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Kill Devil Hills announced a positive change to the town’s Community Rating System, from a level six to a level five. This change means significant savings for residents with flood insurance.

The Community Rating System is a national program developed by FEMA that rewards communities for doing more than simply regulating construction of new buildings to the minimum national standards, according to planning director Meredith Guns: “CRS criteria is based on the community’s effort to reduce flood risk to buildings, manage development, protect new buildings beyond the minimum protection level, preserve or restore natural function of the floodplain, and to help ensure agents obtain flood data and help obtain flood insurance.”

Communities that go beyond the minimum requirements are rewarded with flood insurance premium discounts. “This year we had our three-year cycle visit and are very pleased to announce that because of the work the town has done to protect properties and reduce risk of flooding we are now a class five community,” Guns said. Citizens can now receive a 25 percent discount on flood insurance premiums for national flood insurance policies new and renewed as of October 1. “This is the tangible result of the flood mitigation activities the town of Kill Devil Hills implemented to protect lives and reduce property damage.” Those who have property outside of flood zones are eligible for preferred rate policy discounts of ten percent and are encouraged to maintain those policies.”

Commissioners then watched a lifeguard introduction video and remarked on the number of local lifeguards from First Flight High School. Commissioner Ivy Ingram attributed some of this to the junior lifeguard summer camp program. “It’s awesome to see that program coming to fruition,” she said.

Next commissioners approved plans for a 2,500 square foot drive through restaurant at 1208 S. Croatan Highway. The plans included demolition of the existing structure.  The planning board approved the request but requested additional access to the site through Blue Jay St. so NC-158 is not the only access point. Commissioners approved the request with anticipation for the improvement to the area. “It’s state of the art and what’s there not is decidedly not,” said Mayor Ben Sproul. “The neighbors of the new property are very excited.”

In the second item of new business, commissioners approved a street improvement request for Indian Drive to improve the right-of-way from the intersection of Seminole Street to Aztec Street.

Lastly, commissioners reappointed Rod Seidman to the planning board and discussed options for other appointments.

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