Hurricane News and Updates

Seaside Heights Prepares for Summer Season

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 16:16:00 GMT

Contractors in Seaside Heights are reconstructing a three-quarter mile stretch of boardwalk — about 15 blocks long. So far they’ve completed about 50 percent of the project and they expect the entire boardwalk to be completed just before Memorial Day.

Mayor Akers says there are more than 300 businesses in town and about 25 are now open but everybody looks like they’re going to be on schedule for Memorial Day weekend.

Maria Mastoris of Casino Pier says the water park, go-carts, arcade and some games and children’s rides will also be open by the holiday weekend. They hope to have half the pier open by the end of the summer. The rollercoaster, however, still remains in the Atlantic until a hired company can safely pull it out.

http://www.njtvonline.org

We Are LBI

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 14:19:00 GMT

The Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce has creatde a feel good video with the intent to let those people outside of our region know that our area is open for business and ready for Summer 2013!

FEMA Registration Deadline Extended

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 14:16:00 GMT

Hurricane Sandy victims in New Jersey have another month to register for aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and return loan applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The deadlines for both federal agencies have been pushed to May 1 at the request of New Jersey officials, according to FEMA.

Sandy victims can apply for federal disaster assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362. The toll-free calls can be made from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Be Wary of Schemes and Scams

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 15:22:00 GMT

Consumer Affairs staff has timely tips to follow post-Sandy

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t get ripped off by unscrupulous contractors or scammed by a fake charity in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.

“You may feel pressured to hire the first contractor you speak with because your life has been turned upside down,” said Freeholder Lillian G. Burry, liaison to the Monmouth County Department of Consumer Affairs. “But don’t. The county’s Consumer Affairs staff has some great information and reminders for you to take into consideration before you move forward with your repairs.”

This is what consumers need to know before beginning a home repair project with a contractor:

Obtain more than cost one estimate, ask for each contractor’s references and check them out by calling 732-431-7900. The Department of Consumer Affairs can provide you with a complaint history on the business you are considering hiring.
You have a three-day, cooling-off period from the date your contract is signed. Your contract must be in writing and must include the work that will be completed, detailing materials, style numbers and warranty information. If you want a warranty on a contractor’s workmanship, get it in writing and make sure it states for how long the workmanship warranty is good.
Obtain a date or a firm time period in which the repair work will begin and will be completed. This must be included on your contract – it’s the law.
Obtain the appropriate permits from your town or other jurisdiction.

Remember, by law your contractor must be registered with the State of New Jersey to perform work in excess of $500. You can check a contractor’s registration status at www.njconsumeraffairs.gov or by calling the Monmouth County Department of Consumer Affairs at 732--431-7900.

Warning signs of unscrupulous contractors or professionals include:

Asking for a large payment before work can begin.
Asking for cash.
Telling you there is no need for a written contract – that a verbal agreement is enough.
Not having a business address or in the case of home improvement contractors, not producing a state registration number.

Before you donate to a good cause,do a bit of investigation to make sure your money goes to help victims, hotline a scammer’s pockets.

Call the Department of Consumer Affairs to find out whether the charity is registered to solicit in New Jersey.You can reach the county office at 732-431-7900, or call the state Division of Consumer Affairs at 800-242-5846.

Learn exactly how the charity plans to use your money. Find out how much it has spent on actual programs, fundraising and management costs. Call Consumer Affairs to verify this information.

Be generous, but be cautious!

Additional information about consumer affairs can be found on the county Web site at www.visitmonmouth.com and the state Division of Consumer Affairs can be found at www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov

The Monmouth County Consumer Affairs department is a law enforcement agency, created and funded by the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders. It protects against consumer fraud and dishonest and unscrupulous business practices by enforcing the state Consumer Fraud Act and other regulations.

Governor Christie Delivers Relief and Support to Shore Businesses by Expanding Term of Seasonal Alcoholic Beverage Licenses in 2013

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 18:32:00 GMT

Governor Christie Delivers Relief and Support to Shore Businesses
by Expanding Term of Seasonal Alcoholic Beverage Licenses in 2013

Executive Order Helps Shore Businesses Come Back with Beginning of 2013 Seasonal License Term Advanced by Two Months to March 1

For Immediate Release Thursday, February 28, 2013

Trenton, NJ – Taking action to support shore businesses as they make preparations for the 2013 tourism season, Governor Chris Christie today signed Executive Order No. 126 allowing seasonal alcoholic beverage licensees to begin serving alcohol on March 1, two months ahead of the traditional allowance of May 1.

“Some of the most adverse effects in terms of lost commerce and economic activity from Superstorm Sandy were on our shore businesses that rely on seasonal alcoholic beverage licenses. These small businesses were unable to remain open for the full extent typically permitted under their licenses – May until mid-November – because of the mandatory evacuations, power outages, and other disruptions caused by Sandy through difficult weeks,” said Governor Christie. “We’ve listened to our small business community on the shore and are taking action today to deliver relief this season by providing for a two-month expansion for seasonal alcoholic beverage licensees, allowing them to begin opening and conducting business beginning on March 1 rather than waiting until the typical May 1start.”

Under the provision of the Executive Order, for calendar year 2013, the date on which seasonal alcoholic beverage consumption licensees shall be permitted to commence serving alcoholic beverages shall be advanced from May 1, 2013 to March 1, 2013 and shall end on November 14, 2013, inclusive.

Click here for the Executive Order No. 126.

# # #

www.nj.gov/governor/

Mayor Welcomes Residents Back to Ortley Beach

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 15:55:00 GMT

It’s been100 days since Hurricane Sandy struck Toms River, displacing many residents, and leaving the area in a State of Emergency.

Mayor Tom Kelaher is pleased to announce that the Executive Order has been lifted today for most residents of Ortley Beach and they may begin to re-populate the area.

“I’m always glad to be able to announce that people can move back into their homes,” Kelaher said. “Unfortunately the Order does not apply to all homes because we can’t certify that all lots have the four necessary utilities working. The homes east of Route 35 in Ortley were the hardest hit, and many of those lots are missing either electric, gas, sewer or a combination of them. All homes have potable water.”

Kelaher added, “We continue to work with the utilities on a daily basis to accomplish the final installation of electric and gas. I’m sure everyone understands that there are certain areas of the Ortley oceanfront where homes were destroyed and knocked off their foundation, and that it will take considerable time to get the utilities back and functioning in those locations. No matter what, we’re hopeful to begin reconstruction to Ocean Ave. and we’re optimistic to have part of the beaches open for the summer season.”

Attached is a map showing the properties that are unable to receive some of the utilities. (Click here for map)

(Photo by Debbi Winogracki)

Hoping to see a lot of residents moving back in to Ortley Beach, Toms River Twp. Mayor Tom Kelaher stands in front of a sign welcoming people to the area.

LBI Building Update

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 15:36:00 GMT

Long Beach Township

Building Department Update

As of 1-14-2013 the Long Beach Township Building Dept would like to report that:

They have issued/approved 12 Substantial Damage Applications;
There will be staff available for face to face meetings to discuss the building permit process and that the permit process for repairing a home will be fast tracked;
There will be a temporary Certificate of Occupancy (CO) issued for those houses that will probably sold as is without repairs. These CO’s will be issued contingent upon the buyer obtaining a Final CO.;
There is a link on www.longbeachtownship.com that provides information pertaining to the new base flood requirements and house raising/ICC information.;

Homeowners can also call 609-361-6687 for house raising requirements and ICC program for damaged structures.

You can also call the Long Beach Township Bldg Dept at 609-361-6679 for more information.

FEMA Changes in the Flood Insurance Program...Preliminary Considerations for Rebuilding

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 12:44:00 GMT

Click here to get all the details on how this can affect residents of the Jersey Shore

Trash Collection on LBI

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 15:39:00 GMT

Long Beach Township

Trash & Recycling

January 11, 2013

The 2013 Trash/Recycling calendar will be mailed out soon.

The winter curbside collection schedule for trash and recycling remains the same until May 2013 so please follow the current January schedule until your new calendar arrives.

From this date forward:

Household Hazardous cannot be put out to the curb. There is an ongoing paint management program at the Southern Ocean County Recycling Center in Manahawkin
Starting January 14 residents will need to resume calling in to schedule pick-up of appliances, brush and electronics

Brush- Call 609-361-6676 by noon on Tuesdays for pick up on Wednesdays
Appliances and electronics- call 609-361-6676 to get on the list for pick up
Concrete cannot be placed curbside and will not be picked up

AshBritt is no longer picking up garbage.

Do not place construction material at the curb. All construction debris needs to be disposed of in a dumpster, this includes sheet rock, insulation, plywood etc..

Reminder: Bulk waste can be placed out at the curb on regular trash days for pick up by Pinto Brothers, this includes household items such as furniture, carpet and fixtures etc..
All sand that is removed from your property is to be brought to Holgate to be sifted to remove solid material.

Go to the LBT DPW webpage at www.longbeachtownship.com/departments/publicworks.html

Barrier Island Re-Entry Schedule 12/17/12 through 12/31/12

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 13:55:00 GMT

NJ Natural Gas has completed its work on the barrier island. The bridge will now be open as scheduled.

12/15& 16 Saturday & Sunday Barrier Island opens to all residents 8:00 am -4:00 pmEXPECT DELAYS

Ortley Map
Northern Beaches Map

12/17& 18 : West Zone Closed to Residents – East and Middle Zones OPEN

12/19 & 20 : Middle Zone Closed to Residents- East and West Zones OPEN

12/ 21 : East Zone Closed to Residents – Middle and West Zones OPEN

12/22 to 12/26 : All areas open – No debriscollection

12/27 : East Zone Closed to Residents – Middle and West Zones OPEN

12/28 & 29 : Middle Zone Closed to Residents- East and West Zones OPEN

12/30 & 31 : West Zone Closed to Residents – East and Middle Zones OPEN