2/2/14 Exit 10 55 TV Interview with Richard Rose: Ben Jackson of Ben’s General Contracting and Robert Kennedy, Mayor of Freeport, discuss NY Rising, news for homeowners, and Sandy Storm recovery. [Watch the full video below]
Fourteen months after Storm Sandy, progress is being made for several Sandy victims. Yesterday, Freeport Mayor Robert Kennedy and our own Ben Jackson, were interviewed by Richard Rose from WLNY Exit 10/55. The purpose of the interview was to weigh in on the progress being made locally and on developments in the NY Rising program.
There are big changes for contractors in the effort to help Sandy victims return to their homes. NY Rising has dropped the requirement for the $2 million dollar umbrella policy for contractors. According to Ben Jackson in a recent NY Rising press statement, “we have been as proactive as possible to remove any obstacles to getting them back into their homes quickly and cost effectively.”
People are starting to finally receive money. Richard Rose asked whether or not this new plan will work and are we going to see better homes that are able to withstand storms along the South Shore.
The Mayor says it is “the best program put forth so far. People will find extra money they did not see from their insurance companies.” He also claims that nearly 4,000 homes were flooded in the village, 500 are still vacant and 100 are red tagged to be demolished. The 500 that are vacant will likely need to be raised.
In order to get affordable insurance, many homes will need to be raised. Home owners should think of raising a home as an investment into their property.
The Mayor says he does not see a “log jam.” He says “I don’t foresee any jam in paperwork or processing of raising homes.” Mayor Kennedy added that NY rising is “coming up with the money.”
In the last month, many changes have occurred. NY Rising is also providing funds to the Village to help with Sandy rebuilding efforts.
Ben says, “Freeport has an excellent building department. They have always been on top of getting things moving, especially since the storm.”
So, will we see homes up along the South Shore this spring? According to Ben Jackson, we see a lot of activity in construction and in homes being raised. Although there is a lot of work to be done, progress is finally being made.
In conclusion, the interviewer asked, “Will we build it better?” The Mayor claims that the newer homes being built will be able to better withstand future storms.
When asked if there are any underlying hurdles, Mr. Jackson stated that once homeowners receive their funding for their homes, everyone “will be more relaxed.”
Watch the full interview here:
Note: This is a summary of an interview held on February 2, 2014. The purpose is to present details from the interview for informational and summary purposes only. Contact your local design professional and NY Rising contractor Ben’s General Contracting for complete details.
