NYC Council to weigh storm-protection proposals
NYC Council to weigh slate of storm-protection proposals; hearings set for Jan. and Feb.
NEW YORK (AP) -- New York City lawmakers are proposing higher floors for new buildings in flood zones. They also want to study the feasibility of burying more power lines, among other ideas for responding to Superstorm Sandy.
City Council Speaker Christine Quinn and some colleagues announced Tuesday they were formally making the proposals. Many echo ideas Quinn raised in a speech last month.
The council also has scheduled a series of hearings in January and February to assess the city's storm planning, management and recovery efforts.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg also has unveiled a slate of plans for improving the city's preparedness for storms. He's said the city will work on upgrading building codes and evacuation-zone maps, hardening power and transportation networks and making sure hospitals are better prepared for extreme weather.
