Still no heat in parts of Rockaways after Sandy

New York News

Monday, January 21, 2013

  Matt Kozar, Eyewitness News

NEW YORK (WABC) -- It's a sound you wouldn't expect to hear three months after Superstorm Sandy, generators providing power to buildings with electrical systems beyond repair.

"My house got destroyed. Still have no lights, no hot water. My life is destroyed since this hurricane," said Roberto Roman, a Rockaway resident.

Livery driver Roberto Roman is nearly out of options.

He's staying in a hotel being paid for by FEMA, but that money is about to run out in a week.

"I have no way to get no apartment. It's hard for me out here," Roman said.

Exactly 12 weeks later, 8,400 homes in New York City are still without power, and many businesses are struggling to get up and running again.

At Rockaway Graphics, a neighborhood fixture that makes trophies and plaques for the police department, they are facing trying times.

"We had water over my head about 6 feet give or take, and it's all gone," said Mitchell Kohn, of Rockaway Graphics.

Mitchell Kohn is rebuilding in the cold, getting some relief from a diesel heater in the corner.

His brand new $30,000 electrical system installed before the storm is now destroyed and his insurance company won't pick up the tab because he did not have flood coverage in his policy.

"Money is tight. There's a lot to do. I wouldn't call myself much of a contractor," Kohn said.

"Congress passed this big aid package. Have you heard from the government or anyone coming to provide assistance?" Eyewitness News asked.

"Not personally, no," Kohn said.

Progress is being made, but it's slow going.

Without a steady supply of electricity recovery will take that much longer.

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