RPJ Counsel and Head of the Harbor Mayor Michael Utevsky and New York Governor Kathy Hochul Lead Response to Severe Storm in Suffolk County
After severe storms hit Long Island on August 18, 2024, Head of the Harbor Village has faced significant flooding and infrastructure damage, including a 120-foot collapse of Mill Creek Road. RPJ Counsel and Head of the Harbor Mayor Michael Utevsky remains actively involved in addressing the crisis, working on plans to build a temporary roadway to help residents who are currently unable to drive out of their dead-end street. Mayor Utevsky is also collaborating with Senator Chuck Schumer to secure FEMA aid, and with Governor Kathy Hochul, who has declared a state of disaster emergency in Suffolk County to facilitate additional funding. We at RPJ are very proud of our colleague’s selfless efforts for his community.
Governor Hochul announced the availability of up to $50,000 in state grants for emergency repairs for homeowners whose properties have been heavily damaged. This financial assistance is aimed at helping residents with urgent repair needs that insurance may not cover. Additionally, Governor Hochul plans to request federal aid from President Biden to bolster cleanup and restoration efforts.
On the ground, Mayor Utevsky has been at the forefront of managing the crisis in the Head of the Harbor Village. Suffolk County officials reported that 45 homes were severely damaged, with over 1,400 additional homes affected by the storm, caused by the tail end of Hurricane Ernesto. Mayor Utevsky has been working on temporary solutions for emergency access and coordinating local response, including the creation of a makeshift road for emergency vehicles. His efforts have been crucial in finding both immediate and long-term solutions to the road damage, as well as in assisting the affected families. Both Governor Hochul and Mayor Utevsky are focused on securing additional resources and support for the affected community as cleanup and repair efforts continue.
As the community begins the cleanup process, residents are already seeking the newly announced state grants to cover repair costs. Local officials and community members are actively participating in cleanup efforts to address the aftermath of the storm, with ongoing efforts to assess and mitigate damage. Governor Hochul and Mayor Utevsky remain committed in their efforts to ensure that Suffolk County receives the necessary resources and support it needs to recover from the devastating storm, demonstrating a laudable collaborative effort to aid the affected community and restore normalcy.
This article is intended as a general discussion of these issues only and is not to be considered legal advice or relied upon. For more information, please contact RPJ Counsel Michael Utevsky who counsels clients in areas of commercial real estate leasing, sales and financing of commercial properties and residential dwellings. Mr. Utevsky is admitted to practice law in New York.