By Matthew Monks
City Councilmen Peter Vallone Jr. (D-Astoria) and James Gennaro (D-Fresh Meadows) introduced a bill March 23 that would require the city to cover all flood damages regardless of who is at fault in a break. If an investigation finds that another party caused the accident, the city would be responsible for recouping damage payouts, not the property owners. “The city is much more able to bear the tremendous cost of a water main break and then to seek reimbursement from the negligent party,” said Vallone, who represents Astoria, which was flooded with one million gallons of water after a 20-inch pipe burst on Ditmars Boulevard on Feb. 16. A month later, some streets in Far Rockaway were flooded on March 15 when a 12- to 18-inch main broke north of Mott Avenue. “As we've seen recently, without warning, entire neighborhoods can be devastated by a water main break. Millions of dollars in personal belongings can go down the drain, leaving victims with no idea how and when they'll be able to afford to replace them and when a reimbursement will arrive,” Gennaro said. “The current system for reimbursing victims … has to be changed.”The councilmen said their bill was modeled after the city's response to the Astoria water main break. Before an investigation was concluded, Mayor Michael Bloomberg said the city appeared to be responsible for the accident and would cover all damages. Under the proposed law, property owners would be compensated for losses if their insurance does not cover flood damages. Claims would have to be filed with the city Comptroller's Office within 90 days of the accident and could not exceed $250,000. Reach reporter Matthew Monks by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 156.
