BMCRC Hosts First Public Forum

The Bellmore-Merrick Community Reconstruction Committee(BMCRC) held its first public information meeting at the Shore Road School on Thursday. Residents were given an opportunity to provide input on how federal grants that may be given to the Bellmore-Merrick community will prevent damage of future storms.

"These grants are to help make Bellmore and Merrick more resilient and stronger," Dr. Lawrence Eisenstein, one of the co-chairs of BMCRC said. "The projects that could be done are not about the individual, but we would come together to apply for grants for the community."

It was determined that the Bellmore-Merrick community is eligible for grants totaling more than $12 million after Hurricane Sandy.

Grant amounts are based on FEMA assessed damage levels and applications for new infrastructure. Grants will be awarded once the community's plan is complete and submitted to the state for approval.

"We have a big job ahead of us and without your input it won't get done," Joe Baker, co-chair of BMCRC said.

During the forum, residents broke into groups and spoke about what they wanted done in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy and ways to prepare for future storms.

Community members expressed their concerns on issues such as erosion, flooding, lack of emergency routes and lack of emergency centers. 

The committee will come up with a "community reconstruction plan" based on the feedback of residents.

Diana Lopez of Bellmore was out of her home for months due to damage caused by Hurricane Sandy. She said that she will continue attend the committee's forums and provide her input. 

"These meetings have the potential to be effective," she said. "This makes you feel like you are really doing something." 

The Bellmore-Merrick Community Reconstruction Committee was created after Governor Andrew Cuomo launched the "New York Rising Community Reconstruction Program," an initiative designed by the state with a mission to empower communities hit hard by storms. 

The program creates and implements locally created and federally funded strategies for rebuilding and strengthening communities against future extreme weather.

New York Rising will assist 102 severely damaged communities throughout New York State to develop rebuilding plans that will be driven by the needs of each community and developed by regional planning committees of community leaders, experts, and officials.