“It is entirely up to the homeowner … It is a different look,” he said. “We are saying you may want to consider the investment. [Elevation] does make the home more valuable, so I think it’s a win-win.”

Village of Freeport Mayor Robert Kennedy joined Cuomo at the news conference to thank him for instituting the New York Rising Community Reconstruction Program. Kennedy said that 2,500 Freeport homes suffered damage in Sandy, and that 450 to 500 are still in need of repair. The mayor added that initiatives like the optional home elevation program are positive steps forward.

“I was recently down in New Orleans, and I saw there were people still living in trailers,” Kennedy said. “We don’t want to be in that position … While Sandy is the worst storm that has ever hit in the memory of Freeport, it isn’t going to be the last one. Simply repairing the homes to their previous state is not going to be enough.”

Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray agreed with Kennedy, adding that state programs have allowed local residents to apply the rebuilding lessons learned after Sandy. Murray said that Ehrick was an example of a resident who took advantage of New York Rising to continue to live near the water.

“For two years, I’ve seen the resolve of people who decided to stay here in the communities they love,” she said. “They are rebuilding their homes and their lives.”

“Governor Cuomo’s announcement is great news as we all work to see our community rebuilt stronger, smarter and safer — this is why we created a residential rebuilding assistance program, and we won’t stop until all of our residents get everything they need and deserve to rebuild the right way.”