NYC posts violation notices on homes in neighborhoods destroyed - New York News | NYC Breaking News

Amid the devastation and destruction that remains three weeks after Hurricane Sandy, a stinging surprise from the New York City buildings department.

A notice, tacked to the front door, demanding the storm's victims fix their problems under penalty of law.

"I think the city has to work with us and not against us. To impose a fine, to threaten violations, just look around obviously people who have never stepped foot here 'cause if you saw what is going on here, you would not have the nerve to put that one our door," said homeowner Daniel Turner.

It is called a 'Notice Of Deficiency," and if there ever was an understatement this is it. It orders homeowners to repair and/or replace if possible and obtain all necessary building permits. The city says the notices are merely meant to catalogue damaged structures.

The city stated that 'These violations were issued solely to document the damage that occurred, and property owners will not face any penalties as a result."

So far an estimated 891 buildings have been classified as so severely damaged, that the city is considering mass demolitions within the next two months.

"They may come in here and start bulldozing, you know. And make the people pay for it. That's not right. If you want to come in and bulldoze stuff down, you pay for it," said homeowner Pete Murray.

Others are optimistic that despite the challenges, breezy point will one day, return to normal.

"It can get back. I think this community has a great resolve of togetherness and I am confident that we will be back, as strong as ever."

Even now, the American spirit endures.

Three weeks to the day later, people still are without power here -- though some residents tell us, they did get their water back.

New York City officials have been in contact with their counterparts in New Orleans to find out that city's procedures for rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina.