Summary of Broad Channel Civic Association Meeting (Thursday 9/26/2013)

The Broad Channel Civic Association held its September 2013 meeting on Thursday, September 26th at 6:45pm at the American Legion Hall.

The meeting was well attended, standing room only for most of the meeting for discussions with Build It Back NYC and in preparation for Saturday's Stop FEMA Now Rally.

Attending for West 12th Road were:
Sophia Vailakis-DeVirgilio
Michael McLoughlin
Dashima Cortez-Valentine
Scott Valentine

To begin with, the Civic dispensed with the reading of minutes of the last Civic Meeting and immediately start the presentation by Brad Gair who is in charge of Build It Back NYC, and followed by Jerry Romsky, builder in the program via Rockaway Beach Boulevard Construction and also of Arverne By the Sea.

Build It Back

To recap, registration for Build It Back NYC began in June and the deadline to sign up was Monday September 30th by calling 311 or nyc.gov. Mr. Gair was last here, in Broad Channel, before the summmer and since the program began, it has since reached 21,000, with 1,000 from Broad Channel alone, which is the highest sign up rate of all areas in the City.

Of those who were substantially damaged or who need to rebuild including elevation of structures, most have completed about half the work. The choices are funds to help with construction, reimbursement for what was already spent, and of course buyouts.

For Build It Back NYC, the City has hired contractors similar to how it handled Rapid Repair, although you have the choice of using your own contractor and both need to play by federal rules.

Update/reminder, "We won!" concerning SBA approval not being held against applicants. However, Mr. Gair notes his frustration with the federal government as it's never a clear win with them because applicants have to provide proof that they can't afford an SBA loan and that a grant would better serve them. So he pushed for self-certification by saying that we applicants know better than the government as to what we can afford. He said he wasn't going to have Build It Back NYC look over finances of homeowners since the feds already did this. Environmental assessments were eased, although reviews by Build It Back NYC still need to be done to be sure of what is or is not being disturbed. He urged that we keep reciepts for reimbursement purposes. They will come to the house for assessments and will compare what was spent to market rates to be sure it is appropriate for what was done. Nonetheless, if we disagree with Build It Back NYC's rate sheets, we simply need to show reciepts to end the dispute to get fully reimbursed. If there are no reciepts, then reimbursement will be based on market rates that they will apply.

July 8th build it back centers were opened, one in Arverne, the other in Ft. Tilden. Customer service is the over-arching push, so as not to waste your time so they are seeing people by appointment only. Turn in all forms, if you haven't already done so or it may delay in getting your case moved along and in Bbuild It Back NYC in contacting you.

Although you already proved to the feds (FEMA, SBA), who you are and that you own/ed the damaged house, Build It Back NYC doesn't need to do that again. Nonetheless, insurance verification is holding most cases up -- Build It Back NYC needs to get proof of what was paid out by insurers, who apparently are not providing this info in a timely fashion; insurers feel they have no incentive to cooperate. Mr. Gair is pushing for self-certification on this end as well, that would require applicants sign statements that would be actionable/punishable if 'untruths' were discovered. Showing checks is not enough because it's easy for people not to fully disclose all of what was gotten from insurance, by not reporting checks received. Assessments (1,000 have been done so far, for homeowners with the greatest financial need whose properties suffered substantial damage as top priority) will be done as paper work is in place. Money is still out there for coastal communities, the bulk of it for NY/NJ that will include disasters in 2011, 2012 & 2013. The inclusion of previous years were the result of compromises in congress to get other reps to support the distribution of this money. A second round of funding will be released eventually. The one year anniversay of Sandy is coming and the media is going to ask how much money has been given out already, to which the answer is 'nothing,' although it will be coming soon. Mr. Gair believes alot of disbursements will begin in the last quarter of this year.

Questions:

1) Q. Will the program (Build It Back NYC) be prioritized in how and who gets money first?
A. Yes, based on highest need (lowest income) and the severity of damage -- those with the lowest income and largest amount of damaged are first -- (the formula is based on area median income) -- Mr. Gair is working on providing information for us to get an idea of where we stand.

2) Q. What about second homes? A man in the audience said he was not allowed to register, but he pays taxes, so where does that leave him?
A. How these funds are being distributed is based on federal governent guidlines. Mr. Gair says he'll fight for this to be changed because second-home owners also pay taxes.

3) Q. A house that was red-tagged, but was not being torn down by the city and the owner was told he can't tear it down until it's inspected by Build It Back, is that correct?
A. Homes that were torn down by the city were deemed an imminent threat to safety. Mr. Gair advised not to tear it down if he doesn't have to because it could affect reimbursement if Build It Back can't clearly see the damage. Build It Back will pay to tear it down if it's clear.

4) Q. Will people get grants to elevate their homes?
A. Was the house substantially damaged based on the federal formula, (cost to repair the home divided by pre-market value of the structure only must be 50% or more)? If based on this formula, it was substantially damaged, Build It Back will pay for elevation.

5) Q. Is there money for businesses and landlords?
A. Yes, there are funds available for landlords through another part of Build It Back. Choose your own contractor (who will be looked at carefully when they're raising the house), or choose one of Build It Back's contractors.

6) Q. What if you don't qualify for ICC (the home is not substantially damaged), or the ICC money is not enough?
A. An architect needs to provide a letter verifying substantial damage. HUD funding, which may be the third round of funding, may provide for these situations. Build It Back will see how far down the list they can get, based on prioritization.

7) Q. What if people don't have reciepts?
A. People need to be honest about what was spent and if volunteers helped, for example. Build It Back NYC will give you money back that was spent.

8. Q. What if I didn't get money for foundation or elevation, and if I don't want Build It Back to do the inside (or certain work), and it is substantially damaged?
A. choose contractor that you want to use and remember, all money has to be accounted for. They will need to look at a case like this individually.

9. Q. SBA gave him nothing because they agree with the insurance company by not including his bulkhead (it's not included in flood insurance), then what?
A. Brad will need to get back to us on this.

10. Q. If people accepted an SBA loan, how will Build It Back going to deal with this?
A. They will provide what is still needed above what was provided by SBA, no need to go back to them. (How will this whole process affect people's taxes was also asked, but not answered because the SBA question took on a life of its own).

11. Q. Resident now owns an empty lot because his house was torn down, can he use a Build It Back contractor? He started the process, he has an architect.
A. This will have to be looked at: they are mandated to replace what was there already -- there may be limitations if the owner is trying to build something bigger. Build It Back will provide monies for what was not covered.

12. Q. What happens if you house was substantially damaged, you're getting FEMA rental assistance, but may be out of your home beyond 18 months FEMA covers?
A. FEMA can extend the time for assistance, but not pay beyond $31,000. Priorities are set strictly by level of damage and income. Names should be given to Dan to give to Mr. Gair for people who are not back in their homes yet.

13. Q. Permits are being denied and costs are high.
A. The City Council will be meeting with Dept. of Buildings to address thses issues.

14. Q. What about houses of worship?
A. federal funds can be used by non-profits who have served other, non-religious needs, but can't be used to repair worship areas.

15. Q. Are there no funds available for furniture?
A. There is limited money. if furniture was provided for, some people may not be able to get their houses re-built.

16. Q. One resident said she is waiting to begin fixing her house, based on our last meeting with Brad (she was hit by Irene and now Sandy). Is the one year deadline something she needs to be concerned about?
A. The one year anniversary is for self-rebuilds, those using their own money to rebuild who will look for reimbursement from grants. Brad is trying to get status of applications available to the public online. It's hard to case manage in this forum, but he'll try to get info out.

17. Q. How are the needs of the infirmed and disabled being addressed?
A. Income will trump infirmaties, but he can take a look at individual cases.

18. Q. Resident hasn't begun repairs yet, but the year anniversary is looming. Should he be concerned?
A. The one year anniversary applies only to those who used their own money for repairs and who want reimbursement.

19. Q. If your house is at BFE, do you qualify for elevation grants?
A. No.

18. Q. A resident asked what is the time-line for raising a house because it took 8 months for approvals to come through even though he had all the proper paper work.
A. It shouldn't take that long.

Mr. Gair had to leave to attend another meeting in Howard Beach, so the question/answer session had to end.

Jerry Romsky - Arverne By the Sea/Builder for Build It Back NYC

They are providing a one-stop-shop for rebuilding houses:

Background: Fifteen years ago is when Arverne by the Sea began and most of those houses were not hit by Sandy's storm surge. The RBB Construction company is providing services for most of the Rockaway penninsula, Broad Channel and part of Brooklyn. They are acting as 'Rapid Rebuild' program. They have developed  enough of a relationship with D.O.B.  to the point of having gotten permits for rebuilds in the fire zone in Breezy -- they know how to get things done in the Queens system which was why they were selected by New York City. They are designing and building, better, stronger, more resilient, fire resistent designs (as per city requirements and the City is paying for it). They will design new homes that are similar to those in Averne By the Sea. He is confident that more approvals will be forthcoming soon -- The City is pushing for homes to meet enterprise green foundation and energy star standards and to be at D.F.E., which is 2' above BFE. In other words, the City the city is requiring a higher level of compliance and Rockaway Beach Boulevard Construction are doing that.

Repairing homes are for properties that require 50-80%. If it's 80% or above, rebuilding (demolition and newly built construction) should be the route taken. Those damaged over 50% can arguably qualified for rebuild. Those that are not substantially damaged can get into the program.

Questions:

1. Q. Are pilings required now?
A. That would dependent on soil conditions -- pilings would be concrete. If a foundation will be over 7 feet high, it cannot be enclosed. Again, brand new homes or substantially damaged will now be built to DFE, (2 feet above BFE).

2. Q. Are telephone poles being used to support houses?
A. They will likely move to concrete pilings instead.

3. Q. If someone made all repairs and want to raise thier house now, can they qualify for grants?
A. They will be working off insurance info, but may be able to argue substantial damage especially if the kitchen was hit. But there is no double-dipping.

4. Q. What is the maximum deduction for flood based on BFE?
A. DFE is our new standard in NYC. Call the insurance company underwriters for specifics, but there is no maxing out for height in the city now.

5. Q. How are they driving piles for our narrow homes.
A. Helixes, but we may be required to install fire sprinklers here in Broad Channel.

6. Q. One resident says he has nothing in place for raising his home, can RBBC assist?
A. yes.

7. Q. Who is determining the value of homes, the Dept. of Finance?
A. Yes.

Please be sure quality contractors are hired, they are making liaisons available.

Politicians:

Lew Simon spoke about how he has been serving our community and that he'd like to continue doing so as our councilman:

• He lost everything in Sandy too, like we did, he knows our pain
• He was instrumental in removing toll from the Crossbay bridge
• Helped to improve Rapid Repair
• He wants to help upgrade P.S. 47 because our community has outgrown it
• He is committing to help get the Broad Channel Volunteer Fire Department building rebuilt
• He's always available to us, always in waldbaums talking to the community no matter anyone's political pursuasion, he will call people back personally and not farm it out to someone else -- his number718.945.1216
• Schumer, Addabbo, Goldfeder are all supporting him.
• Eric Ulrich spoke about his commitment to our community and reminded us that:
• his daughter was born at 7:42pm, he was here at 11pm to stand with us.
• A resolution passed unanimously in the council that called for the following changes to Biggert-Waters; 1. Reduce the 20% annual flood insurance increase 2. Retain subsidized flood insurance rates until the house is sold (what he called quazi-grand-fathering) 3. Give the choice of varying, larger deductables deductables 4. Take into account things previously done to mitigate flood exposure 5. If a home was previously not in the flood zone that there should be a slower phase-in
• He agrees that this will force people out of their homes and that it's outrageous
• Was at the Stop FEMA Now rally
• Joe Addabbo:
• Was instrumental in getting sanitation to return to West 12th Road after the storm
• Assisted in getting the state money that is coming into Broad Channel and Dan Mundy Jr. is heading the committee to manage how it's spent
• Announced that STAR exemptions are requiring re-registration, and you can do so via nyc.gov
• He is holding a job fair on October 18th with 150 vendors for part time and full time job openings at Aquaduct from 10a-3pm
• Had recycling event at Forrest Park on Sunday 9/29
• He will be at the Broad Channel library on November 21st from 5p-7p
• He was at the Stop FEMA Now rally
• Red Cross: -- Michelle Thompson w/Catholic Charities NY (they are under OEM and FEMA and work with NY DIsaster Interfaith Services)
• They provided flyers with information for residents to get in touch with them
• Advises that people get a disaster case manager to see what people still need help with and to connect folks with resources
• They had an Unmet Needs round table, that may be able to help with furniture
• If people have exhausted all other resources and are in third-tier of build it back, they may be able to help
• They may also be able to assist with people paying rent and a mortgage
• They can help navigate the system.
• Local woman who ran Build A Room charity says she gave the Red Cross hell and they responded, so she's asking that we give them another chance.
• Dan Mundy Jr. was working the media for the rally (news spots before and others during). He called for a motion by the Civic to repeal Biggert-Waters which was unanimously passed.
• Originally Dan McIntire, who went to Albany to represent Broad Channel and helped secure $6 million of grant money from NY Rising was co-chairing the Broad Channel Reconstruction Zone (thankfully the Channel is its own zone), but has conflict of interest because he is an FDNY captain, leaving Dan Mundy Jr. sole-chair. The civic passed a motion that Broad Channel should ask for more money than initial $6 million. The Reconstruction Zone committee will be looking for community input at the next civic meeting on October 24th (which is being touted as "the big meeting" because of the community grant money and the promise of what that money will do) and beyond. After committe meetings during the summer, some early considerations are the installations of birms, varying hard infrastructure/soft infrastructure suggestions, the redevelopment of Smittys, possibly to keep it forever wild, the Vollies, BCAC (maybe to build a storage area so as not to lose equipment in the future), American Legion (as recovery center), the Broad Channel business district (unlike B116 in Rockaway, we have not seen any monies to spruce up our business district), Jamaica Bay projects, home owners association, East 12th Rd, Board Walk and Lanark Rd. Associations (to repair the boardwalk and run a sewer line), for historical society (so they can get scanners and the like to make their job easier).
• The VFW will also be included for the state funding pot of money.
• A question was asked if Back to Build It Back could help construct a sea wall? The answer was  maybe a 'birm' would be the alternative.
• Motion passed to increase funding.
• Likely scenarios for flood insurance will mean $12,000 a year and now Maxine Waters called Biggert-Waters a mistake... We here in the US fix mistakes.
• Another Stop FEMA Now point that should be made when people ask why we deserve a handout, is that NFIP should be solvent, but it's been raided just like Social Security.
• It should also be noted that the monies made available by the Participatory Budgeting process should be sought after to add to what is provided for in our community with the NY Rising funds that are slated to make it to us. We should be sure we are very active in that process to ensure a measurable portion benefits the Broad Channel community.