Crews began knocking down houses Thursday as a solution to the flooding problem that residents in an area of Wayne have been having for more than 20 years.

For decades, the area has seen constant flooding as a result of the Pompton River overflowing its banks. By the end of February, 34 houses will be torn down as a measure to ensure the residents? safety. Wayne Township, the state and FEMA offered residents a buyout, but some residents aren?t ready to give up their homes just yet.

"I think its like $2000 for taxes,? says Bob Girodano. ?Anywhere else you're gonna go, you're gonna pay a hell of a lot more than that."

Officials say that residents aren?t being forced to move, but ongoing threats of flooding will continue to cost them more money in the long run, even with their reasonable property taxes. Wayne Emergency Management is hoping that the additional $3 million FEMA has agreed to give for the reconstruction of Hoffman Grove will enable the buyout of another 20 families.

Upon demolition of the area, it will be turned into nature grounds.