9 • TIMES, THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2014 EASING PAIN TO ‘BUILD IT BACK’ Bill Streamlines Sandy Recovery Mayor Bill de Blasio signed legislation last week allowing the Department of Buildings (DOB) to waive building fees for New Yorkers impacted by Hurricane Sandy and rebuilding or repairing their homes through the Build it Back program. As described, the legislation will further streamline recovery and expedite the pre-construction process. Proposed by the mayor in the spring, the bill is par tof the overhaul of the city’s post-Sandy recovery programs. Previously, Build It Back contractors would have to pay DOB fees on behalf of homeowners and then be reimbursed by the City using federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) relief funds. Now, those fees will be waived—eliminating steps that slowed the pre-construction process and freeing up federal relief dollars that can be used to fund additional DOB staff. This new DOB staff includes inspectors dedicated specifically to Build It Back properties, allowing homeowners to move quicker through the pre-construction process. These changes complement a variety of other improvements announced this spring, according to de Blasio, including expedited construction and reimbursement processes, expanded eligibility, direct engagement with local communities (including office hours at elected officials’ offices, and a focus on local job creation), and much more. “We promised to expedite relief for New Yorkers who have been waiting too long—and today is another step toward getting Sandyimpacted families the support they deserve,” said de Blasio last Tuesday, July 1. “By eliminating preconstruction steps while freeing up federal dollars for actual relief, this bill complements the major steps we’ve already taken to streamline Sandy recovery.” “By partnering with agencies like DOB to waive fees and bring on dedicated staff, we’re able to further expedite the construction process and get New Yorkers impacted by Sandy the relief they need,” said Amy Peterson, Director of the Mayor’s Housing Recovery Office. “Combined with the other major improvements underway, we’re putting Build It Back back on track— getting construction started and checks in the hands of homeowners.” -SEE SANDY ON PG. 25- A Lucky R’wood Shopper Stephanie Ubiera was recently the lucky winner in the Myrtle Avenue Business Improvement District (BID) May Lucky Shopper Raffle. She is pictured with her son Sebastian, holding her gift certificate prizes and a shop historic Ridgewood bag filled with free gifts. Thirty-two stores affiliated with the Myrtle Ave. BID in Ridgewood provided gift certificates for the event. The next lucky shopper raffle will be held during the Fall Street Festival on Sept. 14. ©Times Newsweekly - 2014 - CARMELFEST ©Times Newsweekly -2014 - GERMAN^FEST
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