Watch CBS News

Stony Point Still Reeling A Year After Superstorm Sandy

STONY POINT, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Superstorm Sandy devastated the homes of many Stony Point residents. Then it took a toll on their wallets.

As WCBS 880's Sean Adams reported, nearly a year later, the storm has left many people haggling with insurance companies and spending small fortunes to repair or raise their homes. One mobile-home park has 40 empty lots, and other houses are still boarded up.

"Sandy changed everything for everybody around here," said resident Jack Curran, 68.

Stony Point Still Reeling A Year After Superstorm Sandy

Sandy's storm surge raised the Hudson River 12 feet and flooded areas of Stony Point.

"It's something I'll never forget," Town Supervisor Jeffrey Finn said. "It was like the ocean crashing in.

"We actually took people out of their second-floor windows in boats."

Photos: Sandy One Year Later

Since the storm, the town has passed building requirements saying new homes must be constructed 14 feet above sea level.

After waves knocked his old house off its foundation, Curran built even higher: "We went up 17 feet, 8 inches, or something like that, above sea level."

Curran said moving from Stony Point after the storm wasn't an option. He loves the town's majestic views of mountains meeting the Hudson.

Lynn Hayes said she is appealing her insurance settlement after she feels she was low-balled.

"My boyfriend actually took it out of his retirement money to redo the porch," she said.

One woman, who did not want to give her name, said she was forced to sell her home. She now rents the same house she used to own.

"We're the forgotten ones," she said. "My house, I couldn't afford to repair it -- $89,000."

You May Also Be Interested In These Stories

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.