HAMBURG, N.Y. (WKBW) — Frustrated and devastated businesses and homeowners along Hoover Beach in Hamburg are left waiting for help that may not coming when it comes to fixing homes and properties after Friday's wind storm.
"The landscaping was like $20,000 alone," said Erica Sikorski, the owner of Bedrock Eatery. "I can't just pull that out of my pocket every time a storm acts up."
Sikorski is worried her business may fold. The storm brought debris up on to the outside porch of her business, buckled the floor in the basement and caused other massive damage.
"I'm not going to invest any more money into it," she said.
Sikorski says she's invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in carrying on her father's legacy and restaurant after he passed. He says she already has low interest loans she's paying on, and can't afford to take another.
"I mean if I was to put a for sale sign on the property right now, how many people do you think would be interested?" she said.
With high lake levels, there seems to be no end in sight for Hoover Beach. Hamburg Emergency Officials say Army Corps of Engineers forecasters are predicting another devastating storm, which could mean once cleanup is done, will happen all over again.
"It's going to be the new normal for the next six months," said Sean Crotty, with Hamburg Emergency Services. "We're going to try to mitigate this the best we can."
Leanne Powers who lives on Hoover Beach had her home severely damaged by the storm. She feels like neighbors have not gotten the same attention as those on Lake Ontario when it comes to the same problem--high lake levels.
"Our lake levels are higher than they've been in 80 years," Powers said. "We want answers as to why that is."
Hamburg officials say state adjusters will be coming to the area to survey the damage next week. It's from there the state would have to apply for FEMA aid, which is the only way private properties can receive any help.
The Town of Hamburg Emergency Services has also issued information on their Facebook page for anyone in the area that sustained damage.
"We are aware the damage sustained is not limited to the Hoover Beach area. If your property sustained damage from the Halloween Storm, we need you to notify us so you can be counted in the damage assessment."
