2 dozen Weyant Green tenants remain displaced after Highland Falls flooding
Floodwaters ripped through Weyant Green Apartments on July 9. Units were badly damaged along with sidewalks and property grounds.
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A group of flood victims in Highland Falls have yet to return home after July’s deadly storm badly damaged their complex.
Floodwaters ripped through Weyant Green Apartments on July 9. Units were badly damaged along with sidewalks and property grounds.
“I had to be pulled through the window,” recalls Carrie Richardson.
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Richardson was one of several frightened tenants who were trapped during the emergency and needed to be rescued.
“I’ve been through a lot of traumas in my life. Nothing like this,” says Richardson.
News 12 has since learned that damages at the complex are still being fixed while a group of 25 tenants are housed at the Hampton Inn in Newburgh.
“It’s not our home,” says Katharine Dagaev. “Our routines are completely gone and we’re all sort of at a loss.”
Many of the displaced residents are disabled or seniors, and most don’t have cars.
They say the New York City-based company that manages the property, Related Management, told them their units recently had asbestos removed and that repairs won't be finished until December.
Tenants say they can’t imagine living for another three months at a hotel.
“It’s hard. I don’t know,” says Dagaev.
The group says they feel forgotten while they’re still struggling with the aftermath of the storm.
“I don’t think people even know where we are. We feel lost,” says Richardson.
Village Mayor Joe Donofrio says, "total renovations" are underway - which might be a reason for the delay.
Related Management released the following statement:
“The health, safety and well-being of our residents is always our top priority. During the devastating and life-threatening storm that struck Highland Falls, the property teams helped pull residents to safety while putting their own lives at risk. We as a company are forever grateful for that. As we diligently complete the extensive reconstruction work caused by that unprecedented flooding, we are providing residents with accommodations and financial support until we can safely welcome them back to Weyant Green. This storm was uniquely destructive, which is why we are working day and night to get people back in their homes.”
