PHOTO: Steady signs of progress, such as these homes in Hamilton Beach and Broad Channel, show that the borough and city are still recovering from Superstorm Sandy. Photos Courtesy of NYC Build it Back
Three years after Superstorm Sandy tore through the city, the Big Apple’s Build it Back program has made an offer to nearly every homeowner, with the majority already reimbursed or in construction; and the five boroughs are even more resilient now, thanks to a $20 billion safety plan being implemented across New York, with many measures already in place, the de Blasio administration said this past week.
“Nearly three years ago, Sandy provided a stark picture of the risks of climate change – and New York City has been working to protect our communities, infrastructure, and coastlines ever since,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “When we took office, Build it Back was simply not delivering for homeowners. As a result of our overhaul, houses are being built back stronger and more resiliently and families are finally returning home. At the same time, we’re aggressively implementing a $20 billion climate resiliency plan that’s already ensured we’re safer, and that will continue to move forward each day. We’ll continue to push forward as we build a stronger, more resilient New York City for all.”
As a result of de Blasio’s 2014 Build it Back overhaul, nearly every homeowner has been made an offer, and the majority have received reimbursement or started or completed construction – with nearly 5,300 reimbursement checks totaling well over $100 million, nearly 1,900 construction starts, and nearly 1,200 construction completions to date, compared to none in all categories in early 2014.
The administration also announced the completion of the Hurricane Sandy Business Loan and Grant Program, which has awarded over $54 million in support to nearly 350 businesses across the city. The program is still accepting appeals.
The recovery initiatives complement the $20 billion climate resiliency plan underway across the five boroughs, de Blasio added. With dozens of short-term measures already in place, large-scale, long-term measures are now being built to further strengthen coastal defenses, protect infrastructure, strengthen communities, and adapt buildings, he noted.
“Today, we are safer than we were before Sandy thanks to improvements in emergency preparation, investments in our coastal defenses, and the launch of a comprehensive $20 billion resiliency program,” said Daniel Zarrilli, director of the Mayor’s Office of Recovery and Resiliency. “And we have more to do before we’ll be satisfied. The City remains committed to delivering on this program and making our neighborhoods, economy, and public services ready to withstand and emerge stronger from the impacts of climate change and other 21st Century threats. We will do this by collaborating with many public and private partners as we continue to build a stronger, more resilient New York.”
The new numbers have created a positive post-Sandy picture of the city, but the emotional toll of such a catastrophic event is indelible.
“The visions during the aftermath of Sandy are still etched in our memory, probably forever,” said state Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach). “They devastated homes and businesses. Cars, boats and large sections of the boardwalk, still with the handrail attached, tossed about our streets like unwanted, broken toys. On this 3rdAnniversary of the horrific storm, my thoughts and prayers remain with those who work each day toward putting their lives, homes and businesses back together. My staff and I will continue to be vigilant in assisting others until everyone is fully recovered and restored.”
By Forum Staff
