the street. The single storm drain across from the biggest puddle at 326 was functional. It gurgled happily, removing flood water danger from this area.

Annual fire hydrant testing is often a legal requirement. And a fine opportunity to observe the condition of a street’s drainage. Herkimer’s the only place we’ve ever lived where this test wasn’t conducted by uniformed fire department personnel, but rather by what appeared to have been a contractor, who moved along briskly, splashing unconcerned through the standing water.

Why should you care? Stormwater control is key to preventing property damage from floods. Wet basements support mold, and mildew and destroy infrastructure. In many cases, damage to basements is not covered by insurance. Also, the documented failure of a municipality to remedy this threat leaves it open to a liability suit by homeowners and flood insurers in the event of negligence preceding a loss. (A blog post, for example, is legally admissible documentation.)

Living in your cozy village is great but it does not protect you from flood damage. Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, or both, you can lose valuable assets if stormwater drainage isn’t well-managed by your municipality.

Because of climate change, there is a vast increase in unpredictable flash floods caused by rainfall. In several states, people have died when driving flooded streets.

A cautionary tale

In not so-far away Vermont, July 2023 floods damaged more than 4,000 homes and 800 businesses. NOAA reported rivers rising 20 feet above normal. (Below image by NOAA.) 

Floodready.Vermont.gov reported the following damages resulting from July 2023 flooding:

“We all know people whose lives were turned upside down. Homes washed away. Bridges and roads were decimated. The costs for a small state were immense – about $63 million in insurance claims, $153 million in state and local costs, and a staggering $603 million in federal outlays – all from one storm.”

A Lesson to All from Maui

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by Linda Kaidan

Maui, one of the most beautiful destinations on earth, has suffered maximum devistation of its natural resources, people and economy, and further shaken confidence in the sustainability of our planet.

The root cause? A deadly combination of very dry air and hurricane winds.  Can we prevent this from happening again? 

Yes! Here is an inexpensive, recent technology developed by UC Berkeley, which will help keep moisture where it needs to be anywhere on our planet. In forests, deserts and in our very own Adirondacks Park . We will save lives and gain confidence that we can curb climate chaos on our way to controling the devastation which has stunned and terrorized all of  us.

The above video shows how we can extract water from air even in very dry places. The result can produce onsite water throughout the day,  reducing the likelihood of disasterous fires.

Accelerating Ocean Rise Will Flood 38% of US Population by 2050

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Water from the Greenland ice sheet flows through heather and peat during unseasonably warm weather on Aug. 1, 2019. Credit: Sean Gallup/Getty Images

Linda Kaidan

Above photo Greenland Ice Sheet Melting( InsideClimateNews.org Bob Berwyn)

We’ve been doing a lousy job of predicting the effects of climate change on our planet.

We underestimate anticipated damage and have insufficient relief available on a national scale. 

Data from NOAA.gov and the US Census tells us that 127 M/334 M  or 38% of US Citizens live in coastal counties.

They are in serious danger of coastal flooding in the near future. 

In 2023 New York State is leading the nation on per capita Gross Domestic Product with $87,457. MA follows with $84,651 and WA with $80,708. In comparison, FL Per Capita GDP was reported as $49,053, and TX  $58,102.  (reported by worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/gdp-by-state).

The Great Depression of 1929-1939 was an economic apocalypse on a worldwide scale.

People were starving and homeless. The USA Work Program was created to give people paid jobs. People who joined the WPA improved public infrastructure while learning valuable skills. They built state parks, schools, and roads. 

We should have a New York State work/training program that educates people, creates infrastructure, and offers paid jobs.

We are sorry that rich people in NYC’s wealthy suburbs voted against creating ADU-type housing during this climate change crisis. A work-training-infrastructure program at our state or national level can make our future much brighter.

Phys.org (The American Geophysical Union) predicts that the collapse of the Greenland Ice sheet is imminent

It will raise the sea level by 23 ft when completely melted.

Let’s Plan on Preparing

Last April, Harold Warnless of The Guardian, anticipated a two-foot rise by  2040 and a 3-foot rise by 2050. I bet most people are NOT prepared for this! We must be ready by moving away from the coast and by having national and state programs that will help us maintain a healthy economy and provide self-sufficiency and adequate education and infrastructure.
Let’s do better!

Human vs Robot: ADU News from University of Maine and Mighty Buildings

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Linda Kaidan

 

The University of Maine recently created the first bio-printed home.

To build this groundbreaking economically constructed home, they replaced concrete with wood waste material. Recycled wood waste is superior to concrete because it is an excellent insulator and is completely biodegradable! Well-designed 3-D printed homes can be built in as little as a single day. Quick construction means great cost savings and easily tested reliability. Some reports indicate that Robot constructed homes can last between 100 and 300 years!

Mighty Buidings is a well-established robotic home-building company based in California.

California, Maine, and New York all share a common problem. There is an extreme shortage of affordable homes. A great way to fight this shortage is to have local robotics driven 3 D factories employing reliable national building standards. Let’s work together to include our national talents and abilities in creating high-quality affordable homes for our citizens 🙂

Can humans working slower be just as effective?

While robot construction of ADUS can be very time efficient we should also consider how effective even self trained humans can be in creating highly affordable living spaces   The following youtube exemplifies the work of a self taught builder who created a home with bedroom, kitchen, office and shower for $15,000.

How Can An ADU Help the Housing Crisis in Upstate NY?

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Help solve housing crisis! Approve ADU Housing NOW!
14.5 M housing units suffered damage in the last year due to severe weather. ADUs can help solve our immediate housing crisis.

Linda J. Kaidan

Accessory Dwellings to the Rescue NYS

Nationwide extreme weather has magnified the severe housing crisis in upstate NY.  On 2/17/22 The Washington Post reported that 14.5 million dwelling units sustained property losses in the preceding 12 months. Damages totaled about  $57 Million by November 17, 2022.  The current US population is  333 M and there is 1 housing unit for every 2.5 people (US Census).

36.25 M people suffered damage to their homes from severe weather in a 1-year period. (36.25 M / 333 M ) or 10% of the US population in a single year!

ADU is an accessory dwelling unit that can be attached or detachedNew York State Senate Bill S4547A 2021-2022,  which has not yet passed, proposes the legalization of ADUs on properties zoned residential, with the expectation that it will help homeowners earn some income while proving affordable rental housing in a tight market. The American Institute of Architects describes ADUs as attached or detached units situated on a single lot. They may include garage apartments, finished basements, or in-law suites.

In New York State some municipalities provide legal zoning for ADUs! Where can we build an ADU?

In Utica, NY you can build an ADU up to 800 SF.

Syracuse ADU zoning is defined in the document Rezone Syracuse Ordinance  December 2019.

Neither Albany, NY nor New York City have approved ADU construction. Overall it appears that little headway in ADU permitting has been achieved in New York State’s urban areas. It seems very sad that zoning is not more flexible, especially as it would help create more affordable housing, provide extra income to homeowners and stretch urban infrastructure.  Let’s hope we can change some minds soon.

Micron’s 100 Billion $ Investment Leads to Land Grab in Central NY

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Land Grab
Housing Shortage in Central NY May be causing Land Grab

by Linda Kaidan

On Aug 25, 2022, President Biden signed an Executive Order to implement semiconductor funding in the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 Chip manufacturer Micron considered two candidate states for its new facility: Texas and NY. Just one week after  Hurricane IAN struck Gulf  Coast  Fort Meyers FL on October 4, 2022, Micron Announced its $100 Billion Megafab Manufacturing Facility would be built in central NY.

Texas has been troubled by significant flooding, drought, and tornados making it unattractive in terms of climate change safety! It is anticipated that the new Micron facility in Clay New York will bring 50,000 new jobs to New York State. US-based supply chain safe DRAM production reduces risk while improving our local economy.
 
There is limited availability of homes nationwide! Even before IAN caused massive devastation in Florida, Pewtrusts.org reported that it might take 10 years to catch up on housing shortages. Massive construction of housing projects in NYS will be needed to provide homes for those who move here!
 
Greedy investors are motivated to grab available properties in Central NY. Some may use street gangs to harass vulnerable owners into moving! If you feel that this is happening to you don’t give in or you will be giving up your personal goldmine! We recommend an easy solution that is totally legal. Try Halt II Dog Repellant. Legal in New York State it repels dogs of all kinds 🙂 Also, take lots of photos and post them on YOUTUBE. Use hashtag gangBgone#. Giving up your nest egg is idiotic and will result in far more economic insecurity for your family!
 
Be brave and keep safe. You CAN do it!
 
 
 

When Oceans Rise 10 FT

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10 ft of ocean rise
NOAA model of 10ft ocean rise along the northeastern coast

The US Geological Survey predicts that when all of the earth’s glaciers and ice caps are melted global sea level will rise about 230 feet. As a result, every coastal city on the planet will flood!

More trouble is on the way in the Antarctic as regional ice shelves are shattering.  “An unexpected ice shelf collapse in East Antarctica, after temperatures spiked 70°F above normal, highlights bigger problems in the West, where one glacier could singlehandedly raise global sea levels several feet.”

While NASA, NOAA, and USGS originally predicted a 10 to 12-inch sea level rise by 2050 new research indicates sea level may rise 3 to 10 feet in a 6-month period. The driving factor is the result of the rapid melting of Thwaites Glacier.  You can see what severe damage can be done by just one ft of ocean rise by clicking on this interactive map Interactive Map Click  Me.

Find your own flood vulnerability quickly with your cell phone. Herkimer Village is 384 feet above sea level.  384230 = 154 ft between you and sea level 🙂. You can find your exact elevation with a GPS Altitude or Elevation App.

If you want to avoid living in a flood zone stay away from the coast and also beware of creeks and rivers.

We moved to Herkimer from Sarasota, FL over 8 years ago to avoid coastal flooding!

Be smart and keep safe.

Linda Kaidan

 

Train Track Remnants of David L. Bond Jr

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By Linda Kaidan

In his 40’s a former resident of a burned-out building in downtown Herkimer, David Bond may have fled to the fields adjacent to the railroad tracks by West Canada Creek. Earlier this year, there was a neat and shipshape tent on the banks of that river.  Were these sad remnants his?

Walk to CSX tracks on trail behind H&R Block
The trail along Protection Ave berm leads to railroad tracks

The crushed gray tent curled and disheveled pages of several books, a sleeping bag, and camping implements lying next to the train tracks behind the H&R Block Building on West State Street are testimony to an event of much anger and anguish!

Herkimer Homeless
Last Possessions of David
Herkimer Homeless
Taking Care of Mom and Dad
Herkimer Homeless
David’s book about sharks

Where do you go when you are homeless? Does anyone care? With climate change devastation we should help the homeless and provide secure temporary housing for them. It is not ethical to leave them to die or be beaten up by those more fortunate.

Herkimer Homeless
David’s health card lies among his abandoned possessions., the ultimate gesture of hopelessness.

Homelessness is growing. We hope that the State of New York will create safe temporary encampments for the needy in inland regions like central, northern, and western New York. We should do this quickly using low-cost materials like high-wall tents and shipping containers. The homeless themselves can help create safe refuges while learning valuable skills.

Lack of effective action will result in more crime, disease, violence, and waste of funds.

We CAN Save Our Planet!

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by Linda Kaidan

Youth everywhere are feeling tremendous anger at previous generations for destroying our planet. Just this morning I heard a kid complaining that going to school is a waste of time because the world is going to end anyway. Joining the chorus of defeatist chants are some scientists who say we cannot fix the weather.

Fight destructive actions. Solve problems. While climate change disasters and destruction caused by reprehensible humans are daily occurrences all over the planet, amazing discoveries and technological advancements are happing all the time.

Right now there is a race to colonize Mars and the Moon. Neither have an atmosphere we can breathe or gravity that humans can tolerate long-term. On the moon, temperatures range from -280 F to 260 F. On Mars, they range from -220 F to + 70 F. Very thin atmosphere enables space debris to hit the surface with high impact because there’s no resistance.

Is it really easier to survive in space than on Earth? Despite major obstacles, NASA’s 2021 space budget is 23.3 billion.  This year NASA awarded $2.9 Billion to SpaceX to build a Moon Lander. The Space  Foundation reported that the nearly half a trillion-dollar global space economy grew by 4.4% in 2020. This kind of investment shows strong confidence that humans can live elsewhere in our solar system and beyond. We should have equal faith in life on Earth!

Can we fix our climate? You bet we can! On Earth, we have all the basics that we need for survival. These include oxygen, water, and the mineral base life on our planet evolved with. There is limitless energy potential. We can stop our planet from burning by reducing the amount of sun that reaches our atmosphere. We can protect our communities from wind and flood with intelligent building technologies.

Saying and doing are not the same things. Hope and plans must be accompanied by action! No matter what your age, find a way to contribute. Learn as much as you can and create your own team of activists to help your community whether global or local.

Be the inventors, investors, and contributors you need to be to save your future and the future of all life on our planet!

Climate Change Projected To Improve Herkimer NY Economy

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by Linda Kaidan

 We’re republishing this prophetic article, first posted in June 2017, to help those researching places to move to in upstate New York following the devastation of Hurricane Ida.

Yesterday’s New York Times discussed damage to our economy likely to be caused by climate change. Herkimer County NY (see above map) is likely to have GDP growth of at least 5% per year rather than GDP decline. This is indicated by the dark green color on the map. Similar advantages of climate are shared by west Alaska, adjacent Hamilton County and Maine.

Climate Change DEMOGRAPHICS will transform herkimer

The Herkimer Post’s recent review of Herkimer’s soaring home sales strongly hints that retirees who might once have moved South are relocating to Central New York, and especially to conveniently-located Herkimer. Given increasingly refined and alarming climate change figures, this migration trend’s likely to accelerate. 

There’s little residential construction in Herkimer and the supply of available housing is small. Competition for existing homes will become brisk. Buyers of vacation homes may also be turning their eyes from the sandy but imperiled Atlantic and Gulf beach communities north to the Mohawk Valley and Southern Adirondacks.

A critical mass of middle and upper-middle-class home buyers inevitably transform a community. Landlords either sell out or renovate properties to appeal to affluent newcomers. Empty storefronts become shops again. The police become responsive and the streets safe as criminals move on, no longer tolerated and unable to make a living. We saw this transformation happen in Boston’s Roxbury and Charlestown, and we’re seeing it begin here in Herkimer.

Promising new technologies can reduce greenhouse gas

Climate change becomes more erratic and costly every year. Yet there are many technologies that will help combat this devastating process. As our president continues to deny climate change, some technology innovators are filling the gap left by ineffectual governance.

Bill Gates is heading a $1 billion venture fund supporting development of clean energy technology, Breakthrough Energy Ventures. Co-founders include Jeff Bezos and Richard Brandon. The goal of the fund is to build companies that will provide affordable emissions-free energy. Gates is personally investing $1 billion in startups and companies starting this year.

Climeworks, a new Swiss company hopes to extract 1% of worldwide CO2 from the atmosphere by 2025. Company founders Christoph Gebald and Jan Wurzbacher invented a Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology while students at ETH Zurich. They have lowered the cost of CO2 extraction from the air to less than $600 per ton. Climeworks envisions that they can create 250,000 plants by 2025.

Reducing greenhouse gases is essential to the planet’s survival, but blocking the sun may buy some time. Today there are over 375 operational nanosatellites in space, which may help us to find and improve climate change solutions.

As the earth grows ever hotter, it makes sense to consider moving to those green places on the map which are the most sustainable to live in, places like Herkimer, NY.

From September 16, 2017:

Herkimer County Ideal for Hurricane Refugees