Cuomo: Some homeowners can sell to state and move - New York News | NYC Breaking News

Cuomo, Christie lay out plans for Sandy hit homeowners

For the last 50 years, the Hirsch family has spent their days loving life in Long Beach, Long Island.

There is nothing that would make them leave; not even Superstorm Sandy, which destroyed their bungalow by the bay.

So imagine their surprise when they heard New York State is offering to buy homeowners out of their homes in certain places at fair market value and leave the land vacant. It would be a cheaper option than helping residents rebuild time and again.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo told the Daily News editorial board that some homeowners should give it some thought.

The buyout would be paid with the federal relief money, requested from Washington.

What wouldn't be paid for is Cuomo's recommendation that the homeowners who do stay build their homes on stilts.

Governor Chris Christie says New Jersey is adopting the advisory flood maps released last month by the federal government to help guide rebuilding following Superstorm Sandy. The maps establish new standards for rebuilding along the Jersey Shore.

The maps establish new standards for rebuilding along the Jersey Shore. They show a higher risk of flooding in some areas than the old maps did and establish tougher guidelines for rebuilding, including in some places higher elevations.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency expects to take 18 to 24 months to adopt the standards. Christie says it didn't make sense to use old maps to guide New Jersey's rebuilding or wait for FEMA to formally adopt them.

The governor says he believes there are "very few places" where New Jerseyans won't be able to rebuild.

Christie warns those who don't rebuild according to the new flood map standards could see greatly higher insurance costs.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.