Pheffer Amato Lays Out National Flood Insurance Reauthorization Plan
To mark the fifth year since Superstorm Sandy ravaged southern Queens, State Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Broad Channel) gathered a working group together to compile a list of legislative suggestions for the National Flood Insurance Program.
The program is set to be reauthorized in November and would otherwise have n expiration date of December 8. Its reauthorization was already a legislative goal in Congress before Hurricanes Irma, Harvey, and Maria.
Over half of all Americans live on a coastline and climate scientists expect flooding to worsen worldwide over the next several decades, making legislation to provide coastal residents with insurance, according to Pheffer Amato.
“Insurance shapes the whole landscape of resiliency and recovery,” said Pheffer Amato. “That’s why I convened this working group. Everyone on this team rolled up their sleeves from Day One in 2012. Now they have five years of experience under their belt – rendering aid, cleaning up, comforting their neighbors, rebuilding, lobbying for help, swapping best practices, wrestling with bureaucracy, fighting with insurance companies on behalf of their families and communities. Insurance impacts us long-term, steering where people live and can afford to continue to live; it touches on every aspect of recovery and rebuilding.”
De Blasio Announced Major Investment In Rockaways’ Storm Resiliency
Mayor Bill de Blasio announced yesterday that a $145 million investment will be made for up to seven resilience projects in the Rockaways. Each project, the mayor says, will be designed to improve quality of life and build more resilient neighborhoods in the Rockaways.
All seven projects were identified by the city through extensive consultation with residents and local electeds.
“These investments are an important step forward for Rockaways residents, connecting them with parks and the waterfront, while helping shield them from future storms, said de Blasio. The community will see a lot they will like in newly renovated parks, and will feel safer because of the flood protections that will be built in. New York is building this kind of smart infrastructure to fight climate change and inequality at the same time, so future generations will inherit a city thats more resilient and just.”
Link to conceptual renderings of Bayswater Park available here and Beach 88th Street Park available here.
The city submitted a list of projects to be considered by FEMA and funded by the savings on the Rockaway Beach boardwalk reconstructions. $480 million was obligated for the boardwalk and $120 million was saved, which de Blasio promised
to keep in the Rockaways. With FEMAs approval, the city will design seven projects.
“Superstorm Sandy devastated communities, especially in neighborhoods in the Rockaways, and the risks posed by future storms remain high. These seven resilience projects are critical measures toward hardening our neighborhoods and protecting Queens families from future storms and flooding,” said Borough President Melinda Katz. “The substantial investments are a reflection of New Yorks commitment to think creatively and act boldly to address climate change and mitigate its impacts.”
De Blasio To Host Queens Town Hall With Grodenchik
Late last week, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that he will host a town hall with City Councilmember Barry Grodenchik (D-Hollis, Fresh Meadows) for the residents of Bayside Hills, Bellerose, Douglaston, Floral Park, Fresh Meadows, Glen Oaks, Hollis, Hollis Hills, Holliswood, Little Neck and Queens Village.
The event is also cosponsored by Borough President Melinda Katz, State Senator Leroy Comrie (D-Queens Village), and Assemblymember David Weprin (D-Richmond Hill).
People who wish to attend must be residents of the 23rd Council District and are asked to RSVP by November 1 at 5pm via email at queenstownhall@cityhall.nyc.gov or by calling (212) 788-1453.
The event will take place at Martin Van Buren High School at 230-17 Hillside Ave. Doors open at 6pm and the event starts at 7pm.
