By Andrew Coen
FEMA's denial of the state's application for the emergency funds, on behalf of both Nassau and Suffolk County, came despite claims of flood damage by thousands of Long Islanders, with official estimates of more than $50 million in damage in Nassau County alone. FEMA's rejection letter came on Dec. 23, and county officials have filed an appeal. It is unknown when FEMA will make a decision on the appeal.
The Glickmans live on Valley Greens Drive in North Woodmere. Gary said that while he took part in Nassau County's application, he was not surprised by FEMA's rejection, in light of the emergency situation along the Gulf Coast in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, and the stereotype of Nassau County as a wealthy area that is not in need of assistance. "I did not expect anything else," said Glickman of the agency's decision.
However, FEMA spokesman Mike Beaman said that Hurricane Katrina and Nassau County's wealth had no bearing on the decision. He said that as is the case with any application, FEMA issues emergency funding only if it is proved that the cleanup from a disaster is beyond the capability of the state. "[The application] did not meet the federal requirement that it's beyond the capability of the state," said Beaman.
Richard Bylicki, deputy commissioner of the Nassau County Office of Emergency Management, said in the appeal that OEM officials submitted revised estimates of the amount of damage county homeowners incurred, as well as an explanation of how officials came up with them. He said that while the state estimated the damage to homes at around $12 to $13 million, the inclusion of the value of personal items increased the estimated total to around $55 million. "New York state has been very helpful in working with us, and hopefully we will get a better response from FEMA," Bylicki said.
According to Bylicki, FEMA does not pay for basement damage in disasters, but that county officials tried to make the case in their appeal that many families use their basements for essential living space. And, Bylicki explained, many basements incurred structural damage, as well as damage to heating systems stored there.
Estelle Hennenberg of Woodmere, whose home on Derby Avenue incurred more than $60,000 worth of damage, said her basement has 1,800 square feet of living space, and in that many houses in the area, basements are used for much more than just storage. "It's disappointing that all of us suffered so much damage - damage beyond our control," said Hennenberg, who has a Feb. 28 court date with the Nassau County attorney's office to determine whether local government is responsible for any of the damage caused by the sewage. "[The government] looks at it as though it's something the homeowner should take responsibility for, but it's out of our scope."
Glickman said he believes that the sewage that flowed into his basement may have been caused by a lack of drainage on nearby Kennedy International Airport's runways. During the downpours, the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, which runs the airport, closed two flood gates in the area, causing North Woodmere to be deluged with water according to Glickman. As a result, Glickman and other local homeowners are contemplating a lawsuit against the Port Authority.
Port Authority officials could not be reached for comment.
