The Quincy City Council convened on March 3, 2025, to discuss significant updates regarding floodplain mapping and its implications for local residents. The meeting focused on the recent changes to flood insurance requirements and the city's ongoing efforts to manage stormwater effectively.

The council began by addressing the impact of new floodplain maps, which will result in approximately 300 homes being removed from floodplain designations. This change means that residents in these areas will no longer be required to purchase flood insurance if they have a mortgage, although they may still opt to buy it at a lower rate if desired. The discussion highlighted the importance of accurate flood modeling, particularly concerning a deep rock tunnel infrastructure that routes overflow water from neighboring areas. This infrastructure has now been properly modeled, leading to the removal of around 200 homes in Ward 4 from flood insurance requirements.

Council members emphasized the need for residents to check their floodplain status using the city’s GIS property viewer available on the city’s website. This tool allows homeowners to determine if they are affected by the new flood maps and whether they can cancel unnecessary flood insurance policies by the upcoming deadline of July 8, 2025.

The council also discussed the procedural steps necessary to adopt the new floodplain maps, which include modifications to the zoning code and the floodplain overlay district ordinance. The council plans to advertise these changes and move them into the ordinance committee for further consideration.

In addition to the immediate changes, the city is committed to a long-term strategy for managing its coastal environment and stormwater systems. Quincy has been recognized for its proactive flood management practices, achieving the highest score in Massachusetts within FEMA's community rating system. This ranking allows Quincy residents to save 15% on their flood insurance premiums, translating to significant savings for approximately 3,500 flood insurance rate payers in the city.

The meeting concluded with a call to action for the council and city officials to effectively communicate these changes to constituents, ensuring that residents are informed and prepared to take advantage of the new floodplain designations.