Woodmere flooding in Sunday rainstorm

For most cars, it was merely a washout. For the neighbors however, last Sunday’s rainfall was more, as they feared for their basements. “There’s always been water but not to this degree. There has always been water that was teasing us to come to the top but today was the culmination,” said Woodmere resident Ed Sussman. “We’ve been waiting five years, we’ve all been waiting for this to happen and surely enough, it happened.”

The flood began in the early morning with to sewers clogged on Longacre Avenue and Ibsen Street, with water levels rising throughout the day. Several cars were parked safe and secure in the homeowners’ driveways but some were, unfortunately, not removed from the street in time to escape the devastating torrent. “What’s to say? You need a rowboat. It destroys property and the value of the house,” said Ray Oppenheimer. “You know I’m the one who’s busy here doing the calling. We called The Highway Department, Sewer Department, we even called the Police Department; they don’t know what to do.” More than a safety hazard, the water also posed a health threat with human waste floating around. Local residents compared the deluge to a similar flood five years ago, recalling their disappointment with the Town of Hempstead’s inability to prevent another disaster. “This was like this five and a half years ago on Yom Kippur and everybody came out here and said it was fixed and repaired, and basically nothing has been done in five years to really repair the situation. Every time it really rains like this, people shouldn’t have to wait five years to have it fixed,” Sussman said. “The town should be out here trying to do something about it, cleaning the drains and making sure the water flows correctly down. That’s why we pay taxes.”

Many houses on this corner had water flooding into basements. “It’s absolutely crazy. Flooded basements, clothing ruined. I don’t want to collect insurance, it’s so stupid,” said Oppenheimer. “I just want a clean house.” Another fateful by-product of the flood was the extent of injuries suffered by some of those who attempted to drive through the water. “One gentleman across the street tried to start his car. All four airbags exploded into his face and he got slightly injured because of electrical damage with the car and he had smoke coming from the car,” said one Woodmere resident. “You have got to be really careful in the rain when starting cars.”

Among local synagogues, no substantial damage was reported, but because of leaks, the lower level minyan at Congregation Beth Sholom in Lawrence was relocated upstairs on Sunday evening and the following morning.

Those who tried leaving their houses earlier in the day noticed the cars that had to be towed out of the water after unsuccessfully trying to override the river of waste. “There were six cars towed on my block alone. Probably all the cars are not salvageable. Thousands and thousands worth of damage,” Sussman said. “We all believe that the town should be doing something to take a more proactive approach.”