THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JULY 14, 2023 Page 7 ~ OP-ED ~ A New Commitment, Plan for City’s Flooding Issues By Dan Rizzo, Candidate for Mayor N ow more than ever before, Revere has to do more to prevent fl ooding in the Point of Pines, and adjoining neighborhoods of Revere Beach Boulevard, including Beachmont. Study after study indicates rising sea levels and fl ooding are costing homeowners who live near the ocean thousands of dollars in home values, and more severe property losses due to natural disasters. This has led to a corresponding increase in Federal Flood Insurance premium rates. A lot of us can remember the damage and destruction caused by the Blizzard of 1978, when the sea level rose to an elevation of 15.10 feet, accompanied by a tidal surge and onshore winds gusting to 66 miles per hour, sending ocean waters crashing over Revere’s beaches and seawalls, flooding our coastal neighborhoods. As recently as 2018 Revere was slammed by two major Nor’easters. On January 4, 2018, a “Bomb Cyclone” Nor’easter hit Revere with sea levels rising to 15.16 feet, causing neighborhood flooding and the shutdown of many roadways, and again, on March 2, 2018, when sea levels reached 14.67 feet, resulting in farther neighborhood fl ooding and the closure of many of our city streets. Addressing Revere’s Housing Crisis: A Call for Collective Action By Alexander Rhalimi A s the housing crisis in Revere continues to intensify, it is imperative that we recognize the urgent need for collaborative eff orts to tackle this pressing issue. As an active member of the community and as a candidate for Councillor at Large, I strongly believe that it is our shared responsibility to address the housing challenges faced by our fellow residents. The housing crisis in Revere has reached unprecedented levels, with skyrocketing rents and a severe shortage of aff ordable housing options. Families are being displaced, and the dreams of many hardworking individuals to own a home in this city are being shattered. This crisis not only aff ects the vulnerable populations, but it also threatens the social fabric and economic stability of our community. To tackle this issue, we must adopt a multifaceted approach that combines short-term and long-term solutions. Firstly, we need to prioritize the immediate needs of those struggling to fi nd aff ordable housing. This involves working closely with local non-profit organizations, housing agencies, and developers to create more aff ordable units and ensure they are accessible to low-income individuals and families. Secondly, we must promote responsible and sustainable urban development. By incentivizing developers to include affordable housing units in their projects, we can increase the availability of aff ordable housing stock. Additionally, it is crucial to streamline the permit approval process to facilitate the construction of new housing units without compromising safety standards. Furthermore, we should explore innovative financing models and public-private partnerships to fund affordable housing initiatives. By leveraging resources from various stakeholders, including the government, private investors, and philanthropic organizations, we can signifi cantly increase the pool of funding available for aff ordable housing projects. Education and awareness are also vital components of addressing the housing crisis. We must educate residents about their rights as tenants and homeowners and provide resources and workshops on fi - nancial literacy and home ownership. Empowering individuals with knowledge and skills will enable them to make informed decisions and navigate the complexities of the housing market. Lastly, collaboration among all stakeholders is paramount. It is crucial for city offi cials, community leaders, developers, and residents to come together and engage in open dialogue. By fostering a sense of community and collective responsibility, we can work towards sustainable solutions that address the housing crisis holistically. The housing crisis in Revere demands immediate attention, and it is our duty as a community to respond with urgency. By implementing a comprehensive strategy that combines short-term relief measures with long-term sustainable solutions, we can pave the way for a brighter future for all residents of Revere. Let us unite in our eff orts and work towards a city where aff ordable and quality housing is accessible to all, regardless of income or background. (Editor’s Note: Alexander Rhalimi is a candidate for Revere Councillor at Large.) Flooding and sea level rise are major problems for Revere, which deserve emergency highpriority status. That is why I propose, using federal and state funds, appoint an Experienced Professional Emergency Preparedness and Management Offi cer, whose primary responsibility will be to immediately Gerry D’Ambrosio Attorney-at-Law Is Your Estate in Order? Do you have an update Will, Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney? If Not, Please Call for a Free Consultation. 14 Proctor Avenue, Revere (781) 284-5657 secure more state and federal funding to protect our coastal waterfront neighborhoods from flooding. My commitment to public safety does not end with police and fi re. We must work actively and diligently as a coastal community to protect our residents most vulnerable to everincreasing severe storms.
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