Councilman Ritchie Torres Advocates for Sandy Relief At City Hall Steps This Morning

February 24, 2014 12:40 PM·

Councilman Ritchie Torres speaks. Photo c/o alignny.org

Representing the Bronx, along with Council Members Carlos Menchaca and Mark Treyger from Brooklyn, Councilman Ritchie Torres headlined a major rally this morning at around 11 a.m. at the City Hall Steps , to urge city officials to take immediate action on Sandy rebuilding. The rally, featuring the elected as well as Superstorm Sandy survivors, is a public display of renewed activism surrounding the issue of helping families affected by the storm to rebuild their lives at a time when newly elected officials are putting their stamp on issues of concern around the city.

The new Councilmen speaking this morning were all involved in Sandy relief efforts in their boroughs before being elected.. While Torres (D-Tremont, Fordham Heights, Belmont, Van Nest, Bedford Park, Allerton) does not currently represent a district largely affected by the super-storm compared to waterfront communities, such as in the East Bronx and South Brooklyn, the Councilman represents the Public Housing committee, which works on city-wide NYCHA policy and affairs.

NYCHA properties in Red Hook and the Rockaways, among other areas, were drastically affected by the storm and were some of the residential communities least likely to have basic services renewed months after the storm.