homes and typically fit into three categories: bungalows, narrow two-storey single family homes, and larger single family homes. Many of these homes are elevated anywhere from 1 to 4 feet, and the bungalows and older single family homes are typically constructed on concrete block foundations. Many of these homes also have occupied basements, with windows providing daylight below grade. In addition to basement and first floor flooding, damage to exterior siding was one common pattern that was seen throughout the neighborhood. At the latest survey date in October, 2013, a field team member noted that several homes had stripped the siding down to the insulation and were in the process of repairing the exterior of the building. Also at this time, several of the homes with basements had boarded up or filled in the basement windows, seemingly in an effort to prevent future flooding through these openings. Many homes had elevated their electrical equipment onto platforms several feet above grade (notably still below the waterline reached during Sandy), although others had replaced the electrical equipment but not elevated it.
BUNGALOWS The bungalows in Broad Channel experienced much the same damage as those in New York City’s other coastal communities. One homeowner on the west side of the island, a former ranger in the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, had his first floor completely submerged during the storm. In December 2012, he noted that the inside of his home reeked of mold and was taking forever to dry out. It was clear at this time that mold will be a persistent issue for a lot of people in Broad Channel. In October 2013, a field team member noted that, at this point in time, many of the damaged bungalows remained unoccupied or were listed for sale. Others were just beginning the process of being gutted and reconstructed. One such bungalow had sustained significant damage to the roof, with a hole opening to the interior.
NARROW TWO-STOREY SINGLE FAMILY HOMES These homes have a similar footprint, construction method, and architectural aesthetic to the bungalows. One resident, who was in the process of rebuilding his home in December 2012 with the help of his family and neighbors, showed the volunteers the inside of his home and the damage caused by the flooding. He remarked that the water rose up to six feet in his house, in “less
ARCHITECTURE FOR HUMANITY NEW YORK
than 15 minutes,” and receded quickly as well. Another resident estimated that he lost approximately $50,000 worth of antiques, as his house was flooded with 4’ of water. He was at home as his house was being inundated and tried to save as much of his belongings as possible, relocating them to the second floor of his home. At the time of survey, he was in the process of resolving claims with the insurance companies and seeking FEMA assistance. However, he noted that FEMA was only providing assistance if they received property assessments from insurance companies. In October of 2013, it appeared that only one resident in Broad Channel was in the process of elevating his home. He had sustained significant damage on the first floor of his home and had his home lifted and on a temporary foundation. He was in the process of constructing a new garage below his home.
LARGER SINGLE FAMILY HOMES Although the majority of the community is comprised of the characteristic bungalows and narrow two-storey homes, a number of larger, new construction single family homes are scattered throughout the community. Although it can be extrapolated that these homes experienced the same level of water inundation as the other homes in the community, they appeared to sustain less significant overall damage than the older homes in the neighborhood. The exception to this rule are the homes built out over the bay, raised on stilts above the water. During Sandy, the storm surge caused structural damage to several of these homes, causing some to even topple into the water.
DOCKS On the western end of Broad Channel, man-made inlets off the bay separate the streets, and many homes have docks in the back with boats. Many of these docks were severely damaged during Sandy and, at the time of the team’s visit, at least one resident was in the process of reconstructing theirs.
BUILDING SERVICES Residents of Broad Channel were typically without power for two weeks and, at the time of initial survey in December 2012, many homeowners were in the process of replacing their electrical systems, including receptacles and electrical panels.
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