Sandy-hit neighborhood to be bought back by state Read more

Governor Cuomo announced that the state would be buying back the properties of Ocean Breeze, Staten Island that were destroyed during Sandy for pre-storm market value.

BY JENNIFER FERMINO / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2013, 9:50 PM

The Staten Island Community of Ocean Breeze

Hurricane Sandy has claimed another victim — the Staten Island community of Ocean Breeze.

Gov. Cuomo on Monday announced the state would begin buying back properties in that Sandy-ravaged section of the borough, the first step in returning the low-lying coast area to nature.

Homeowners — most of whom lost everything — will get prestorm market value for their properties.

The buyback program is voluntary, but officials expect all 129 homeowners to participate, since the heavily damaged area has been uninhabited since the storm.

But that didn’t make the gut-wrenching reality of walking away any easier.

“We wanted the buyout, but it was a very difficult decision to make,” said Marlena DeBiaso, 69. “We were so close to everyone in the neighborhood.”