18 THE QUEENS COURIER • SEPTEMBER 19, 2013 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.queenscourier.com Resolution for co-op, condo recovery grants BY MELISSA CHAN mchan@queenscourier.com A Queens lawmaker introduced a resolution in the City Council last week calling for Congress to make co-op and condos eligible for federal storm recovery grants. The measure, brought forth by Councilmember Peter Vallone Jr., comes after many citywide co-op and condo owners found they could not receive FEMA grants for Sandyinfl icted damages. It would push the passage of an already proposed federal law that aims to fi x a glitch keeping co-op and condo owners from disaster aid. The Stafford Act, which governs how FEMA responds to major disasters, does not include the word “co-op” in the law, offi - cials said. However, there is no statute that bans co-op owners from being eligible for grants, a privilege given to homeowners. Co-op and condos are also categorized as “business associations,” which “CO-OPS AND CONDOS ARE NOT CORPORATIONS — THEY ARE PEOPLE’S HOMES.” makes them eligible for federal loans but not grants. It also means they cannot get funds to fi x shared spaces like lobbies and roofs. “Co-ops and condos are not corporations COUNCILMEMBER PETER — they are people’s homes,” Vallone said. “They deserve the same assistance as other homeowners.” Congressmember Steve Israel introduced a law in August that would better defi ne co-ops in the Stafford Act and allow co-op and condo owners to apply for FEMA grants. It would also call for a new cap on FEMA’s Individual and Households Program. A spokesperson for Israel said the bipartisan bill has 14 cosponsors so far, including Republican Congressmember Peter King, who represents parts of Long Island. The proposed legislation currently sits in a subcommittee on the House’s Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. While a resolution is only a formal position statement, Vallone said he hopes it will “show that the city speaks with one voice for fairness” for co-op and condo owners. The disaster aid is needed in Queens, local leaders said, where co-op and condo communities are digging into reserves to fund fi xes. Some Queens co-ops, like Glen Oaks Village, sustained more than $250,000 in damage to infrastructure, according to the co-op’s president Bob Friedrich. Councilmember Eric Ulrich, who represents some of the most Sandydevastated areas, said co-op and condo communities in the Rockaways are facing “astronomical” renovation costs. Repairs to buildings destroyed by the storm could easily exceed $250,000, he said. “Nearly a year after Superstorm Sandy, co-ops and condos are still struggling to rebuild,” Ulrich said. “Congress must act now and provide relief before it’s too late.” The City Council resolution, introduced on September 12, sits in the Council’s Committee on Housing and Buildings. Committee Chair Erik VALLONE JR. Dilan said several Sandy-related bills that await the committee’s ruling are being “actively considered.” “We as a committee and council are active in moving things that will help the city recover or prevent disaster from another hurricane, including the co-op resolution,” Dilan said. If the measure moves out of committee and then passes the City Council, Vallone would then urge Congress, in a letter, to enact the federal bill. Warren Schreiber of the Presidents Co-op & Condo Council said advocates could use the City Council’s support as a bully pulpit to boost federal efforts. “Anything that can be done to put pressure on the federal government and educate other people is absolutely welcome,” Schreiber said. “Hopefully, it sails through the City Council.” I CAN HEAR THE LEAVES UNDERFOOT Call today to schedule an appointment 516.708.4844 st $500 trade-in PLLC of the 2013 2013 st • New Construction • Newborn – 4 Years • Age Specific Classrooms • Part-Time & Full-Time Options • Learning through Stimulated Play, Music, Dance, & Discovery • Meals Included Call for more information & Registration 718.838.9243 213-54 35th Avenue, Bayside www.littleapplepreschool.com FREE Registration plus 20% OFF with this ad gbaudiology.com THE QUEENS QueensCourier.com Place credit toward the purchase of an AGX5, 7, or 9 hearing system. Expires 9/30/13. 107 Northern Blvd, Ste 309 • Great Neck, NY Gloria Boms, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology WINNER BEST AUDIOLOGIST DR. GLORIA BOMS of the THE QUEENS QueensCourier.com Place PHOTOgraPHers WanTed! The Queens Courier is looking for a talented pair of eyes to join our team. experienced, knowledgeable Photographers should contact Toni Cimino at editorial@queenscourier.com
QC09192013
To see the actual publication please follow the link above