Solid Homes in New York Withstood Sandy's Fury

Newer brick and block homes in the New York City neighborhood of Belle Harbor withstood super storm Sandy's wrath while older, postwar homes constructed mainly of wood sustained significant damage. Solid houses, shorn of lawns and porches that give places like Belle Harbor their beachy feel, began appearing 15 years ago. On a 35-block stretch, dozens have gone up, replacing frame houses sold as tear-downs as real-estate prices leapt and wealthier buyers moved in. Old-timers often couldn’t imagine why anyone would build such fortresses. One reason has hit home now.