The Special Initiative for Rebuilding and Resiliency, a city program examining the best way to rebuild the waterfront in the wake of Sandy, held another meeting with community members, this time in P.S. 122 in Greenpoint.

Before listening to ides from residents, SIRR representatives gave a brief presentation to get the discussion started.

“What happened is important” said Mark Ricks, an expert on infrastructure, “but why it happened is even more important for the purposes of the work we’re doing.”

Ricks used the example of the gas shortage that crippled the city and said with issues such as these it is important “to look further back into the supply chain.” He said participants should look deeper into the root of the problems.

Kate Zidar, executive director of the Newtown Creek Alliance, said that she was pleased the city was looking for community involvement.

When asked about how relevant ideas from those with little background in infrastructure or design would be, she said those who were experienced Sandy all have expertise.

“We were the eye of the storm,” she said.

After the meeting ended, Zidar said that it was beneficial but it was “a standard community workshop.”