'A big uphill climb': Rome recovering and rebuilding from EF2 tornado, not slowing down

Almost a week after an EF2 tornado tore through Rome, all there’s left to do is rebuild and recover — but the mayor says residents shouldn't relax as there's more still to do.

“We still have a big uphill climb,” Rome Mayor Jeffrey Lanigan said at a press conference on Monday. “We need to start rebuilding and get people the services and help we need — but we did make a big leap forward.”

Thanks to the help of the Rome city government’s employees, the county employees, local agencies, and first responders, it’s hard to tell that a tornado passed through Rome. Lanigan added the cleanup efforts won’t stop. There are a handful of buildings that collapsed and piles of debris that still need to be addressed.

“We’re not going to slow down,” Lanigan said.

Most Rome roads have reopened, but some parks remain closed

Every road in Rome is now open, except for West Court Street and West Liberty Street. These roads have remained closed due to the potential collapse of the churches.

Perry Street is also closed, but it’s currently being worked on.

For those looking for summer fun and to cool off, all pools will be open and staffed. However, Gryziec Field, Crescent Park, Triangle Park, Fort Stanwix, Gansevoort Park, and Veteran’s Park will be closed as they were in the area that was hit the hardest.

Lanigan said the parks will remain closed until the city can guarantee that there is no debris that could hurt children playing in the park.

Help is available to Rome businesses affected by tornado

The Business Recovery Fund, organized by the city of Rome, Oneida County, and the Rome Chamber of Commerce, is currently accepting applications. The application is available on the Rome Chamber of Commerce’s Website.

“The city of Rome, Oneida County, and the Rome Chamber of Commerce are there for any business that has been affected by this catastrophe,” Lanigan said.

Applications for the Rome Victims Recovery Fund will soon be accepted via a phone bank. The county said they will be releasing the phone number and forms as soon as possible.

Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente said the foundation has already received $175,000 in donations.

“And the county will commit $1 million to that fund,” Picente said. “Our goal is to help everyone we can with this fund. And that means everyone. Every dollar will go to residents of Rome who have been impacted and have had damage to their homes. The mayor spoke of business, this is for the individual.”

Assistance can cover things such as insurance deductibles, electrical hookups, supplies to secure homes, relocation costs, tree removal, dumpster rentals, and more as done by a case-by-case review.

Picente said to begin with, there will be a flexible cap of around $5,000 per individual.

“We’ll evaluate every situation and be evaluated by the county and the city,” Picente said. “And our goal is to get money out."

Rome police chief warns residents to be cautious of scammers

Police Chief Kevin James said while there is no sign of looting, people have been scavenging in the city for scrap metal in the debris.

Those instances are being investigated and handled, the chief said.

More than anything, James warned residents to be cautious who they welcome into their homes if they’re approached by someone claiming to be a contractor.

“We haven’t been approached about any scams, but that may change,” James said. “Just be very careful who you talk to, and don’t take any cash deposits unless you’re very unfamiliar with that person. Call the Rome Police Department or the Rome Chamber of Commerce if you have any questions regarding any contractors.”

“And to those who are thinking of taking advantage of the situation of our vulnerable community,” the police chief added. “We will investigate everything to our fullest power. We will take every resource available to us. We will arrest you. We will prosecute you. And we will not stop. To our residents, be careful and ask questions.”

This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Rome tornado damage: City recovering and rebuilding, not slowing down