Hurricane Sandy Aftermath: Monday Morning Update

Here’s our Monday morning status report on the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy on the Lower East Side and a rundown of resources available as New Yorkers recover from the devastating storm.  We already reported the latest on Con Ed’s efforts to restore steam-powered heat and hot water to thousands of apartments downtown.  School is back in session today (without heat in many locations), the F train is finally running again and most businesses and non-profit organizations have reopened.

• Even as the massive recovery effort continues, city officials are refocusing their energies on running a smooth Election Day tomorrow. Lots of polling locations have moved due to Sandy but there’s only one LES change.  The polling location at Bard High School (525 East Houston) has been shifted to P.S. 188 at 442 East Houston. To check your polling station, click here.

• Anyone still in need of food, blankets or water can go to the distribution site at the Hamilton Fish Rec Center (Pitt & East Houston) today from noon-4 p.m.

• Volunteers: most local organizations are now re-routing volunteers and donations to harder hit communities like the Rockaways and Staten Island. Click here for a list of volunteer opportunities. Donations are still being accepted by GOLES at the 6th Street Community Center, 638 East 6th Street (until 6 p.m.)

• Local elected officials are meeting today with FEMA to discuss aid for residents and small businesses impacted by the storm. We’ll update with details later. In the meantime you’re encouraged to register for assistance on FEMA’s web site.

• Corlears Hook Park, where about a dozen trees were destroyed, remains closed. There is no timetable for its reopening.

• Lots of people, especially in the East Village,  are cleaning up the mock that Sandy left behind.  Tonight there will be a workshop to help residents deal with any potential mold that might develop in their homes. It will be held at 7 p.m. at 205 East 7th Street.