Wealthy People Build Homes on Shifting Sand, Taxpayers to Save Them

RICHMOND TIMES DISPATCH ^ | Aug 08, 2002 | THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

[putupon]

VIRGINIA BEACH - In the Sandbridge resort community, the beach is so eroded that during high tide waves crash against bulkheads protecting summer cottages and million-dollar mansions from the sea.

Now, after years of negotiation between the city and the federal government, an agreement has been reached to have the federal government pay 65 percent of the cost of beach replenishment for at least the next 46 years. Sandbridge residents and renters will pay the remaining 35 percent from property taxes and taxes on rental homes.

[ThinkDifferent]

Exactly. Somebody needs to buy these clowns a good economics book with the section on "moral hazard" bookmarked.

[Corin Stormhands]

This fall's $10 million restoration project will be about two-thirds the length of what was replenished recently during Operation Big Beach, a project that covered the resort strip and North End from Rudee Inlet to 89th Street. That project involved 3.5 million cubic yards of sand.

Somebody is working mighty hard for Virginia Beach. The recently completed "Big Beach" project was about $25 million as well...

But I have to admit, it made an incredible difference in the tourist strip.

[Corin Stormhands]

The same thing happens on the barrier islands here in NC.

I'll be in Nags Head week after next. My brother owns a modest house on the sound side. He rarely gets major damage there.

[putupon]

these residents voted to kick in 35% of the costs. Aren't they nice people?

Yeah, I'm sure there will be no increase the the rental price.

Note to those not from VA:
My native Virginian self, family, and everyone I know all go to NC, SC or other beaches. Outer Banks and Myrtle Beach are far better than VA Beach.

[breakem]

How about assistance for the third time the home is wiped out by a flood.

[Stand Watch Listen]

One hurricane and that "1.5 million cubic yards (of sand)....to extend the beach to an average width of 170 feet will be gonnnnnne!.

[retiredtexan]

I have no sympapthy for anyone who builds in an area that is prone to natural disasters.They know or should know the risks and should have a clue that they are in a risky situation when there is no or exceedingly high insurance available.