Staten Island Despair and Anger at Dept. of Building?

This link and comment sent to me....

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/staten_island/island_of_despair_3xTgUZeytY8ywPUzfnbteI/0

Had the greed and rapid growth removed natural defenses?
Could some of death had been prevented if houses were Not built on marsh land.
If despite knowing that storms hit if natural barriers were left and builders were not allowed to have built up to the water.
Had the department of buildings had not allowed builders to fill in marsh land.

Had the marsh land and the natural growth of beach grass were left in place would have saved lives. Department of buildings is aware of tidal waves and storm serge, facts that have been known for decades.
Many of those homes in zone (A) have been built in the last 30 years.
Long after effects of storm damage has been known.