Hurricane Sandy Update

     Thank you for your patience during this trying period.

      The magnitude and gravity of the situation was underestimated by all.  It has been a learning experience for everyone involved, the unit owners, the board as well as the insurance company.  It was overwhelming for those affected as well as those attempting to handle the claims process.  Originally, misinformation told us by the insurance company frustrated all us all.  The terminology of pre-firm versus post-firm construction was the root of the misinformation.  The Landings was completed in 1973 which made us pre-firm(constructed prior to 1976), however the insurance had labeled us as being constructed after 1976 which qualified us as post-firm.   Post-firm construction precluded lower level flood coverage, while pre-firm construction is entitled to some flood coverage.  Hence the beginning of the confusion.  While this was being sorted out, all available adjusters were diverted to more hard hit areas, and in hind sight, rightfully so.  This again set us back.  Finally, after the adjusters completed their investigation and assessment, with some unit owners having personal flood insurance, confusion once again arose as to which carrier was considered primary.    

      The Hartford Insurance Company has completed its investigation of Westhampton Landings 10/29/2012 flood insurance claims and has reviewed supporting documentation.  The cutoff date for filing a claim was May 1, 2013.  The reimbursement is based on their physical inspection of the damage, estimates or information provided by the owners during the course of this investigation, as well as actual statements from contractors in conjunction with the National Flood Insurance Program’s coverage guidelines.  All claim payments were subject to the final approval of The Hartford and the Federal Government in addition to a depreciation schedule.  Each building also has a $5,000.00 deductible. 

      To reiterate: Build outs, upgrades, additional improvements beyond needed repairs to  restore those affected units  to pre storm conditions were not considered.  Repair, placement, or replacement of existing flooring (including but not limited to wood, engineered wood, ceramic, tile, asphalt, linoleum, rugs (wall to wall or scatter/throw/area rugs), etc.are not covered.  Once again, as stated in earlier letters, refrigerators, small appliances, dehumidifiers, computers, televisions, stereo systems, lamps, tables, furnishings, pictures, bedding, blinds, verticals, furniture and spoilage of food are not covered.

      And as explained in previous letters, the by-laws address the responsibility of the association for lower levels, namely the concrete floor and the concrete walls; not the sheetrock, priming or painting of the walls, floor coverings, etc. that cover them.  It was the additional coverage purchased by the association in behalf of the unit owners that afforded us this coverage.

     Within the next 10 days, those who have filed claims will be receiving an acknowledgement letter stating their amount of reimbursement for verification.  Once confirmed, signed, and returned, checks will be issued. 

     Hopefully we can all now relax and enjoy the upcoming season here at The Landings!