Treyger predicts Sandy task force will make big difference

March 6, 2015 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Councilmember Mark Treyger (left) attended the bill signing ceremony hosted by Mayor Bill de Blasio. Photo courtesy Treyger’s office

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Councilmember Mark Treyger, who attended the City Hall ceremony at which Mayor Bill de Blasio signed a bill to help residents in coastal communities prepare for the next Sandy-type of natural disaster, predicted that the new law will make a big difference in the lives of New Yorkers.

On March 3, de Blasio signed two bills sponsored by Treyger dealing with the city’s response to hurricanes and other natural disasters. One bill calls for the creation of a special task force to look into ways the city can assist houses of worship and charitable organizations that helped Sandy victims in the aftermath of the 2012 superstorm. The task force, which is expected to release a report eight months after its formation, will also look at ways religious institutions and charities can play a role in recovery efforts in the next emergency.

The other bill that de Blasio signed into law mandates the city’s Office of Emergency Management to distribute preparedness materials to residents in coastal communities that are tailored specifically to those neighborhoods, as opposed to generic pamphlets that could be given out anywhere in the city.

“As we continue the recovery from Sandy, it is imperative that we do not forget about the charitable organizations and houses of worship that opened their doors to storm victims and played a vital role in the hours, days and weeks after the storm hit our city. It is also critical that we learn from this experience and find ways to better connect residents in vulnerable communities with information that is specific to their neighborhood,” Treyger (D-Coney Island-Gravesend-Bensonhurst) said.

Treyger, who is the chairman of the council’s Committee on Recovery and Resiliency, predicted that the new laws “will help accomplish these goals and better prepare us for the next major storm or emergency.”

Treyger’s district, particularly the Coney Island section, sustained devastating damage in Superstorm Sandy in 2012 with hundreds of residents suffering flooding and massive damage to their homes. The councilman has dedicated much of his time and resources to helping victims with their recovery efforts.

“After the devastation of Hurricane Sandy, we promised our residents that we would rebuild a stronger and more resilient city and that we would be better prepared for the next coastal storm. Today’s two bills are another strong step in this direction, by helping ensure that we are better prepared for extreme weather the next time we need to be,” de Blasio said at the March 3 signing ceremony.

Council Speaker Melissa Mark Viverito supported the two Treyger bills. “The council is proud to support legislation strengthening our city’s emergency preparedness,” she said.