New Jersey has addressed persistent flooding issues by purchasing and demolishing approximately 1,200 properties in flood-prone areas across the state. The initiative aims to mitigate the impact of severe weather events by converting the land into open space, permanently reducing the risk to residents and infrastructure.

The program targets communities like Manville, a working-class town of 11,000 residents located about 25 miles southwest of Newark, which has a long history of flooding from tropical storms, nor'easters, and heavy rainfall. Richard Onderko, a former resident of Manville, recounted the frequent flooding that plagued his childhood home, recalling a 1971 incident when he and his brother had to be rescued by boat during Hurricane Doria. He noted the constant threat of flooding strained his parents' marriage, eventually leading them to move to Florida in 1995.

The state-run program acquired Onderko's former house on North Second Avenue in 2015, after the new homeowner also struggled with storm damage. The property was then demolished and restored to open space.

The initiative reflects a growing trend in climate change adaptation strategies, where governments are using buyouts and demolitions to reduce vulnerability to extreme weather events. This approach acknowledges the limitations of traditional flood control measures, such as levees and dams, in the face of increasingly intense and frequent storms. The conversion of flood-prone areas into open space not only reduces the risk of property damage but also provides environmental benefits, such as improved water quality and habitat restoration.

While the program has been praised for its effectiveness in reducing flood risk, it also raises concerns about the displacement of residents and the impact on community cohesion. Some critics argue that buyouts can disproportionately affect low-income communities, who may have limited options for relocation. There are also questions about the long-term sustainability of this approach, as climate change continues to exacerbate flooding risks.

The New Jersey program is ongoing, with plans to acquire and demolish additional properties in flood-prone areas. The state is also exploring other strategies for flood mitigation, including infrastructure improvements and stricter building codes. The success of these efforts will depend on continued investment, collaboration between government agencies and local communities, and a commitment to addressing the root causes of climate change.