On Kildare Road in Garden City, a family looks at...

On Kildare Road in Garden City, a family looks at car crushed by a tree, felled by high winds during superstorm Sandy. (Oct. 30, 2012) Credit: Newsday / Karen Stabile

But Hempstead officials said Tuesday that many Sandy sufferers need access to money immediately because of the high cost of rebuilding.

Many residents are waiting on Federal Emergency Management Agency checks or insurance money and need cash as soon as possible so they can rebuild, officials said.

Sandy’s “damage to homes, businesses and infrastructure has been staggering and many people are not able to pay for repairs without withdrawing from their IRAs, 401Ks and other saving programs. While most people with damage are waiting for payments from their insurance companies and FEMA, the repairs cannot be put on hold,” town officials said in a statement.

Town Supervisor Kate Murray and Councilman Anthony Santino made the announcement Tuesday in a hard-hit neighborhood in Baldwin.

'Forever chemicals' in our water ... Latest on the weather ... Trendy Bites: Apple pie ... pizza? Credit: Newsday

Breaking down the governor debate ... Tell the LIRR what you think ... Home prices fell last month ... 'Forever chemicals' in our water

'Forever chemicals' in our water ... Latest on the weather ... Trendy Bites: Apple pie ... pizza? Credit: Newsday

Breaking down the governor debate ... Tell the LIRR what you think ... Home prices fell last month ... 'Forever chemicals' in our water

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