Lawmakers outline 'Phase 2' of storm recovery

Lawmakers outline 'Phase 2' of storm recovery

A multibillion-dollar Superstorm Sandy aid package was already approved by Congress, but some New York lawmakers are saying that's not enough. They are already taking steps to make sure more is done for our city.

Sen. Chuck Schumer is already looking ahead.

"Even though we got the $60 billion for Sandy we know our seas are rising, our planet is getting warmer and storms like sandy will certainly be more frequent," he said.

The senator said the New Yorkers who helped push the first Sandy bill through will need to fight for additional resources.

A comprehensive Army Corps of Engineers study was authorized to determine exactly what major infrastructure projects are needed to protect the coastline. The senator said he wants to make sure those plans are implemented.

"It means when the MTA rebuilds the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel, they will also be allowed to put in what will prevent future flooding if God forbid there is another sandy," he said.

Schumer is not the only one focusing on phase two. So is City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, a candidate for mayor.

"The City Council is taking proactive measures to pre-emptively protect homeowners who choose to elevate their homes," she said.

With 100,000 New York City homes suffering damage from Sandy -- and 2,000 deemed uninhabitable -- the speaker wants certain New Yorkers to have the option to elevate their homes, but in a safe, resourceful manner. Quinn said a new bill will be introduced at next week's City Council meeting.

"That bill will require that one, construction plans clearly state whether a project will involve home elevation work and two, contractors give 48 hours of notice to DOB before elevating a home which will give DOB opportunity to monitor the work," Quinn said.

Quinn said the bill will also require that elevation work be done with an approved, special inspector. She is asking the Department of Consumer Affairs to make it clear to homeowners the different types of work certain contractors are able to do.

The Army Corps of Engineers study is supposed to be completed in two years. Schumer wants it done in 18 months. Then he plans to push for more financial support, he said.