$1.2 Million in FEMA Funds To Repair Glen Island Sandy Damage

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Better late than never, Westchester will get more than $1.2 million in federal funds to complete repairs of Hurricane Sandy damage at Glen Island Park.

This week, Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, along with U.S. Rep. Jamaal Bowman announced that Westchester County will receive an additional $1,246,978.16 in federal funds to complete permanent repairs to Glen Island Park in New Rochelle. The popular county-owned park suffered heavy damage during Hurricane Sandy.

“I applaud FEMA for recognizing the importance of this project and providing Westchester County with the additional funding it needs to continue its repairs to Glen Island Park in New Rochelle, which was a victim of Hurricane Sandy’s wrath,” Schumer said in a joint statement announcing the cash infusion. “This Westchester treasure suffered serious damage to its sea wall, sidewalks, handrails, and beach pavilions during Hurricane Sandy and this federal disaster assistance goes a long way to lift the cost burden of repairs off taxpayers and reassures local residents that the federal government will help with recovery until the job is done.”

The lawmakers noted that the 2012 storm demolished sections of Glen Island’s bath house and swept away much of the sand on the park’s swimming beach. The funds were allocated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) public assistance grant program. The new installment will be the last federal money provided towards the total cost of the $3.4 million repair project. FEMA has covered 90 percent of Westchester’s costs for repairs on the island (once the amount covered by flood insurance is subtracted).

“Our county’s treasure in Glen Island Park has seen it all — from the simple pleasure of a waterside stroll, to super storms making landfall, to a first of its kind COVID mass testing site,” Westchester County Executive George Latimer said. “And now, thanks to Senate Majority Leader Schumer, Senator Gillibrand and Congressman Bowman this south County jewel will once again be restored to its full might.”

During Hurricane Sandy, high winds and a storm surge caused damage to Glen Island Park. The surge inundated large portions of the 105-acre park with salt water and debris. The new funding will allow additional repairs to be made to the sea wall, sidewalks, handrails and beach pavilions at the park, which has been owned and operated by Westchester County since 1923.