It's been 100 days since Superstorm Sandy hit the City, and New Yorkers are just now learning how a portion of the money they are owed will be spent. It's amazing to think all of this time has passed, and still, some don't have a place to call home. I wish the lawmakers would work faster, I wish the construction workers could work harder, and I wish those who lost everything are able to rebuild stronger.

Mayor Bloomberg laid out plans today for how the City plans to spend the first billion dollars in Hurricane Sandy aid. Federal officials have released the first installment of the $50 billion Sandy relief package passed last month by Congress. Of the $5.4 billion dollars allocated for New York, New Jersey and other states hit by the storm, about $1.8 billion is earmarked for the City.

The Mayor said City officials must first tell the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development how they plan to spend the relief aid. So far, the Mayor says $720 million will be used for housing, mostly in the form of grants to individual homeowners. That figure also will include improvements to public housing, like permanent backup generators for 100 New York City Housing Authority buildings. In addition, $185 million will be dedicated to businesses, mostly grants and low-interest loans; $100 million will be for economic development in hard-hit areas; and $40 million will be allocated for utility infrastructure.

So when will homeowners begin seeing the money? The application process will begin in April, and the money likely will not go out until May at the earliest. This means by the time homeowners get their hands on federal cash, at least six months will have passed since Sandy struck. Mayor Bloomberg says, “in government speak, this is instantaneous.” He says, “The government doesn’t back up a truck and dump bills on the ground. You have to justify it, you have to get approvals, you have to comply with the law.” What do you say?

What’s your reaction to the time frame for receiving Sandy relief aid? Do you agree with how the Mayor plans to spend the funding? How do you think the remaining $725 million should be spent?

Send your thoughts using the e-mail link above.

Don't be surprised if a good percent of this money is spent by government on some unconnected projects.

Joe
Port Richmond, SI

Will someone please tell me why all of these upstanding American citizens have lived by the rules and are getting this treatment from this mayor. What is the reason for them to have to wait until April. Just who does this Bloomberg think he is. His dictatorship has caused the collapse of the New York City Housing because they did away with the security, never did any upkeep in all of these complexes and just where is all of our money that we pay in for every godforsaken thing that we purchase in this state. [WHERE DOSE ALL THIS TAX MONEY GO]

IT'S JUST BECOMING TO GOD DAMN MUCH NOW. THIS BLOOMBERG STANDS ON THE PODIUM LIKE THE DICTATOR THAT HE IS AND THINKS THAT ALL OF HIS DECISIONS ARE IN OUR BEST INTEREST. WE SHOULD DEMAND JUST HOW MUCH MONEY THIS STATE AND CITY HAVE WASTED ON WHATEVER THEY CHOOSE TO SPEND IT ON AND NEVER HAVE TO ANSWER TO ANYONE.

[ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS]

maxxiee
mp

As a resident of Howard Beach, I say open the doors to Gracie Mansion Mayor and make room for people to move in and be comfortable.

Terry
Howard Beach

Nonprofit service providers were first responders for thousands of elderly. Reimburse their costs asap.

Bobbie
Sheepshead Bay

R u kidding we r dying in Breezy Point

4 months I still have no heat and u know what that means no water. Rapid repair is a joke. We have been waiting months. What can we do ?

Maria

If NYC does not require energy efficiency and storm prepared design as we saw in the virtually untouched Averne by the Sea, then we are missing one of the best opportunities to make a difference and are throwing money down the drain.

Sharon

Bloomberg is a cruel, sadistic little man who has never suffered a day in his life, but who enjoys seeing others suffer. I can't wait for him to be a bad memory and nothing more.

Frances
East Village

I am the owner of The Salty Paw, one of 13 businesses located on FRONT STREET in the south street seaport that is still shuttered.

100 days later, we hear this announcement of federal aid coming, but it's still unclear if this AID for "small businesses" is just more loans being offered?

Or will there be any PURE grants available for many of us in the seaport that remains a ghost town?

We are not looking for a hand out, but rather a hand up in "helping" us to rebuild this historic neighborhood that sits right underneath the noses of city hall.

Amanda
The Salty Paw
UnitedFrontOnHistoricFrontStreet/Facebook

I cannot believe it has taken this long for Sandy Relief to be distributed. I guess the State wanted to make monetary interests before releasing the funds to Sandy victims. So shameful. My heart goes put to the people severely affected by Sandy. I too live my zone A but was not affected as badly as those living in Staten Island or Far Rockaway. I gave up hotel stay and asked to give my eligibility to those in moser needs , not sure of that Sven happened. I also made donations at televised concert relief and my money hasn't reached those in need whAt is wrong w this country. We easily support other countries in need but we delay support to those in our own State, country and community. Mayor B needs a reality check

OM

In response to a callers recollection of Katrina.

Crime is through the roof, and many residents are hiring-less-than-qualified contractors

Bad situation all around.

Mike

Hey...Lets hope that some money finds it way to Gerritsen Beach who had 95% of the home affected by sandy. We are a community of city workers, firemen, police and teachers. Hopefully they take care of the one who take care of the city all the time.

Go Gerritsen Beach!!

Eileen

I have to agree with caller concerning not switching to fios because of you and the call. As to breezy point being a closed community , that is probably true ,but they still need help. I am no expert on sandy ,but I think it is those in the middle class who are being short changed ,as FEMA has income limits. Staten Island is recovering with the help of hundreds of staten islanders, who have formed many volunteer sub groups that are re building and serving basic needs.

Chris
West Brighton