(JAMAICA, NY)–Today, Monday, October 22, Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY) accompanied by New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr., and officials from the Small Business Administration and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) viewed the destruction caused by the August 8, 2007 storm which caused severe flooding in the neighborhoods of Rosedale, Jamaica and Springfield Gardens.

The tour began at the Greater Allen Senior Citizens Home where the group received a briefing from Alicia White, the Site Manger, who showed the group the destruction and clean up efforts resulting from the August 8th storm. The basement of the facility was filled with 9 feet of water that unhinged doors and compromised the facilities electrical system. The buildings heating and cooling as well as the laundry center were completely destroyed.

The delegation also toured the Rosedale Meadowmere neighborhood and stood with residents on 23 1st Street (Meyer Avenue). Barney Sabella wrote a letter to Congressman Meeks asking for help for himself and his neighbors. Sabella said, the August 8th rain storm may have had an impact, but even a mild rainstorm leaves huge amounts of still water in the streets and our homes, we have been in a state of hopelessness, but I am thankful that we are now getting the attention that we need.

The neighborhood of Rosedale is positioned on a zero elevation, coastal plane with severe drainage problems affecting the community. Storms and "moon tides" create a pool of water that cover the roadways and fills the basement of homes in the area. A new sewage system is being put in place; however, it does not adequately address the flooding issues that will provide relief to the community.

“Even if you think you are not eligible for assistance, I urge you to file immediately. FEMA has extended the deadline for filing claims to November 16, 2007. If you know a neighbor, family member, or friend who suffered economic or personal losses from the August 8th storm, please encourage them to seek assistance. Disaster assistance can include home repair grants; disaster rental assistance; U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loans for individuals and business owners and grants for serious disaster-related needs and expenses,” stated Meeks.

Thompson added: "It is imperative that residents and business owners reach out to the City in addition to FEMA. Filing a notice of claim with the Comptroller's Office will allow the City to assess your damages. The last day to file a claim related to the August 8, 2007 storm is November 6, 2007. I urge any residents with questions about how to file a claim to contact my Community Action Center at 212-669-3916."

Remember the deadline for homeowners, renters and business owners to register for federal-state disaster assistance has been extended to November 16 2007. To apply for disaster assistance, register online at www.fema.gov or by telephone at 800.621.FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. Registration lines are open 8:00Am to 9 PM every day. After registering with FEMA, applicants may visit an SBA-FEMA Disaster Recovery Center for further assistance or to complete an SBA loan application:

Mobile SBA-FEMA Disaster Recovery Center
Parking Lot One Block South of Greater Allen AME Cathedral of New York
110-31 Merrick Boulevard (between 111th Avenue and 111th Road), Jamaica (Queens),
This center is open 11:00 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday – Friday; closed on weekends.

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact the Office of Congressman Gregory W. Meeks at (718) 725.6000 or the office of New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson Jr., (212) 669-3500.

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