Breezy Point, NY – New York State Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato passed A.9549, a bill specifically designed to help those who live in the Breezy Point Cooperative. The bill will allow residents of Breezy Point to continue rebuilding their homes following the devastation of Hurricane Sandy without additional delays brought about by the City application and review process. Due to the extended time it has taken for certain properties to be rebuilt, the Assemblywoman deemed this legislation crucial as it would authorize the reinstatement of prior approved work permits. The bill also waives the requirements of certain NYC laws relating to rebuilding and repairing homes devastated by Hurricane Sandy in New York City. Without Pheffer Amato’s bill, all existing work permits could be deemed invalid, and require homeowners in the co-op to start at the beginning of the process all over again.

It is estimated that 89 households within the cooperative are still rebuilding after nearly 12 years of Hurricane Sandy. “I will not allow bureaucratic red-tape to hinder my constituents as they work to rebuild their homes. The hardworking men and women of Breezy Point need this waiver to ensure superfluous City policies will not weigh them down – and it is my honor to pass this bill to make that a reality,” said Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato. Due to the Assemblywoman’s work, the bill passed unanimously.

“Many homeowners in Breezy Point, Rockaway Point and Roxbury are still rebuilding from Hurricane Sandy damage. The efforts of Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato to expedite the rebuilding process is greatly appreciated and will help get families back home,” said Denise Lopresti, Assistant General Manager of the Breezy Point Cooperative, Inc.

“While many homeowners in Rockaway Point have rebuilt in the years since Hurricane Sandy, there are still some who have not yet rebuilt.Without this extension of the BSA waiver, homeowners in Rockaway Point would be subject to additional delays in the approval process, potentially delaying approval of their plans for up to another year. I am quite grateful to Assemblywomen Pheffer Amato for her continued support and sponsorship of this bill to help our neighbors,” said Joanne Fogarty, President of the Rockaway Point Association.

The bill is currently making its way through the New York State Senate and is being carried by Senator James Sanders.