WE NEED AN ATTORNEY! WE CAN'T DEAL WITH THE RREM ANYMORE! CAN ANYONE RECOMMEND???
Christopher M. replied:
if you are having problems with your PM, contact Matt Lyons at the DCA.Matthew Lyons Program Specialist, Sandy Recovery Division New Jersey Department of Community Affairs 101 S. Broad St, P.O. Box 823 Trenton NJ 08625-0823 (p) 609-292-4072 (f) 609-292-3929Matthew.Lyons@dca.state.nj.us
Jill K. replied:
Price Home Group is right up there with worst contractor ever
Anita D. replied:
the Truro Law School on Long Island NY is doing Pro Bono work they may be able to advise you, their # is 631-761-7198
Valerie C. replied:
Great! Thanks Anita. Maybe I will call Rutgers Law. They also may have some pro bono programs.
Patti V. replied:
John Houghtaling . He is our attorney. He is on this page somewhere. Ask George Kasimos-stopFemanow for information
John H. replied:
Thanks Patti My email is John@ghwlegal.com
John H. replied:
Here is a Sandy Questionnaire: http://www.research.net/s/ghwlegal
George K. replied:
Dr. Philip Nufrio has a group of folks on this page who have signed up for a class action lawsuit.... Please friend and Message him...
Carol M. replied:
News 12 did a brief story about the issues with RREM, the contractors and the flow of money last week. Reach out to the governors office of recovery and rebuilding. 609-292-6000. Ask to speak to Terrance Brody. He is the executive director of the office of recovery and rebuilding.
Bernie Neuhaus no the initials are RG. USELESS. I did complain to everyone yesterday. Received a phone call from Judy and John. The we're GREAT. They will handle my case going forward. They need copies of the licenses for the architect and engineer. They say that will complete my request for payment. Problem is all work has stopped until I give my contractor more money. A whole other issue.
Diane M. replied:
Debbie Janusz Corrado...we all need luck with this garbage. Here outside the RREM system things aren't much better!!! Here I sit a year and a month since I signed the contract with the 'turn key lifter' and I am still waiting for them to finish!!!! UNREAL!!! And not so much 'turn key'. You would think they would want to be paid!!! But I guess it is a mad rush to lift everyone get them roped in cause you know eventually they will decide to come back and finish to get their last payment!!!! Tick tock, tick tock...I am running out of patience!!!
Bernie N. replied:
My neighbor has been trying to go from C to B and get away from gilbane for over a year now and isn't having any luck even w an atty involved. Sandy Elliott
Can anyone plz refer a good attorney for me. RREM said I qualified and after all this time they are denying me. What did I sign a contract for.
???????????????????????
Diane M. replied:
Joan Wujcik... John Houghtaling is working on flood insurance issues. We are in need of someone to take on the STATE OF NEW JERSEY I do have a number of phone calls out to John as well as an email explaining our issue.
Diane M. replied:
OK we seem to have a running theme here..Maria AnnDenise, I know your issue..Ken Paddock...you are in Lauren Kirk Hell also??? WE NEED TO POOL IDEA"S and issues...I KNOW this entire thing has been set up for homeowners to fail. Please, let us pool together and see if we can find an attorney that will work for these issues to be straightened out asap. I already spoke to B. Greenberg...Large firm in Newark but he is representing the NJ!!!! DAMN!!! Please Please push for what you know to be wrong and lets find an attorney to go after them!!!!
Ken P. replied:
Lauren Kirk is nothing more than an admin assist for nichol colon and neither one will make a decision on anything
George K. replied:
A few things ; Did anyone try Volunteers Lawyers for Justice? Jessica was the young lady at the meeting last week. I think everyone here, including Jayne Doe should get together with Philip Nufrio and get others... If someone leads this.... I will follow and help push this issue. I have met a few dozen others in similar position.
Dave S. replied:
I am going through the same thing with LRRP, RREM AND RESETTLEMENT. Nicole Colon is on a mission to prevent people. I went in front of Judge Sanders, 4 hour hearing, denied again, now waiting for the Commisioners decision. Most bizarre ridiculous thing I have ever seen. All are oblivious to the whole process, they are there for one reason to prevent grants from being approved.
Diane M. replied:
EXACTLY!!!! OK...we all need to pool our resources!!! I think were we start is by putting EVERYTHING that we have gone through on paper!!! Then we need to send each other these stories...from there we need to put them together and send them in a packet to Attorney General!!! Get your family, your friends, neighbors to write down their horror stories of what the "grant system" was like for them!!! Maria AnnDenise, Did you contact the other people listed on your file? I would!!! Let them know that you have their information!!! I would be pissed off about that!!! We need to pool as many people together and get this done!!! THE HOMEOWNERS THAT SURVIVED SANDY WERE TO GET THAT MONEY...NOT THE DCA!!! This is all set up as a failure so that more and more people drop off, get lost, kicked to the curb so that they don't have to hand that money out!!!! This is big!!! And we are going to need help with this!!! A large law firm with as I said LONG ARMS!!! And we are going to have to work together!!! I know that I don't have time for this crap...as I am sure the rest of you are the same. But if we work together we can do this!!!! What say you???? Jayne Doe, Dave Seyer, Everybody on this thread!!!
Philip N. replied:
To Kristine Pyzyna Diane DeWitt Mazzacca et al., You all may recall I organized and spent a great deal of time trying to get a group of folks to do a class action suit against the government on RREM, FEMA etc., to no avail. Very frustrating for me as I spent many hours and very few victims would follow through on initial interest. Jane Doe on SFN was the only person I know of who took on RREM in an individual claim on her won with no attorney. I suggest you model your actions after her approachAfter speaking with many attorneys Krystine and I came to the conclusion that folks would have to file their own individual lawsuit, as class actions require specific commonality.Also found it very difficult to find a lawyer willing to take this on. The only best option on an attorney right now is the fellow form NOLA, John Houghtling….5044003899
Diane M. replied:
Philip Nufrio, I am a few steps ahead of you with this...I also took them on by myself since I had no lawyer that would help me. Jayne Doe and I have been walking hand and hand with this. And your suit had nothing to do with me and the rest of us that had information lost and left out to dry by ourselves. Unlike what you had, I have uncovered HOW they committed this crap!!! I will be going to the media with the stories that people give me. At this time it is the quickest way to conquer this crap! Then I will wash my hands of it since I personally don't want their garbage grants!!! I want what I paid for in flood insurance and I have John Houghtaling for that!!! But I just can't put my head down at night knowing that our government committed such blatent fraud!!! Those that could have been helped by this money are loosing or have lost their homes...just is not right!!!
Joan W. replied:
I am using John Houghtaling. He has been in this fight for a long time. He is a member of Stop Fema Now. Cell # 504-400-3899. Office# 504-456-8649. He came highly reconmed. Hope this helps.
We are looking for a good lawyer to help us with reopening sandy claim, reopening homeowners insurance claim (fight what was given to us) We need lawyer who isn't...
George K. replied:
Carol, try the atorneys who sponsor us. They are well versed in flood insurance. http://www.stopfemanow.com/ny-times-reopening-sandy-claim-most-painful-thing-ive-ever-done-in-life/
Debbie C. replied:
John Houghtaling. No money up front.
Diane M. replied:
Carol Fisher does your homeowners have any water exclusions?? I have homeowners and they covered NOTHING having to do with water damage. NOTHING... So I was asking for personal reasons...sorry. Gets my blood flowing in the morning! I have signed with John Houghtaling also....just remember they (whoever you sign with) are working for you and not the other way around. READ everything...sign nothing if you have a red flag on what it says. Trust nothing! Ask a ton of questions and listen for an answer...cause sometimes they get off topic, pull that attorney back in for an answer!!! And go with your gut!! Seems that everyone has had good and bad experiences with different attorneys. Just don't sign with someone and sit back, get involved, be a PIA! Good Luck!
George K. replied:
Gaye Zangari read comment above
Diane M. replied:
Whooo Hoooo!!!! YOU GO!!!
George K. replied:
Tara Lee when interviewing attorneys... make sure they INCLUDE expenses. Ask what they charge... usually on a contingency basis. We have two attorneys currently sponsoring SFN, they are well versed in flood insurance. ASK QUESTIONS...... We have attorneys that are experienced in flood insurance on our site on www.StopFemaNow.com good luck
Diane M. replied:
Tara Lee...not only do I wish you luck...I wish all of us The BEST of Luck!!! Keep us posted and if we can help we will try.
It looks like Superstorm Sandy has claimed another marriage. Mine of 42 years. We both suffered from PTSD, but I got help and he is still in denial even though 3...
Kathleen D. replied:
Very sorry to hear this Lisa! As an attorney, I highly recommend Chuck Vuotto, Esq. in Matawan. 732-696-2500. In Toms River, Jennifer Armstrong 732-228-6000. Good luck and best wishes to you.
Still looking for an attorney for our appeal with DCA. I know someone had mentioned an attorney in Toms River, but he says he only deals with the contractor issues. ...
Gert S. replied:
Have you contacted Ocean County Bar Association for a recommendation? Bar Associations are the best place to begin an attorney search. Get at least 3 recommendations and then research/contact those attorneys. I'm doing the same in seeking personal injury attorney for what St. Bernard Project put me through. Good luck.
Roseanne B. replied:
I have contacted Monmouth county bar Assoc and Jo one answers the phone. I will have to try back
I'm so happy to hear that people are being arrested for fraud as well as other things for taking advantage of us Sandy victims. I held on to the post in hopes that I can...
Concetta A. replied:
Christian McOmber is in Redbank, I know he's further than what you want but, he is extremely helpful in these type of situations. Call him at 732-842-6500 Tell him I sent you to him, he'll understand. I've been sending Sandy victims to him for awhile because he is very good and compassionate. Good luck
Jill B. replied:
John P. Pescatore has a house inspection service Highly recommended!
Can anyone recommend a GREAT attorney that can help with the issues my contractor made after my home was elevated?
Pat B. replied:
are all (or most) of the issues a result of Path C contractors? I'm waiting to find out if I get enough RREM $$$ to elevate thru Path B but I can't elevate if I don't get enough ...I have no more to give..it just scares me hearing all these horror stories...
Paul J. replied:
There is a workshop being held in Lakewood on July 22 nd to help those scammed by contractors. Check OrtleyBeach.org website for the info. If info not there now, it will be soon.
I am helping a friend in my Township with his RREM rebuild. It is a mess. Most importantly, his builder is a fraud who has left my friend (76 years old) and his wife in...
Charles C. replied:
http://www.vljnj.org/ Sandy Recovery Workshops VLJ is pleased to announce (in collaboration with the Community Health Law Project and the Ocean County Long Term Recovery Group) a new series of free legal seminars for those still recovering from Superstorm Sandy. The events will take place in Toms River (8/17), Atlantic City (8/22), Little Egg Harbor (8/31), and Middletown (9/7). Attorneys and advocates will speak about and answer questions on contractor disputes, the RREM program, and the NFIP claims review process. All presentations begin at 6 PM. Please share with anyone who might be interested!
I can use some help and advice. We are looking for a lawyer that doesn't require money up front but might take part of award. We not only lost half of our $$$ to that...
George K. replied:
John A. Ongrady Jr. Michele Fortier Caufield
Mark B. replied:
I had a contractor do the same thing to me. I hired William Wright from stafford twp. In manahawkin nj. Got me a good settlement.
Just came from meeting with my Gilbane RREM program manager to start the final payout process. He's telling me that the rules concerning the contingency funds part of...
George K. replied:
Chris Francy We have had members who have had the whole 150K "clawed back" after construction was completed. Ted Friedli can tell you about it. We have had dozens of folks who have had 10-100K clawed back. Keep in mind only 100 homes have been completed through the RREM program. There have been almost 1,000 stop work orders on RREM projects. We look forward to seeing you and your neighbors at the hearing posted above. P.S. we have dozens of RREM members lawyered up already.
Gert S. replied:
Glad I walked away from my Highlands home - after RREM said it would be $199,000 to rebuild and then awarded a grant of $52,000 from which they'll deduct $30,000 ICC funds. With the lowball insurance payout and lowball RREM Grant, short $70,000 to rebuild. All the money has gone to administration ... And I'm still homeless.
Kim R. replied:
My mom is Path B, in process of raising, have not heard any of this.
Ok good news/ bad news reopened my flood claim using attorney's 2.5 yrs ago. Just received a closing statement 100k settlement but 33k in attorney fees which I expected....
Karen M. replied:
Robert Geoghegan because when you sign the papers in your settlement, it clearly states that you can't go back after the Insurance Co. Its in their lingo but thats why you don't ever see flood insurance pay legal fees.
George Kasimos-stopFemanow,Jennifer Jennifer Pedrero Netta and Kathy Serra do any of you folks know of a lawyer who could help me fight for Hazard Mitigation Grant...
Brian T. replied:
I asked Brad Kieserman in D.C. how can they make all of us elevate by Oct 2016 that is impossible. I told him two elevation contractors that are in NJ from out of state both told me they expect to be in NJ elevating homes for 10-15 years. He said yes you are right I will look into extending that thank you for bringing it to my attention and he scribbled something in his notes. Not sure if he was just BS'n me but at least I actually spoke to the big cheese about it.
Kathleen S. replied:
Keep in mind I'm dealing with Cape May County with much less damage when it comes to entire communities. I went on the Wildwood website for a completely unrelated issue looking for an e-mail address and found sites dealing with Sandy. Including an invitation from The Department of Community Affairs,to apply for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. It advised people to get information on their base flood elevation and flood zone. The site stated that 100 Million was made available through FEMA.
Any suggestions on lawyers or firms who handle rebuild issues with a town? We do have a grant and underpaid insurance policy, but our main issue at present is a 4 month...
Rita T. replied:
Michael Millard in Toms River. He got me back all my money when the Contractor ripped me off
Tony N. replied:
I'm facing the same issue. I've talked with everyone I can think of from the Governor's office on down to neighbors. I conclude there is no immediate solution and we just have to wait. I'm convinced that nobody has the political will to try to enforce those violations issued by building code officers under these circumstances but I'm pissed that the local township office is spreading the rumor that I have $28,000 in unpaid building code violations stemming from emergency Sandy repairs.
Can anyone give some advice on getting estimates for the flood mitigation work I need to have done? A lot of contractors want to charge to give me a written estimate. ...
Brian T. replied:
Patrick Cogan is your house getting lifted too? I forgot the details but knew you posted a RREM sketch of the addition for a utility room. I was thinking if you are not lifting, just adding the addition, and filling basement, the "Total development cost" they calculated might be a benchmark for Keshet who has to do a similar project.
Kay Y. replied:
Karen Mazzocchi. I wasn't affected directly by sandy. I got stuck in the delay in implementation of Biggert Waters and an agent who failed to disclose claiming on email he wasn't told about the changes until the summer of 2013. I bought my house march 1 2013. My suit with the lawyer is going after the agent for malpractice/negligence for failure to at least notify me of the changes and the potential for major rate hikes because it is a pre-firm home. I had no idea I was paying "subsidized" rates initially when I was supposed to be paying full risk according to the law. FEMA did not provide the new rates until after I bought my house. Now when it as time for renewal, I was informed they would not renew my policy cause I had to get a flood elev cert and then my rates tripled which is unaffordable and makes my house unsellable. I also live in gloucester county so nit eligible for any grants or loans to do mitigation. My lawyer says that as the expert the agent should have at the least notified me of the potential increases due to the law which went into effect 9 months prior. Otherwise no way to afford the work. The agent is blaming sandy for a law that went into effect a few months before sandy that stated that all pre-firm houses r to lose their subsidy at point of sale. Of course the agents are also blaming fema for not providing the new rates. Hope that clarifies my situation. I got screwed by the insurance agent and FEMA. Lol
Does anyone have a lawyer to recommend that knows how to deal with contractor issues. Preferably one that will not also try to financially try to rape me?
Allegra C. replied:
Michael Botton in Belmar. He helped ppl with shady contractor.