Brooklyn- State Senator Martin J. Golden (R-C-I, Brooklyn) yesterday issued a request to Commissioner Joseph Bruno of the New York City Office of Emergency Management, asking that Brooklyn’s Gerritsen Beach neighborhood, that he represents in the New York State Senate, be reclassified as a Zone A for evacuation declarations.

Senator Golden’s request is that the Office of Emergency Management immediately conduct the necessary review in order that a formal change from a Zone B to a Zone A for flooding evacuation purposes be implemented.

Senator Golden wrote, “Gerritsen Beach suffered severe flooding as a result of an unusual high tide during Hurricane Sandy with almost all homes being affected. In fact, some homes were flooded at the first floor and numerous rescues had to be undertaken by first responders, and sadly a death did occur.”

Senator Golden continued, “Frankly if not for the heroic efforts of the City’s emergency responders and the Gerritsen Beach Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Corps, more lives may very well have been lost.”