Santino, Curran Hosting Hurricane Sandy Forum in Oceanside

Sandy’s floodwaters have long since receded, but the hurricane has left many residents with a long list of post-hurricane questions.

To help answer those questions and provide important information, Hempstead Town Senior Councilman Anthony Santino and New York State Assemblyman Brian Curran will be leading a community forum and flood recovery meeting on  Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. at Oceanside High School.

Santino and Curran will be joined by representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the National Flood Insurance Program, the New York State Department of Financial Services and the Town of Hempstead Building Department. These organizations will provide detailed information pertaining to storm damage, insurance reimbursement and rebuilding, among other issues.

"Recovering and rebuilding from Superstorm Sandy remains our highest priority," Curran said. "I'm proud to partner with Councilman Santino for our community forum and flood recovery meeting. In addition to FEMA and the Town Building Department, the New York State Department of Financial Services will be on hand to answer neighbors' questions and concerns dealing with insurance payments and other insurance issues."

The town's building department is waiving all permit fees for "in-kind" storm-related structural repairs and temporary housing trailers within the unincorporated areas of Hempstead Town. The town is also waiving building variance requirements for residents (within unincorporated areas of the township) who want to rebuild their homes at higher elevations to meet FEMA flood standards.

Oceanside High School is located at 3160 Skillman Ave.