"If you don't like the view on the first floor, go look out the second floor, " she said.

WSJ: Dunes vs. property rights in storm-battered NJ

Local officials said 52 homes were damaged on the first floor and 32 others were flooded up to the second floor.

WSJ: Homeowners sue NY over $4.6M in flood damage

The first floor holds an office and some storage and utility rooms and three bedrooms are on the second floor.

WSJ: Building Outside the Box