The first of many NYCHA recovery and resiliency upgrades are coming to housing projects in Edgemere. NY1's Clodagh McGowan filed the following report.
Residents in the Ocean Bay-Oceanside Apartments still remember what it was like in the days and weeks after Hurricane Sandy.
"It was so bad, and it was like cold," resident Sylvia Holder said. "You couldn't even get your phone charged, because the electric was out."
A $67 million renovation is underway to prevent a situation like the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy from happening again during future storms.
The work underway includes a full roof replacement, the addition of stand-by generators for back-up power, new electrical systems, and flood-protected equipment.
Additional resiliency measures are also expected be taken to prevent future flooding.
"Our residents' priorities and concerns were included in this list and something that we heard in the more than 80 meetings that we had with them and the members of the greater community," said New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) Chair Shola Olatoye.
The Ocean Bay-Oceanside project is the first of 33 major public housing recovery and resiliency projects funded by a historic $3 billion FEMA grant.
"The $3 billion investment has been a massive shot of adrenaline for New York City's housing developments," said Sen. Chuck Schumer, (D), of New York. "In fact, it was the largest payout in the history of FEMA's public assistance program."
The Ocean Bay-Oceanside apartments are home to 400 families.
In addition to the resiliency measures, new lighting, playgrounds, and state-of-the-art security doors are also part of the upgrades.
"For the residents here who thought that you were forgotten, you were not forgotten," said City Councilor Donovan Richards, who represents the area.
The upgrades also mean peace of mind for residents.
"It would be a blessing," Holder added. "And it would be safer and secure for everyone."
The construction phase is already underway.
It's not clear when the project will be complete.