Bloomberg Announces New Effort To Repair Sandy-Damaged Properties
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced a new effort Monday to help homeowners, renters and landlords whose homes are still in critical need of repair seven months after Superstorm Sandy.
Those eligible for the so-called NYC Build It Back program can turn to an individual recovery specialist for repairing, rebuilding or even getting reimbursed for work already done. An option to sell a property is also available.
Bloomberg Announces New Effort To Repair Sandy-Damaged Properties
The program is funded with $648 million in federal disaster recovery funds passed by Congress.
"Through NYC Build it Back, we are making our federal aid package simple and understandable and tailoring assistance to the specific needs of the families and businesses most impacted by Sandy," Bloomberg said. "Whether it's personal assistance in the rebuilding process or reimbursements for completed repairs, this program will provide a new infusion of support to help families, neighborhoods and businesses come back stronger and more resilient than ever before."
New York City residents may register for the help by calling 311. Then, they'll be contacted by a specialist to review their options,
beginning next month.
The mayor said NYC Build It Back differs from other post-Sandy relief by providing a trained person who deals directly with
each resident.
In March, the city said it completed work on more than 20,000 houses and apartments under the city's Rapid Repairs program, which dispatched contractors to install boilers, replace electrical panels and do basic work needed to make homes habitable.
At the program's peak, some 2,300 trades people were working on more than 200 homes a day.
For more information, visit www.nyc.gov.
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