Christie Says 'This is Our Katrina' as State Prepares to Rebuild from Hurricane Sandy
Governor surveys Seaside Park, vows to keep state's rebuilding needs on minds of nation
Speaking from a mangled boardwalk unlike the memories of his Jersey Shore childhood, Gov. Chris Christie said the Ocean County barrier island was still too unsafe for residents to return to, but vowed a return to normalcy for most of New Jersey on Monday.
"The power will be on, schools will be open, water is safe, gas is available," Christie said as he described what Monday in New Jersey will look like.
"We're ending the power restoration phase," he said. "On Monday, we begin the rebuilding phase."
He pledged all power would be restored Sunday, that the evacuation of Long Beach Island would be lifted Saturday, and gas rationing would end before the new week.
Monday, Christie would begin the discussion of how to rebuild that which is destroyed.
It would be the phase that would be the most frustrating, and take the most time, he said. "I can guarantee it," said the governor, speaking in front of the damaged Funtown Pier of Seaside Park, where nearby dunes had washed away from Hurricane Sandy. He was flanked by local and Ocean County elected officials and law enforcement, from communities such as Seaside Heights and Toms River.
The governor again pledged power would be restored "where it needs to" by Saturday night, saying "some stragglers" might be without power Sunday. He thanked power crews and rescue aid who came from as far away as Alabama, Illinois, Texas.
"If you would have told me, when I woke up Tuesday morning and saw what I saw, that we'd be able to accomplish this all by Monday, I'd have signed up right there," Christie said of the power restoration phase.
That phase is just about over, he said. He said an evacuation order would be lifted for Long Beach Island, but that the barrier island remains unsafe. He gave no date residents' for long-term return to barrier island.
Many barrer island communities today began allowing limited, hour-long access over the closed Route 37 bridge for full-time residents to grab essential supplies. Bellcrest Plaza on Fischer Boulevard in Toms River has been set up as a registration area for those seeking access.
Christie says mayors and local officials are welcome to have a conversation with him if they think areas should be open, but "I give the order and I won't if I don't know it's safe," he said of the barrier island, where thousands of residents of Bay Head, Mantoloking, Lavallette, Ortley Beach, Seaside Heights and Seaside Park and other communities remain displaced.
It's the barrier island that has seen "bad devastation," he said, specifically naming communities such as Mantoloking, Bay Head, Ortley Beach that have been "wiped out."
Christie was asked how these residents that had faced a natural disaster could not be allowed back by officials, thus creating a "man-made disaster."
"That's a bunch of crap," he said. "People need to take a deep breath."
He's grateful the loss of life has been minimal, because people's safety has been paramount, Christie said.
"I'm not going to let people on this island until it's safe" he said of the barrier island.
The governor said sinkholes are all over the barrier island that "have not been determined." He said engineers need to make their assessments first.
“This has been an unimaginable ordeal for many of our residents, but particularly for those on the barrier islands that remained under mandatory evacuation,” said Governor Christie. “As painful as it’s been, it was necessary to protect them from the dangers that Hurricane Sandy left in its wake, including gas leaks and other utility hazards, roads wiped out or heavily damaged and debris scattered across the landscape. We want them to return in an orderly, safe and secure way, so they can begin to take control of their lives and their property.”
Residents are growing increasingly frustrated at the lack of access to the barrier island. Toms River town hall and police headquarters have been flooded with callers looking for answers and demanding access.
"I understand they are frustrated, but they are going to be more frustrated if they come here and get hurt and killed," Christie said.
The governor paused and said, "This is our Katrina."
He said just like a national outpouring assisted Louisiana during Hurricane Katrina, so should national focus not subside from a devastated New Jersey.
"I will not let them forget," Christie said of the federal government, insurance companies and relief organizations. The next phase will help get residents back on their feet, funneling funds to rebuild the infrastructure and making sure insurance companies honor claims.
The Army Corps of Engineers will help rebuild the Jersey Shore, but rebuilding should honor local zoning laws and community-specific wishes, Christie said.
Local and state officials may want to answer the question of whether rebuilding should happen in a place at all, particularly where new inlets have emerged or waterfront has washed away, Christie said, emphasizing such decisions should be answered mostly by local officials.
Many of the effected areas are tourism beacons for the state. Will Jersey Shore icons be ready for next summer?
"If you think summer next year will look like summer last year, it won't," Christie said.
Tourism is important to rebuild, but regarding the revenue, 'it's not going to be good," Christie said of restoring Seaside Heights amusements in time for revenue producing months.
Christie said he wants Ocean County Freeholders and mayors to come to the table and come to a consensus on how exactly to rebuild. "I want to hear what they think is appropriate for the communities," he said.
There are still plenty of short-term issues to address, he said. For one, the evacuation shelter at Monmouth Racetrack is not meant to shelter people for longer than 30 days.
Christie said inside the next 30 days the Housing and Urban Development and other federal agencies may provide apartment and other stable housing for the more than 4,500 evacuees still in shelters statewide.
"They need to return to normalcy," he said.
Christie painted a hard road ahead, that will require the help of New Jerseyans as well as the national stage. He said it would likely be disheartening to see the national focus dim from Hurricane Sandy as the months go on, but that locally it would unwaveringly be a priority and that he'd be "New Jersey's number one advocate."
'We will succeed in this,' Christie said of a rebuilding process that could take years.
"This is a special place for me. This is the shore of my youth...where I grew up...and developed my memories," said Christie of the Seaside Heights and Seaside Park boardwalks. "Being here today is difficult for me, but it only steels my determination."
Rich Wieland
5:46 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
12th day with no electricity, and 12th day with no sign of any utility workers in my neighborhood (Cambourne Shores, on the mainland).
Rick
2:08 am on Saturday, November 10, 2012
Maybe the cause of your outage isn't in your neighborhood. It could be several miles away and that is where the utility workers are.
Chief Wahoo
5:56 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
look at the one picture with all the cronies......that is what you are up against !
Chuck Lada
6:17 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
Thank God my Governor is here to protect me from returning to my home on my unsafe island. I have spent hours studying satelite photos and I strongly disagree. At least we now know that he personnally is responsible for denying us access. And I will never forget how much hardship he is responsible for creating for island residents.
Resident
7:18 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
Seriously? With the enormity of the destruction and the advice of all the disaster response teams about how unsafe things are, your satelite images give you a better feel for the safety of the public? Wow!
I wonder if your satelite images would pick up the looters if they opened things up or would they show how the traffic would slow down the progress of making it safe for you to return?
Mary E Rowlands
8:41 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
Are you an idiot? Or just funning us? Satellite photos? Really..really? You have too much time on your hands. You should volunteer at the local FD or train to be an EMT. My son is on OEM and a task force as well as being a fire fighter. You want to spend an hour with him? He teaches incoming trainees. Sounds like you could use a little enlightening. Dolt!
jerseytomato
4:13 pm on Saturday, November 10, 2012
MaryR -
Uh - Satellite photos are easy to obtain. Several of my co-workers who have homes on the island have shown them at work. One woman's home was completely destroyed, and only the cement foundation remains.
FYI: You may want to check with your *cough* son *cough* (that OEM task force member) about those satellite photos - before you make a complete imbecile out of yourself AGAIN. Referring to a smart cookie as a 'DOLT' or an 'IDIOT' isn't exactly your brightest moment, Mary.
Mary E Rowlands
8:23 pm on Saturday, November 10, 2012
think of it this way. Do you want to keep looking at satellite photos or do you want your boots on the ground? Now do you get my drift? Plus you might try to find out the input from the insurance companies. They already have enough on their plates. Do you think they want topay if you break your butt in their? Usually responders are the one to release the area not the mayor not the gov. I must say they have pretty big shoulders to put up with all this carping and being a front man for the ones that really have the so say.
Bill Oakley
10:15 pm on Saturday, November 10, 2012
you are a horses patute
Chuck Lada
9:36 am on Sunday, November 11, 2012
Thank you, I don't think I remember being called a "smart cookie" before. After returning from my school bus tour , I can tell you with complete certainty that I could have driven myself safely to Seside Heights, In fact the police told us that anyone who left their car there was free to drive it out themselves (assuming that it would run). The only reason I could not drive is because our nanny sate governor thinks that it is more important for him to bully the residents of the island than to allow us our rights to property and liberty under the US Constitution. Happy Vetrans day to all who served AND GOD BLESS YOU!!! It is only because of the blood that you shed that we still have this document, although it seems to be loosing it's meaning more and more each day.
type writer
6:19 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
@Sean....It used to be a peninsula, before they dug the Point Pleasant Canal. Now it is an island. A barrier island.
Chuck Lada
6:26 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
Denying people the right to access their property freely is a violation of our constitutional rights. His need to protect us from dangers has not been properly weighed agaisn't our rights to access our property in my opinion as well as the opinion of others. Based on his handling of this important issue I feel strongly that he has proved himself unfit for serious consideration as a candiate for POTUS.
Michelle Blamble
6:46 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
He's got a bigger problem than that. He's lost my vote next year for Gov
Shannon Kelly
6:58 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
You can thank the lawyers for not being allowed back. If everyone wasn't so sue happy they wouldn't be afraid to let you back on.
KC
1:40 am on Sunday, November 11, 2012
It is a horrible situation, but so is recovery of bodies which maybe Chris Christie was trying to avoid. I am no fan of his and have vocalized as much in the past, but I think he did a decent job at trying to navigate a disaster. I pray those who can't get to their properties will soon and that those severely affected will find the courage, strength and assistance to recreate their lives. It is a very difficult situation. I might feel exactly as you do in your situation. It is going on too long now. With all of the pre storm anxiety and prep we are talking a two week event. With all of the cleanup we are probably talking decades. I wonder if all of the destruction will generate a new work force and put people back to work. I hope we can move on from this and rebuild. Right now it is difficult to see. . I was looking for some game plan as to how the town is going to proceed with collection of the massive amounts of debris. No talk of cutting public service workers now if ya notice. Those guys will need help. How will this be accomplished? Does anyone know?
a friend
6:36 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
worrying about rebuilding SSH boardwalk??? how about the residents that have been in shelters.. let them rebuild their lives..rebuild their homes
barbara
6:43 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
very true "a friend" i am housing 3 homeless families here, 2 from ss hts.
charlotte
11:14 am on Saturday, November 10, 2012
exactly.
KC
1:42 am on Sunday, November 11, 2012
I say they use a casino hotel to house these people. How bout that Mr. Donald Trump?
Bill Oakley
12:26 pm on Sunday, November 11, 2012
They are worrying about helping people to rebuild their lives and homes, they started the clean up just as soon as the power companies got their work done and just in the short period of time since the clean up phase began, they have done a hell of a lot. i know you are shell shocked , i would be too if i lost everything, but try to remember that this was the worst disaster we have ever seen here and it cant be fixed overnight
barbara
6:42 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
duhh, it is not bellcrest plaza, it was changed yesterday to Shelter Cove.
barbara
6:49 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
whatttt? I was just informed that location has been changed again to parking lot at Sears in the OC Mall.......wth??
Michelle Blamble
6:45 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
How are we supposed to focus on rebuilding when we can't even get in to see the state of our homes. I've had it up to here with them saying it's unsafe - how unsafe can it be if he holds a press conference there. How about letting adults decide for themselves if they are willing to take the risk checking on their property. Making us wait so long there won't be any contractors or materials left by the time we get in to see what's what.
taxed-out-the-wazoo
8:44 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
Agreed. Btw - how about the other sections of the island..north...guess what....DRIVING right through Ortley. Hmmmmm....yep...all those HEAVY LOADERS that went up to the Mantaloking Bridge (which btw - repaired)...right PAST Ortley. Is Mayor up for re-election next year...is he trying to make a statement as to his ability to handle crisis at our expense. Don't get me wrong, there is plenty of devastation, however, not insurmountable and there are areas that are certainly accessable....we had friends on the ground at the time....we have pics.... some holes in front of properties are the curbing that was washed away...thanks to the water company not backfilling properly, but my street had cracks in it that were larger and wider and the Township didn't fill them in at all. So, these that are slightly bigger are a problem...sorry, don't buy it. Get in those who have homes standing (and there are a lot)....so they can winterize and minimize the damage already. I would have for my house to have survived the Hurricane (with repairable wind and water damage to be wiped out by the pipes bursting...my home is used all year around) AND so would my insurance company. Duty to mitigate damages...remember Mr. Mayor. Let's mitigate.
Mary E Rowlands
8:44 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
Well it seems the responders made sure he wasn't standing on a sink hole!
taxed-out-the-wazoo
8:53 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
Sorry, I did not mean in my comment below that the bridge was repaired but the Army COrps of Engineers with their awesome equipment put down a road to now connect the island, again. And that same awesome and heavy equipment had to ride DOWN Ortley's highways (Rt. 35 seemed okay ..according to pics...Rt. 35 N was a problem...some holes; the big 8 ft. sinkhole with the truck sticking out of it...we have a pic too. It was on the part of the highway between Rts. 35 S & N in Seaside by Stewarts. The Ocean block street....collapsed up on itself like as stack of dominos....Bay Blvd...a mess, too. But some side streets, not a problem. Again, holes in front of some houses from curbing being washed away...about 1 to 1/2 feet wide...2 feet deep (someone measured). You can walk OVER them...friends did...not the elderly though; unless you put down a board or two. But you can. Again, I walked over some holes in the streets for the past couple of years heading to the beach which were not repaired by Township.
barbara
7:08 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
This is insane!!!! People need to get back to their homes. I have 2 families from sshts staying with me. One is very elderly and just said he will never have his home back again. So friggin sad. I also lost alot in my Toms River house, it is non livable. my son rents it, they also here, but at least we able to get there and start home improvements.
brick strong
8:02 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
I would say thank God no one lost there lives and your a very good friend to take in these familes..This was a storm that The jersey Shore has never ever seen before...We will rebuild and come back better then before..
Steve Cafiero
8:23 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
I am a loyal Republican, but I will vote for a Democrat for governor next year because of Christi's absolute disregard for peoples' right to be on their property. Come to think of it, he is a Democrat!
Resident
9:18 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
You got that right. Especially after that butt kissing performance with Obama and their photo op, and let's not forget the tearful
hug with Springsteen. Maybe Obama can give Christi a job after he loses the next election.
taxed-out-the-wazoo
9:39 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
Who keeps noting some of the comments "to flag as inappropriate...like the one below me from "resident"? This comment is hardly inappropriate...in particular for NJ. Are you, the Patch, now trying to supress our freedom of speech? Wow...when does the waterboarding start?
jerseytomato
4:18 pm on Saturday, November 10, 2012
Steve - you nailed it. Christie has flip flopped more than a fish lately.
KC
1:58 am on Sunday, November 11, 2012
Funny how I thought for once Christie controlled his tendency to flap from the cuff and that he put politics aside for the benefit of our state and its residents. To me Christie was no longer just a politician, he was a human being. It is going to take people willing to cross the aisle to fix the mess we as a state and and we as a nation are now facing.
DAM
8:26 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
There are some really clueless people here ... You have survived the greatest
natural disaster to hit NJ possibly in history ... You have no clue about the infrastructure on the barrier islands: no gas or electric, structures unstable yet standing, sinkholes in waterlogged streets with water-buckled macadam ... You will
be allowed to return when it is both safe and supervised ... No court would support
a plea to be foolish and endanger yourself or others;the Constitution has no bearing there ... You will rebuild when you are told it is safe to do so ... And if you
haven't figured out by now, the Governor doesn't give a rat's tail about your inconvenience or angst, or your vote; he is going to do what he feels is best for the
State and for everyone's well-being ... Your loss is tragic, it is real, it is starkly painful, but it does not give you license to be emotionally foolish.
taxed-out-the-wazoo
9:22 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
Listen, the most precious gift is that of our families/friends and thankfully, loss of life was not what it could have been. But, I guess you don't own beach property. And, I guess you don't understand when you pay OUTRAGEOUS taxes and those that are allowed to gather items are not taxpayers/property owners, but renters. And, those SAME people are being bused utilizing the same roads you are being told are unsafe...in fact, they are traveling on those same roads farther...well past your community....your house where you would love to gather your photos, ins. papers, if they exist, etc. Kinda hurts!
John
9:54 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
Dam,
Great speech!!! Spoken like a true politician and attorney.
Chuck Lada
10:22 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
Following your logic there would be far fewer states because the pioneers would have been denied access to "the Wild West" due to safety concerns. It is sad that so few people understand why our constitution was written. The founders (and I) wanted to limit the powers of the tryants to restrict our rights of property and individual freedom. Everything I own is high and dry in a multi-story Condo and my governor is denying me the right to drive in and retreive my property. On Monday I will be allowed to ride on a school bus and return with two suitcases. I now understand why New Jersey is called the Nanny State, The only problem is that I am a mature adult capable of makingmy own decisions. I DON'T NEED A NANNY!
Lisa
7:47 am on Saturday, November 10, 2012
Very well said Dam. In fact your comment is the only intelligent comment I have read here so far. I understand the loss people have suffered, however, nothing will be accomplished by the bashing of our government, police dept, and officials. Things can be replaced, lives cannot. If people were allowed back into these areas and someone was hurt or killed then everyone would be crying foul that there should not have been access in the first place. Safety first everyone please!
oldkodger
10:46 am on Saturday, November 10, 2012
yea dam, as obama says you didn't build that anyway.
oldkodger
10:50 am on Saturday, November 10, 2012
chuck, well said, Columbus should have been arrested for risking the lives of those sailors
Mary E Rowlands
8:26 pm on Saturday, November 10, 2012
What these people need to do is go and volunteer at some disaster. They are clueless. I think they think they will go back and jump right back into their old lives as if nothing happened. Nice fantasy.
Michelle Blamble
9:36 pm on Saturday, November 10, 2012
when Benjamin Franklin said that those who would trade safety for liberty will find themselves with neither - he meant people like you. What could possibly be so dangerous that makes Ortley Beach off limits but not Seaside Park, Seaside Heights, Lavalette, Normandy Beach, Ocean Beach etc etc etc?
Mary E Rowlands
8:50 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
You people need to chill. I was in a fire 30some years ago. I know the feeling. I wanted the photos, my wedding dress the kids christening outfit and so on and so forth. If not want just assess what was destroyed. Everyone understands that you must go through the phases of grief and hand wringing when you are enduring a loss. At the moment you are spinning your wheels. Your grumpiness is a sign of good health. Just ask a nurse. The grumpy patient is a survivor and is struggling with getting well. As are you guys. Grumpy is good. It shows you are not defeated. Maybe discouraged. Plus that I need to see my home is right up there w/ I need to see my kid. When they are tiny a good parent has this need.
Chuck Lada
10:38 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
Sorry for your loss due to fire, but my only loss is access. Everything I own is high an dry in a mutistory condo. My anger is directed at my Governor who is telling me only he can decide when it is safe for me to retrieve my property. Many others are in the same position as thousands of homes on the island escaped damage.
Steve Cafiero
8:52 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
When we are TOLD WE CAN? Do you know how stupid that sounds? The first thing we all must do when getting to our homes is fly the American flag, to remind these Control Freaks THIS IS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!!!!
Chuck Lada
9:37 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
This buffoon of a governor has spit on a document that was written over two hundredyears ago to protect us from tyrants like him. No other governor in the history of the United States has used "safety" to deny property rights for such an extended period of time. Many other hurricanes have occured yet other governors have let property ownwers decide for themselves what is safe. This case will be studied for years in constitutional law classes at Law Schools and cited as a blatent example of abuse of power. When the "bus riders" return from the island with their two suitcases of property and see for themselves the relatively stable condition of their towns the outrage will only increase.
oldkodger
10:55 am on Saturday, November 10, 2012
steve, fly it upside down, we are all doomed to poverty and mediocrity.
charlotte
8:58 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
How about sending communication to the insurance companies so we are not bombarded with a bazillion calls to inspect property damage when we can't even see it ourselves. Most communication has been about restoring power. The houses that flooded on the barrier island are sitting without flood remediation and property owners are left with no closure. If you are going to condemn the whole island can you communicate that to the insurance companies? We are busy trying to find housing.
charlotte
9:13 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
And how about the Department of Banking and Insurance stepping in and requiring Homeowners Insurance to kick in for all homes. Flood remediation was not allowed on the Barrier Islands - therefore tremendous damage occurred subsequent to the flood waters.
taxed-out-the-wazoo
9:32 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
Charlotte...you have a great idea. The Gov should get involved in this since loss of use which will be need to pay for housing is only limited to two weeks out in some properties re government limiting the use/access. How about he gets ahead of this with the Ins. Commissioner and orders this limitation voided? Also, we had electrical surges (homeowners) and wind (also homeowners) and then pipes bursting with recent temperature drops (also homeowners), etc. Adjusters will be around for a LONG time.
Michael reina
10:16 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
I for one being a resident of ortley beach would like to know where all the money from these relief concerts they were already having and our carless... oops!!!!! Fearless leader was hugging on stage while I'm wiping my child's tears cause she wants to know when she can get her things or we CAN GO HOME
oldkodger
11:07 am on Saturday, November 10, 2012
remember all the money raised for Haiti several years ago and nothing happened,
charlotte
2:07 pm on Saturday, November 10, 2012
I was kind of wondering the same thing.
Michael reina
10:51 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
So it seems there are a lot of people walking on the island and taking things that don't belong to them.......well beings your probably there robbing me anyway and it wouldn't surprise me if one or more of our politicals are given you a ride please take SOME PICTURES OF MY HOME SO I CAN AT LEAST SEE IT!!!!!!!!!!!
Mary E Rowlands
11:45 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
How the hell did those people get to the island and why is something being done?
Mary E Rowlands
11:50 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
So why don't you folks via twitter or FB connect then start a walkathon across the bridge? Individually isn't much but collectively can do more. Contact your rep in Trenton via e mail or whatever and crash their server. This isn't it it's only venting.
Mary E Rowlands
11:54 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
Not me pal I never flag comments! I love the give and take of the conversation. I don't care what anyone says because w/ the anonymity of it people are more forthright. I really hate pussy footers who can't say SH if they had a mouthful!
Tommy Mac
12:50 am on Saturday, November 10, 2012
So...what happens if anyone that wanted to go on the Barneget Island, was allowed to? Hmmmm...maybe they would loot your house? That would piss you off too, right?
How about if you accidentally fall and smash your head against a rock/curb/rebar? Maybe you suffer a permanent injury? Should we then send a helicopter to get you to a hospital because we allowed access too soon? What happens if there's a gas explosion from a source they missed?
I realize the waiting is hard and this whole deal is difficult. I live in Baywood and my house is a nightmare. My heart goes out to you all, but no one wants any more problems than we already have. Honestly, I wouldn't want anyone else to get hurt. I've seen too much of this mess already and it all sucks.
I'm not saying anyone is right or wrong, but please ease up on the rhetoric. It's waaay easier to criticize then it is to make the actual decisions.
Mary E Rowlands
8:29 pm on Saturday, November 10, 2012
Well said. They would stress out already over stressed responders and equipment.
ray
6:20 am on Saturday, November 10, 2012
Funny thing, hey, Gov. You woke up on morning and found yourself the head of a state you've been neglecting in order to play national politics. Maybe if you spent more time in NJ you might have begun doing something about rebuilding the infrastructure and saving countless lives and suffering. But then, you would have had to be awake to do anyone any good, except maybe Mitt the Emperor who wasn't.
oldkodger
11:39 am on Saturday, November 10, 2012
ray sunshine - obama's going on an international vacation after more than a year of campaigning and buying votes
Tommy
11:56 am on Saturday, November 10, 2012
oldkodger, so what... like Mitt would have not done the same thing. He was not campaigning and buying votes...you are a riot, at least he is going on an international vacation not hiding money in international banks.
Max
9:25 am on Saturday, November 10, 2012
You guys are right you should be allowed to make up your minds because obviously you are all smarter than the Army Corp of Engineers and all the Civil Enginrers advising Christie its unsafe for everyone to return. I say lets light a bonfire so you can have some heat, then NJNG can turn your gas back on, and you geniuses can go home without gov't intervention or assistance.
Bob
10:17 am on Saturday, November 10, 2012
Right on Max!!! Let them all go back to their unsafe dwellings against the advice of the experts. Then when they get hurt they'll be the first in line to file law suits!!!
laura sacchi
10:35 am on Saturday, November 10, 2012
FEMA and SBA disaster assistance are only available for primary homeowners. There are thousands of second homeowners that need help with rebuilding. I understand the need to help those primaries first, but seconds need help too. Please Governor Christie!?!
John E
11:00 am on Saturday, November 10, 2012
If you own a secondary residence ( vacation home/rental) you're out of luck for a FEMA grant. Even with your primary residence your out of luck with a FEMA grant if you have homeowners Insurance. From what I read its possible to get some type of loan at a low interest rate for help..if your income is also low.
I don't know many persons without homeowners insurance..seems odd if you don't have homeowners insurance you get federal help.
John E
11:06 am on Saturday, November 10, 2012
FEMA and state officials encouraged all affected residents, even those with insurance and with second homes, to register with FEMA, because the agency can assist with loans and other aid through other federal agencies.
John E
11:14 am on Saturday, November 10, 2012
I'm not sure..but I always thought all homes in NJ had to have some type of insurance.
Near the ocean..no doubt flood insurance.
Just like all vehicles have to have insurance on NJ roads.
KC
2:08 am on Sunday, November 11, 2012
crazy stuff abounds. like insurance companies saying it wasn't covered because it was an act of God. (couldn't an agnostic take them to court on that one?) Or they cover the house but not the contents. Or like if a tree falls it is where it lands whose insurance pays NOT who had the tree on their property originally. Insurance is something we only think we have in a lot of instances.
barbara
8:03 am on Sunday, November 11, 2012
you do need flood ins if you by the water, but if your home is paid off, as is my in laws in sshts, it is not required. home insurance wont pay for flood or wind damage. stinks.
Murphy's Law
11:29 am on Saturday, November 10, 2012
How about our Lard a$$ gov. start worrying about the peoples homes and not the tourist traps that we have??? How about getting some of the 55 billion that was given to the state and letting the people decide what they want to do... How about waivers against law suits if they go on the islands and get hurt.... I thought this was America where we have freedom of choice??? How about helping the little guy before the amusement parks, boardwalks, etc.??? I could go on, but I guess the state of NJ is now without rights and are to be made to suffer more. My heart goes out to all who are suffering like me, no help in sight.... God Bless everyone!
jill dienemann
11:56 am on Saturday, November 10, 2012
As a lifelong resident of NJ (Toms River-30 yrs) and now relocated resident of Florida, you people who are complaining about the effort better wake up! Your part of the state has been the most productive and ont top of the issues than any other area which was hit! Toms River should be given an award for being prepared. Obviously, they have practiced over time what might happen and the way they have handled it was exemplerary. There are people in NY who are living in open houses without power, water, food OR transportation to even leave because their cars have been flooded. Not one official has visited and they cant get out! Not much food left for them. They are asking people with vans or such to come to transport them to shelters at least so they can get warm. So boo hoo to you complainers in NJ. This was a massive disaster! Stop being so selfish. No one is stepping on your rights! They are just doing things properly. Unformtunately, it isnt immediate gratification for you for safetys sake. Grow up and wait---others were right- you do have too much time on hand. Go and start helping others and stop complaining.....you dont see thewhole picture obviously, only your little world. Since you can see on the "satellite " pictures, you are obviously somewhere which has power and is warm. more than what others have. quit your bitchin.......
Helen Carroll
4:26 pm on Saturday, November 10, 2012
It must be nice to be in Florida and think we care about what you have to say. Unless you are in our position you cannot possibly understand.
suz
6:13 pm on Saturday, November 10, 2012
Oh my gosh!!! We need to stop this now! She is a concerned person who has Toms River, etc in her best interest and is heartbroken like ALL of us! Give it a break already!
Bill Oakley
10:28 pm on Saturday, November 10, 2012
i agree with you totally jill, i live at the jersey shore .these people are shell shocked, never been thru anything like this and dont understand all these measures the governor has put in place is for their safety but they are so shocked, they dont understand nor do they appreciate the remarkable job our governor is doing
KC
2:12 am on Sunday, November 11, 2012
Funny how I refused to live in Florida out of fear of the hurricanes. I still fear the water and want to move to the Vegas desert and the nice big pools. This ocean is too unpredicitable. With my luck, I will probably experience a drought. I do like the dry heat though. This damp cold is enough to try men's souls even without all of the disaster.
Chief Wahoo
1:11 pm on Saturday, November 10, 2012
Jill
Let me guess. Public employee paid by the taxpayers and then takes first train out of NJ to Florida with that bloated pension and health benefits also paid by the taxpayers you are talking down to.
brick strong
4:10 pm on Saturday, November 10, 2012
I feel bad for all the pain and suffering to all
Lauren
4:30 pm on Saturday, November 10, 2012
I lost a summer home in Camp Osborn. It burned to the ground. I understand it is hard for all of you to be patient at this difficult time. I wish you all the best of luck getting to your homes.
Opinionated
5:45 pm on Saturday, November 10, 2012
"This is our Katrina". Governor, this is a poor choice of words. At that time, Louisiana had a clueless idiot in charge! Do you REALLY want to compare yourself to her? Also we are FAR more able to help ourselves and each other than the people of New Orleans back then. Other cities were hit just as badly by Katrina than New Orleans and they came back FAR quicker.
suz
6:14 pm on Saturday, November 10, 2012
The Gov is doing the very best he can...I totally respect him and his opinions. If you have a problem go to your local official...they are the problem with their rules, etc.
John
7:20 pm on Saturday, November 10, 2012
Nancy,
AGREED...... Here is a quote from Gov Christies' speech.
"Christie said the state will allow residents controlled access to assess damage, retrieve belongings and permit repopulation of the island for residents whose homes are safe and habitable.
People should procede with caution as there is still a lot of work going on and dangerous conditions in many areas".
Work is continuing in LBI, while the residents return. They have not electric and must boil their water. And without signing waivers!
Why is this not the same for Ortley and the surrounding area. They have been working in Ortley for 10 days. Rope off the worn, torn beach area and the part of Bay Blvd . Sink hole should be rope off by now.
To familys who lost homes, on both sides of the bridge. To homes owners and renters. This is not about someone who has 1 house in TR or someone who has a house at the shore and 1 elsewhere. Some of us work very hard for what we have. This is about our Governor listening to OUR LOCAL POLITICIANS KEEPING US FROM OUR HOMES. FOR REASONS OF THEIR OWN. And that's against EVERYONE'S CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS.
jerseyshoregirl4
11:44 pm on Saturday, November 10, 2012
Disasters such as hurricane Sandy, brings out the best in most people, and brings out the worst in others. I'm sure glad that many of the people who have made comments on the patch over the past 10 days are NOT in charge of making any of the decisions that had to be made by our government officials in the past weeks. Anyone not happy with the post hurricane progress here in NJ, take a good look at the lack of progress being made in the worst hit areas of NY, and be thankful.
.
12:00 am on Sunday, November 11, 2012
Just want to give a great big "THANK YOU" to the great team from Oklahoma Storm Response Team that finally got us up and running with power this morning in the Bell Crest section. We were 9 days without power and then after getting it back on Wednesday, lost it again due to burning wires caused by the Nor Easter. These guys were strictly business and arrived in a convoy of trucks this morning like I have never seen.
Thanks again.
Michael Thwaite
7:47 am on Sunday, November 11, 2012
"The power will be on, schools will be open, water is safe, gas is available," Christie said.
Based on what information? We've already blown through three 'it'll be fixed by...' Dates.
I have no confidence in this unhelpful political bluster. Christie is not the man for this job.
oldkodger
10:22 am on Sunday, November 11, 2012
comeon Michael, he talks to the chosen one almost every day
Mac
11:29 am on Sunday, November 11, 2012
I've heard GG called a lot of things, even coined a few myself, but the chosen one is a first.
barbara
8:05 am on Sunday, November 11, 2012
I hear you, KC, can't wait to retire and move to florida. we can't stand this cold, damp weather any more.
barbara
8:08 am on Sunday, November 11, 2012
we were hit hard in toms river, live across from bay. flood insurance will just pay for the dwelling, did not have contents covered. house ins said they would not/could not pay for anything. ugh.......
Chuck Lada
9:42 am on Sunday, November 11, 2012
Happy Veterans Day and God Bless all who served. It is unfortunate that our Governor in the name of safety is ignoring the constitutional rights that you shed your blood to protect.
Salvatore Ferruggia
10:27 am on Sunday, November 11, 2012
I initially tried to make this comment along the lines of "joking," however, I am seriously concerned about Gov. Christie's health as it relates to his weight. Please Gov., try to lose some weight for your own health and to be able to continue working hard for the people of NJ.
Chuck Lada
4:36 pm on Sunday, November 11, 2012
Thank You Mayor Akers for fighting for our right to drive in. Starting Monday the Monday bus group can drive, I expect in a few days other residents and contractors will be added.
DAM
5:54 pm on Sunday, November 11, 2012
This is not about politics ... It is not about a "Nanny State" ... The US Constitution
remains strong in that, under the 10th Amendment, the State of NJ has the final say
on dealing with possibly the worst natural disaster in NJ history ... The Governor
cannot, on principle, permit people to risk their lives, or those of persons who might
have to come rescue them if they underestimate the hazards of a disaster zone ...
By restricting immediate access, that of thieves and looters is also limited, helping
to protect your property ... When will things be better? Probably not soon enough
to suit most of us ... But if you want the management of JCPL drawn and quartered,
what is your alternative: another private power company to start from scratch, or
a government-run or financed power company ala TVA? ... The Governor is doing
his best; FEMA is operating 100% more effectively than it did in New Orleans, where
nearly 40% of its pre-Katrina population never returned ... Be patient, because you
really don't have a Plan B to put into effect
Bill Oakley
8:59 pm on Sunday, November 11, 2012
Unfortunatly Dam, these poor people are in to much a srtate of shock, having lost everything and don't realize that Christie, all yhe utility workers, power companies law enforcement, fema , clean up crews and volinteers are doing there very best.
Chuck Lada
6:06 pm on Sunday, November 11, 2012
DAM...Keep trusting the bureaucrats in New Jersey. You are a tool. Why have other states with more severe disaters not resorted to such drastic property access restrictions. I will give you a hint. They don't run a Nanny State. And theur leaders realize that emergency powers should be used only in the most drastic circumstances since they take away basic constitutional proctections.
barbara
6:37 pm on Sunday, November 11, 2012
can we go tomrrow? my inlaws schduled for tues and hbby has off tomorrow and can help them. this s confsing..........'
Tommy Mac
7:38 pm on Sunday, November 11, 2012
The amazing thing is that FEMA will not pay anything if you have homeowner's insurance. My house (I only own this home) is no where near the bay, or on any map indicating a remote possibility that I would be flooded, so I didn't have any flood insurance. My bad, admittedly. Of course my homeowner's insurance isn't going to cover any of the damage from the flood.
So what does FEMA actually do other than send you to the SBA? I'm sure there are others that have it worse than me.
Does anyone know if they provided direct assistance to a single homeowner?
barbara
7:49 pm on Sunday, November 11, 2012
i am a homeoweer in toms river, my son rents my home. fema wont give me a dime cause not my "primary residence" sucks. my homeowners wont give me nothing either. got application from fema today to apply for a loan. wtf? nope, we cAnt get anything from fema except to apply for SBA. sucks. mr t.r. home is gone, destroyed. ugh.
Tracey Failla
8:07 pm on Sunday, November 11, 2012
Wow, I can't believe you people. You don't like the fact that you were told to leave your residence, but you would be the first one to bitch that you weren't told to leave your home, you don't like the fact that your insurance won't pay for the flood ( duh, did you check your insurance before the hurricane?) I can't get into my house till such a day so I have a sitter, I am special I need to see my house now. Did you people ever think that this might happen? I lived here all my life, yup Jersey girl born and breed ( take that bennys ) never would I live on the water, you have to be stupid, ummm hurricanes nor'easterners. Such it up sissy Mary's you got what you wanted a house on the Jersey shore, now how do you like the dream. Dumb asses.
barbara
8:15 pm on Sunday, November 11, 2012
shut up tracey........my in laws are very old schooled people, they had to wait it out till the last minute to leave, we could not get to them. they know their ins wont pay. their home on the water they worked very hard for. they not stupid, they proud. now they homeless. you a friggin idiot.
jerseyshoregirl4
8:21 pm on Sunday, November 11, 2012
@ Tracy . . . How can you be so hostile and cruel at a time like this? Its people like you who give true Jersey girls a bad name. We're not all bitches . . . .
Thomas I Mooney
12:24 pm on Thursday, January 17, 2013
I think that one of the first "Jersey Girsl" was Molly Pitcher. Guess what? When I look around, I see that that type of woman is still very much with us. Thank God.
They don't make much noise. They get the tough stuff done.
barbara
8:25 pm on Sunday, November 11, 2012
so agree with you jerseyshore girl, unbelievable i am housing 3 homeless families here from seaside hts. it is hard on us, but we are FAMILY and family gotta help each other. she is very cruel.........i am not a bitch at all, but her comment got me going. lol
matthew
9:07 pm on Sunday, November 11, 2012
Here is mayors Kelaher's email adress TKelaher@tomsrivertownship.com. Start pounding him with emails why and when is Ortley Beach getting in. With the warm days the mold is spreading faster and we need to do something before we all lose our homes. And where is his support, I haven't seen or heard from him once since Sandy hit us. I have a feeling he doesn't care about Ortley Beach, just cares about our tax dollars. Something has to happen now, it will be 2 weeks and still no word on Ortley Beach. FREE ORTLEY BEACH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Henry
10:11 pm on Sunday, November 11, 2012
I have to agree with some of the points Tracey Failla made. Do I think she could have said it nicer in the points she was making. Absolutely, Some of it is accurate and true. When you live on or very close to the water there is a huge risk. There is a saying, you really don't own your home if you are on the ocean or that close to water. Mother Nature really owns your house. It is great owning Oceanfront or close to a beach, but as most know it is a huge risk. The problem is NJ was never hit with a storm of this size or the damage it caused. They said not in over 100 years, basically never...Even the worst of storms in 1944, 1962 caused this much havoc.. First off we have a lot more people and houses, most likely they were summer homes, no heating, very little gas etc....The shore has built up and I really don't agree when they allowed to build on the barrier island or as close as house are. The barrier island was attended for that just that...A barrier. Homeowners need to evaluate their situation before rebuilding. They need to build up and not as close as they allowed. Most Homeowners insurance does not cover for Flood, that is an entirely separate insurance. I think most are aware of this. It is very expensive and I am surprised that most chose to take the chance of not getting it or can't afford it. Those who can't afford it, really has no businesses owning a home by the water in my opinion. I realize some bought long ago and times has changed but then sell it.
Henry
10:42 pm on Sunday, November 11, 2012
How Waterfront Owners are going to be able or afford to rebuild without flood insurance is beyond me. Even with a small interest loan that they limit and what some already own is going to be way to expensive for most especially if someone bought long ago when real estate was not as high. All the homeowners, boardwalk businesses, State and Federal government should not expect others to pay for their responsibilities of Where and what they chose to buy. How many times can we pay. I had a bad feeling about this storm and no one was taking it seriously. Don't think this is going to be the last big storm and it will be stronger. I do feel bad that so many either loss their homes, personal belongings. I just fee some of the people that constantly complain about paying for others now expect a handout themselves.. People never want to pay out for anything until they need it. Especially all those who own. You can't have it both way and they will not let you
stuffin
10:51 pm on Sunday, November 11, 2012
Truth is stranger than fiction. Those who have now want the handout. Any rebuilding needs to be done with the foresight that this can happen again. We shouldn't pretend The Barrier Island/Peninsula can be controlled by man and the damn what nature has to say.
Henry
10:56 pm on Sunday, November 11, 2012
God Bless and Good Luck!
Mike
9:14 pm on Wednesday, January 16, 2013
jerseytomato,
Your absolutly correct, Mary E. Rowlands isn't the sharpest knief in the drawer. When we step back & look at our situation, we can see that Chris Christie, like him or not, at least is there, in the trenches doing what a Governor is supposed to do. He is not a bit like Ray Nagin, the mayor of New Orleans, who fled to Houston before making any of his impassioned speeches to the dumbells in New Orleans.
The aid to NJ is late by about six weeks, as compared to New Orleans. And yet we yelled at George Bush because...well...we don't know why...the media was, so why shouldn't we. Dopes! The Jersey Shore will never be the same...ever.
oldkodger
11:45 am on Thursday, January 17, 2013
idiot liberals would blame Bush for Sandy because the chosen one got re-elected. Welcome to the old Soviet Union