Sandy Recovery Enters New Phase with Webpage Updates
Marking the third anniversary of Superstorm Sandy, NYCHA announced progress on October 29 in transitioning more recovery work from the planning to the construction phase. The new work has started with a complete rebuild of the Red Hook Senior Center—which has remained closed since the storm. The $2.9 million project is made possible by recovery funding and $1.8 million allocated by the New York City Council to rebuild the center.
NYCHA’s restoration and rebuilding efforts at more than 30 Sandy-damaged developments have been directly tied to the access and pace of recovery funding.
After nearly three years, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reached an agreement with NYCHA earlier this year to provide $3 billion in Sandy recovery assistance—the largest single award in FEMA history. As funding begins to flow for recovery and resiliency projects, NYCHA has also created a Sandy Recovery webpage, which provides information on recovery projects and will include additional features, such as an interactive map with funding, progress and contractor information.
“With much-needed recovery dollars in place, NYCHA residents and communities affected by Sandy will begin to see construction and progress in a very real way,” said Chair and CEO Shola Olatoye.“As NYCHA builds back our buildings stronger and more resilient than ever before, we are committed to transparency and communication with our residents and community members on our progress.”
NYCHA’s Disaster Recovery team, in partnership with Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez and Council Member Carlos Menchaca, have been meeting regularly with Red Hook Houses residents and seniors at informational sessions to review designs and proposed services for the new center.
Additionally, FEMA has started to obligate some of the $3 billion in recovery funds, allowing NYCHA to move forward with sending contracts out for bidding and awards. To date, FEMA has obligated $92.6 million for Coney Island Houses, $21.1 million for Coney Island Site 1B, and $24.5 million for Carleton Manor in the Rockaways. Pre-construction work, including boiler demolition, asbestos abatement, electrical feeder line replacement, and boiler room restoration, are currently underway ahead of permanent repairs in five developments in Brooklyn and Downtown Manhattan.
