March 4, 2013

  

Hurricane Sandy Recovery Assistance for Residential Homeowners and Business Owners

New York State has announced the implementation of three programs to aid the victims of Super Storm Sandy. Administered by Nassau County, they are designed to assist the two major segments affected by Sandy: residential homeowners and business owners.

With the understanding that funds, although specified by the US Congress, are not yet available and details of the programs are still being worked out and may change before a final version of the programs are released, the general provisions of the programs are as follows:

RESIDENTIAL:
Grants from up to $50,000 to $100,000 or more if justified, are available to residential home owners or rental property owners (under 4 rental units. More than 4 units have a separate program) who suffered a structural loss.

This money will be above and beyond what FEMA and Insurance coverage has allowed (if the claimed funds were not enough to cover the extent of damage). The homeowner must register for a pre-application. A case worker will be assigned to each homeowner, licensed contractors (or if necessary architects or engineers) will be bid by the homeowner and the successful contractor will be paid directly by Nassau County when the homeowner signs-off on the completed project.

Home owners that have spent their own funds to make up a shortfall difference from FEMA or their insurance coverage are also eligible to participate in the program. Contracts, receipts, cancelled checks and all applicable documents must be made available as proof of expended funds.

A program is also available to purchase destroyed homes at fair market value.


BUSINESS:
Grants from up to $50,000 to $100,000 or more if justified, are available to business owners who suffered a loss. A 2% (or less) seven (7) year loan for up to $1,000,000 is also available.

These funds are above and beyond FEMA, Insurance or SBA funds. The business owner must register for a pre-application. A case worker will be assigned to each business owner, licensed contractors (or if necessary architects or engineers) will be bid by the business owner and the successful contractor will be paid directly by Nassau County when the business owner signs-off on the completed project.

There are also special grants available for Fishing Industry and Seasonal Business owners.

All residents are encouraged to visit WWW.NYSANDYHELP.NY.GOV to begin the pre-application process. NY State and Nassau County are planning special out-reach for residents at Disaster Relief Centers located
throughout Nassau County.

These centers will be taking applications from

10am to 6pm on Saturday, March 9th

at the following locations:

Long Beach Recreation Center and Ice Arena

700 Magnolia Blvd, Long Beach

Sacred Heart Parish (Island Park Railroad Station)

127 Long Beach Road, Island Park

Cedar Creek Park

Merrick Road, Seaford

Freeport Recreation Center

130 East Merrick Road, Freeport


If you have any questions regarding this program you must contact New York State.

Please visit www.ny.gov for more information.