Yesterday, July 10th, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Breezy Point)’s first bill into law, after it passed both houses of the State Legislature during the Legislative Session in late May and early June. The bill was carried by Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. in the Senate. The new law grants a two-year extension to Chapter 100 of the Laws of 2013. Chapter 100 provides exemptions for Breezy Point work permits for resiliency and recovery in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.

“Considering the delays that thousands of our residents have been subjected to under Build It Back, Rapid Repair and other programs at the City level, it was so urgent that we give our residents at least two more years to rebuild with relief from red tape,” said Pheffer Amato. “I would like to extend a huge thanks to Governor Cuomo for his signature and Senator Addabbo for his sponsorship, and send appreciation to my colleagues in both houses for understanding that my neighbors deserve to live in structurally sound homes and that that they deserve every chance to rebuild. This vote will make a huge difference for Breezy Point families, seniors, laborers and the overall community. I can’t imagine a better or more urgent bill to be my first signed into law.”

“Almost five years after Hurricane Sandy made landfall, many Breezy constituents are still attempting to rebuild their lives and their homes in the community they love,” said Senator Addabbo. “While the storm wreaked havoc and devastation throughout my Senate district and elsewhere, this neighborhood was battered beyond imagination. With the passage of this initiative, we are helping the people of Breezy Point to continue to go forward and succeed in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, and to spare them the frustration and expense of reinventing the wheel when it comes to dealing with City bureaucracy. And congratulations to my friend and colleague Stacey on her first official contribution to the Laws of the State of New York! Here’s to many more.”

“This is great news,” said Denise Neibel, Assistant General Manager of the Breezy Point Cooperative. “Thank you to Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato and to Senator Addabbo for your support. Extension of this legislation will continue to enable our homeowners to more expeditiously progress through the rebuilding process and return their families home.”