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<br />FLOOO PROOFING <br /> <br />EXAMPLE <br />OF <br />RAISING A PRIVATE RESIDENCE <br /> <br />INTRODUCTION <br /> <br />One of the most desirable and attractive residential neighborhoods <br />in the Atlanta Metropolitan Area lies approximately five miles north <br />of the central business district. Here, among the tall trees and <br />rolling hills, can be found private homes whose values range upward <br />from $50,000. These well-kept homes are located on large, attractively <br />landscaped lots. Located close at hand are extensive open space <br />recreational facilities which include parks and the world famous Bob <br />Jones Golf Course. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />As much as thirty years ago, in the late 1940's, development <br />pressures resulted in houses being sited lower and lower on the <br />slopes of the rolling hills. Even as development was taking place, <br />nature gave a warning. During November of 1948 a rapidly moving <br />frontal system dumped nearly seven inches of rain on the drainage <br />basin which resulted in severe flooding along the creek. Due to <br />scattered development, there was little damage and the flood went <br />almost unnoticed. This event was soon forgotten and eventually, <br />unwary property owners began to locate their homes in the dominion <br />of the Peachtree Creek flood plain. Many years passed and during <br />the 1950's no large floods occurred and more homes were built in the <br />flood plain. At the same time, the urbanizing Atlanta area spread <br />widely in the upper Peachtree Creek drainage basin. <br /> <br />The stage was set. On February 24, 1961, it happened. After a <br />week of slow, steady rain, a downpour of nearly four inches of rain <br />fell within a 24-hour period. Peachtree Creek went on a rampage <br />leaving severe damage in its wake. As home owners were beginning to <br />recover their financial losses, the storm of April 29, 1963 hit. <br />This prompted residents to seek relief from their hardships. Various <br />local, state, and Federal officials were contacted and an active <br />program to reduce flood losses was begun. <br /> <br />It first appeared that structural solutions such as channel <br />widening and/or paving could be justified. However, after detailed <br />studies were conducted, it was found that the incidentals associated <br />with the channel improvement, such as increasing the size of bridges <br />and culverts, and the relocation of gas, water, and sewer lines <br />would increase the project costs far beyond any monetary benefits. <br />Because of these costs, further study was discontinued. <br />