ARMONK, N.Y. One year after Hurricane Irene hit North Castle, the towns plan for a major storm cleanup hasnt changed much. North Castle Highway Foreman Jamie Norris said theres one major factor in play: money.
We cant really change anything without it costing money that the town doesnt really have right now, Norris said.
Irene flooded areas of Armonk such as Wampus Brook Park, and also closed many major highways across Westchester County. Former Town Supervisor William Weaver even notified residents that the town would hire an outside company to help the Highway Department with the cleanup. Norris said it took the Highway Department around six months to finish the job.
A big reason for the delay was a lack of manpower.
We are short-staffed, which makes it tough, Norris said. We used to have 30 guys. Now were down to 22, which makes it difficult to keep up with the previous service that we provided to the people.
Some residents took the cleanup process into their own hands. In the days following the storm, the North Castle police reported that an Armonk man on Banksville Road suffered a minor leg injury from a chain saw while cutting up fallen branches at his home.
Residents around the area gave a helping hand for those in need. The North Castle Citizens Corps Council opened a shelter at the Hergenhan Recreational Center during power outages. The Gym on Business Park Drive opened its facilities for residents without power to come and shower.
Big storms will hit North Castle again. However, in Norris' experience at the Highway Department, they will be unlikely to top Irene.
Id have to say it was the biggest storm Ive ever been a part of here, Norris said. I dont recall anything that compares.
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