WHITESBORO, N.Y. – Whitesboro residents are banding together by signing a petition in support of a bill that would create a home buyout program for residents in flood-prone areas of the state.
People gathered at the Whitesboro Village Office from 3:30 – 7:30 p.m. Friday to sign the petition.
"The purpose of the petition is to organize our neighborhood because everyone in our neighborhood has been so devastated by this most recent flood. We wanted to do something to reach out and support our neighborhood and the people that we care about in our community,” said Steven Monstrose, a Whitesboro resident.
The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Joe Griffo and Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon, would allow local governments to designate floodplains, and offer buyouts to residents through the Urban Development Corporation.
Montrose is asking for flood victims to write letters telling their story, including how the floods affected their lives, homes and vehicles, as well as the estimated cost of the damage.
People are also encouraged to add damages incurred from previous floods.
The letter should be addressed ‘To Whom it May Concern,’ and should include a request for immediate help.
The letters can be sent to:
Steve Montrose
10 Dunham Pl.
Whitesboro, NY 13492
