Bloomberg’s Approval Surges After Irene
Mayor Bloomberg’s approval reached its highest since the Christmas blizzard in 2010, according to a new poll released by Quinnipiac University. The mayor’s response to Hurricane Irene significantly contributed to the mayor’s rising popularity.
City dwellers approve Bloomberg’s actions in hurricane preparations 86 percent to 10 percent, and voters approved 90 percent to 8 percent of Bloomberg’s decision to evacuate before Irene. Voters in evacuations areas approved of his decision by 84. Support is equally strong in all boroughs.
Bloomberg currently has a 54–35 percent job approval, compared to 45–43 percent on July 27.
"The critics cried ‘overkill!’ But most people agreed with the mayor, ‘Better safe than sorry,’” said Maurice Carroll, director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute. “Overwhelmingly, Bloomberg’s handling of Irene gets high marks.”
In addition to getting praise for his handling of Irene, Bloomberg also received credit for his role in 9/11 recovery. Voters say, by a 61–21 margin, that the mayor played a positive role in redevelopment of the World Trade Center site.
City Requests Donations for Downed Trees
MillionTreesNYC is asking New Yorkers for donations to help replace some of the city’s forest life after Hurricane Irene blew down and damaged more than 2,000 trees.
During the hurricane, many healthy trees were uprooted and had their branches broken. Citizens can contribute to planting trees in public areas such as parks and streets or on private land, such as hospitals or schools.
Trees on private property range in cost from $100 to $2,500. The minimum contribution requested is $100. No specific value or limit is given for donations to street trees. Donations are also being accepted for storm cleanup, debris removal, or asphalt removal for tree space.
MillionTrees NYC is an initiative launched by the New York Restoration Project (NYRP) and the Department of Parks and Recreation. Its goal is to plant 1 million trees in the city over the next decade.
The NYRP was established in 1995 for restoring parks, community gardens, green spaces, and urban forests in the city.
FEMA Aid Available State Wide for Renters
Renters in NYS who suffered losses due to flooding caused by Hurricane Irene are able to receive assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the New York state office of Emergency Management (NYSOEM).
"Disaster aid is not limited to homeowners," said State Coordinating Officer Andrew X. Feeney. "Eligible New York state residents who sustained damages in this disaster can receive assistance thanks to state and federal rental support programs designed to help them get back on their feet."
Affected individuals from eligible counties can receive funding for alternative housing for a limited period of time while their homes are reconstructed. They can also get free referral service for a replacement apartment.
The counties that qualify are: Albany, Bronx, Clinton, Columbia, Delaware, Dutchess, Essex, Greene, Kings, Montgomery, Nassau, Orange, Otsego, Putnam, Queens, Rensselaer, Richmond, Rockland, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster, Warren, Washington, and Westchester.
FEMA officials encourage all those who are eligible and in need of aid to register.
