We, the undersigned neighbors and community members, support the approval of the necessary variances for the Hammond family to rebuild their home at 1021 River Road Washington Crossing, PA. Their home was devastated by fire on April 8th, 2022, and they have been displaced from the neighborhood for over two years. The Hammonds are eager to return home and rejoin the community they cherish.

Due to their location in a floodplain and the township's Substantial Improvement ordinance, they are required to obtain a variance in order to rebuild their home, which has proven to be a long and expensive process. The homeowners are willing to comply with the township’s requirements by filling their basement and elevating their first floor by 2 inches. Since their basement can no longer house the necessary mechanicals, they must build a small FEMA-compliant mechanical room. In order to complete their rebuild, they are seeking approval for variances related to reconstruction in a floodplain.

Why We Support The Requested Variances:

1. Compliance with FEMA and Floodplain Regulations: The homeowners are committed to complying with FEMA’s floodplain regulations by filling their basement and elevating the home as required. However, the variances they are requesting are critical to allow for the construction of a FEMA-compliant mechanical room in order to properly house the necessary mechanicals that were once permitted in their basement. Granting these variances is a reasonable request to accommodate the practical needs of the homeowners while ensuring full compliance with flood safety regulations.
2. Community Support for Safe and Timely Rebuild: The requested variances will enable the homeowners to move forward with their rebuilding process without further delays. Given that their home was destroyed by fire over two years ago, swift approval will allow them to return to their property and community as soon as possible and alleviate the significant emotional and financial burden imposed upon them since their displacement.
3. No Negative Impact on Neighborhood Properties: The variances being requested will not negatively impact neighboring properties. The homeowners are taking all steps to comply with local and federal regulations, ensuring that their home will be safe and in harmony with the surrounding area.

By signing this petition, we are asking Upper Makefield Township and its Zoning Board to approve the variances requested by the Hammond family. We believe this is a fair and necessary step to allow our neighbors to rebuild their home safely and in accordance with all regulations.