Long Beach Co-Op Resident 'Not Nervous' Despite Surfside Tragedy

LONG BEACH, NY — Concern is mounting along beachfront high-rise apartment buildings since the Surfside collapse took place two weeks ago and at least 46 victims have been identified.

Long Beach is one local area that resembles the Miami suburb with several tall complexes pressed against the water and all are coming under scrutiny.

But, Myra Cohen, who lives at the Neptune Towers, a Long Beach co-op, is confident that her building is properly maintained.

"I'm not nervous at all about living in this building that it would collapse," Cohen said.

For other buildings, however, State Senator Todd Kaminsky is calling for owners to ensure engineers are brought in at regular intervals to monitor for any issues.

"We have a great managing agent and our [superintendent] is amazing," Cohen said. "They always have some professionals come in and assess the building's structure."

While the inspections or repairs ultimately cost more money for residents, Cohen said it shows they are taking proactive steps to keep everyone safe.

"I know they are vigilant," she said.

It all starts with how the building is constructed and that is done to code, Cohen contended. Neptune Towers was built in the 1960s, and she has been in her second-floor apartment since 2000. The building has nine apartment levels and a Skyclub on the top floor.

The co-op suffered only minimal damage from Superstorm Sandy in 2012, seeing just a small amount of rising water in the lobby.

"I think our building is singularly sturdy and diligent," Cohen said. "I don't know if that's true for any of the other buildings around here."

Sadly, though, Cohen said it took the tragic moment in Florida for governments to have this "rallying cry" for taking another look at the maintenance of any beach properties.

"But it always comes down to money," she said. "Because they cheaped out, all those people lost their lives."