Photo: John Betsch - January 6th 2011 - Soundview Inn, Southold
Ten days after the blizzard struck the North Fork coastline, FEMA and the S.C Office of Emergency Management showed up this week to inspect the damage to infrastructure and property along the coastline in Southold, caused by winds reported to be as high as 60 – 70 mph that buffeted the coastline December 26th to 28th last year. The first team, called the Public Assistance Team (PA) arrived Wednesday Jan 5th, followed by the Individual Assist Team (IA) on Thursday Jan 6th 2011.
On Wednesday, Southold VOICE’s John Betsch joined the PA Team, which included representatives from FEMA, the Suffolk County of Emergency Management, Al Krupski Jr. from Southold Town Board, Jim McMahon from Southold Department of Public Works, Bob Scott from the Assessor’s Office, and Lloyd Reisenberg, as designated Coordinator between the Town and FEMA. Escorted by Southold Town Police, they visited various sites damaged in the storm, including McCabe’s Beach, Kenney’s Beach, Town Beach and sections of Soundview Avenue behind the North Fork Condominiums, which is partly Town property.
On Thursday, the IA Team showed up, including representatives from Suffolk County Office of Emergency Management, FEMA experts from New Jersey, and upstate New York, including a representative from Small Business Assistance Loans. Tax Assessor Bob Scott assisted with tax record information and escorting the teams around to the various locations. Sites visited included the Soundview Inn, Hashamomuck Cove, and a privately owned proprties on the Sound in Cutchogue. John Betsch again assisted with this team.
John Betsch said that only primary residences are being considered for FEMA benefits by the IA Team, not secondary homes or investment property. Lost/damaged stairs down the bluff also don’t count unless the damage affects the home itself.
After visiting Southold, the teams moved onto Riverhead, to look at damage there. Scroll down for more photos.
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