New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has maintained that New York needs to reconsider the way it develops its coastlines. He has proposed that instead of rebuilding a number of neighborhoods along the sea, New York should spend $400 million to purchase homes wrecked by the hurricane and have them demolished. Under the purchase program, which federal officials have yet to approve, those with homes significantly damaged by the storm and floods would be offered the pre-storm value of their houses for the purpose of relocation assistance. Residents of more vulnerable areas would be offered a bonus to sell their homes. Additionally, communities in highly flood-prone areas will be offered a double-bonus if an entire block of homeowners agrees to leave.
“There are some parcels that Mother Nature owns.” According to Mario M. Cuomo's State of the State address last month. He has repeatedly spoken, in blunt terms, about the consequences of climate change, noting that he has responded to more extreme weather in his first two years as governor than his father. The buyout program requires approval from the federal housing agency. The governor’s office said federal officials seemed receptive to their proposal, and that Mr. Cuomo hoped the program would be approved and that he could announce details in the next two weeks. A spokesman for the Hurricane Sandy Rebuilding Task Force, which President Obama created in December, said Sunday that it is too soon to say whether the state will be allowed to proceed.
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