Suffolk Flooding After Major Storm: $1 Million Damage and Governor's Promise of Aid

Suffolk County recently faced the stark aftermath of a devastating storm, with Governor Kathy Hochul touring hard-hit areas, confirming an estimated $22 million in damages to Stony Brook University, and committing to swift aid for eligible homeowners and businesses. The storm's impact stretched across the county's North Shore and beyond, causing extensive flooding, washing away roads, and damaging critical infrastructure.

Governor Hochul's Tuesday visit included an assessment of flood damage at Stony Brook University, where dorm basements were submerged in up to nine feet of water, seven elevators were disabled, and other academic buildings sustained damage. She also met with residents in Head of the Harbor and Stony Brook village, areas severely affected by floodwaters that breached the dam at Mill Pond, destroying roads and homes. The damage was not confined to these areas, as the dam at Blydenburgh County Park in Hauppauge was also compromised, and several businesses in Commack suffered significant losses.

Local officials are diligently compiling damage estimates, aiming to reach a $37.5 million threshold required to unlock federal FEMA funds, which would provide crucial assistance to individual homeowners. While President Joe Biden and Governor Hochul have issued emergency declarations, these primarily cover federal funding for local government infrastructure repairs, not direct individual aid. Hochul expressed confidence that the county would meet the federal threshold, paving the way for a major disaster declaration that would unleash federal dollars for broader recovery efforts.

In response to the unprecedented weather events, the state is making grants available to residents through the state’s Homes and Community Renewal website. These grants, offering up to $50,000, are specifically designed to cover flood damage that may have been denied by insurance companies or not covered by existing flood insurance policies. The income eligibility for applicants has been expanded to 150% of the area median income, up to $234,000, to ensure wider coverage for affected communities. Representative Nick LaLota (R-Amityville) has advocated for further expansion of income eligibility for Long Island homeowners.

Head of the Harbor alone faces an estimated $1 million in damages, primarily to its roads and sidewalks. Mill Creek Road, a private road serving as the sole artery for seven homes, was severely eroded and rendered impassable for emergency vehicles. Residents on Mill Creek Road have been forced to walk to and from their homes, leading to an evacuation order and significant frustration. To address this, Smithtown Town Board approved an agreement for the town’s highway crews to construct a temporary access road on the opposite side of Mill Creek, with an estimated cost between $250,000 and $300,000. Furthermore, approximately 250 tons of riprap, a rock-like material, have been laid along damaged sidewalks to prevent further erosion and gully formation. Village officials are also planning safety measures like fencing on Harbor Road and Mill Creek Road and installing traffic speed signs due to increased traffic on alternate routes.

Businesses at the Bonwit Village Shopping Center in Commack, including the Commack Veterinary Center and Dortoni Bakery Co., experienced up to four feet of floodwaters. With the property not being in a flood zone, these businesses lacked flood insurance, intensifying their losses. Many tenants are now applying for government grants, while also raising questions about the proper maintenance of the storm basin behind the mall and preventative measures for future flooding. Dortoni Bakery, despite having reopened, is not fully operational, with estimated rebuilding costs exceeding $200,000. Residents like Dr. Matthew Steinberg and Gloria Rocchio emphasized the urgent need for efficient government assistance, expressing hope that robust support would enable them to rebuild stronger and more resilient infrastructure.