Seaside Park Residents Angry Over New Re-entry Plan
'We've taken a step backward,' one man says
Al McDuffie leans back in his chair as he listens to a response from Police Chief Francis Larkin to his comments about the restrictions on the return to Seaside Park.
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Seaside Park residents who were unable to participate on Monday when the borough allowed residents to drive in to retrieve possessions will have their opportunity to do so starting today.
Notified by the borough's reverse 911 system, residents were told they will be bused into the borough in shifts beginning this morning, based on where in town they live.
That angered many of the more than 300 residents who packed the Borough Council meeting held in the Toms River Municipal Building on Thursday night, a meeting that ran for nearly four hours as residents aired their frustrations and concerns over the limited access.
Under the plan announced by the borough late Thursday, which Police Chief Francis Larkin said is Phase 1 of re-entry to the island, Seaside Park residents, like those other towns, will be limited in how much time they have in the residence and how much they can bring out.
The borough's website notes residents will be limited to what they can carry on their laps, but at the meeting Larkin said the borough is trying to obtain permission to use a box truck, similar to the way Seaside Heights is doing to help residents remove possessions. Entry will be limited to two people per residence, one of whom must be the resident or homeowner.
The buses will depart from and return to the parking lot at Shelter Cove, on Bay Avenue about a mile east of Fischer Boulevard. Registration begins at 9 a.m., though at the meeting Larkin said borough personnel will be on hand beginning at 8 a.m. The first bus is to depart by 10 a.m., Larkin said. Residents going at 10 a.m. will have until noon, at which time they will have to board the buses and return so a second set of residents can access the island. The second buses depart Shelter Cove at noon and return to the borough at 2 p.m.
The access schedule is as follows:
- Today: Homes located J Street south to 14thAvenue
- Saturday: Homes located north of J Street and west of Rt. 35
- Sunday: Homes located north of J Street and east of Rt. 35
The Seaside Park website notes that some homes have been deemed unsafe for entry. Residents of those homes will be only be allowed a visual inspection of their homes.
The entire plan had to be approved by Gov. Chris Christie's office, Larkin said. And it is Christie's office that reminded the borough that the state of emergency and the evacuation orders -- which say no one but emergency personnel can be on the barrier island -- are still in force, Larkin said.
Those details infuriated residents, many of whom were unable to go to their homes during Monday's trip to the borough.
"This is ridiculous," said Richard DiPietro, who said he was involved in the efforts to clean up in New York City after 9-11. "They're taking this the wrong direction."
"They're going to supervise me going into my house?" Al McDuffie said. "And then they're going to bus me back?"
"By doing this, I hope the governor knows that next time, we won't leave," said Gertrude Martinique. "If government would just get out of my way and let me do what I need to do, I could start moving forward."
"What we have here is a bureaucracy justifying their existence," said Mike Juliano of L Street. "As far as I'm concerned we should be taking care of ourselves."
Tempers flared frequently during the early part of the meeting, forcing Mayor Robert Matthies to several times bang the gavel to get people to quiet down.
"I understand your frustration," Matthies said. "We're frustrated too. We, too, are displaced."
Residents expressed concerns that the two hours allotted are inadequate to turn off the water and drain pipes. Borough engineer Felipe Contreras said the town is already taking steps to help with that issue, in shutting off water curbside to homes and removing water meters, allowing much of the water to drain from the homes' pipes.
That doesn't address water in radiant heating systems or in toilets or water heaters, several residents said.
But the primary thing residents asked, time and again, was why the process the borough and Berkeley Township had used on Monday -- issuing permits that allowed residents to take their own cars and remove as much as possible -- was no longer permissible, and when they would be able to return to their homes for good.
"Many of us are at the point of having to make some decisions about where we are going to live," said Ann Bryant of K Street. "We need to know when we will be able to get home."
Matthies said the two biggest factors in a return to the island were when JCP&L and New Jersey Natural Gas complete the repairs they need to do. He said neither utility company will give any timeline for that process, however.
"When we ask them, they say they're still assessing the damage," Matthies said.
Larkin acknowledged that the streets in Seaside Park are in good shape, and that the borough suffered far less damage than other towns. But the governor's office was dictating the rules and restrictions right now, he said.
"If it was up to the mayor, council and police department, we would put you on our backs and run you across the bridge," one Seaside Park detective said.
"I'm just as frustrated as everybody else," Larkin said, "but this is all they're giving me."
Chuck Lada
8:47 am on Friday, November 9, 2012
Finally people are waking up to the truth. The reason for this rediculous bus plan is so these beauocrats can justify their existance and maintain their power. I urge all affected residents to call the governors office of citizens relations (609)777.2500 as i did yesterday. It took several calls, but I finally got through. Tell them the governor must lift the no longer needed "state of emergency" in Seaside Park immediately. Once the governor recinds this they no longer will have the power to keep you off the bridge. The Governor has remained sient on this issue but if he doesn't address it soon we must put the blame on him as he is the one allowing this situation to continue.
Bill Storm,
8:49 am on Friday, November 9, 2012
How can the Governor's office and the power companies say "FULLY RESTORED BY SUNDAY" WHEN IT WON'T BE RESTORED ON THE BARRIER ISLANDS?
Chief Wahoo
10:26 am on Friday, November 9, 2012
because no one will be living on barrier island again.....why dont you people understand what is happening to you
john
8:50 am on Friday, November 9, 2012
i feel bad for all the residents displaced, but they have to understand, there are many things that needed to be addressed first before allowing people back on the island for their own safety, undermined roads, leaking natural gas lines, downed power lines still energized, debris all over, sand piled high on roadways and numerous other environmental hazards.
you have your life, that s the single most important thing, everything else will and can be fixed... this is a disaster of major proportion.... a frozen toilet, or frozen heating system isn't worth a single life......considering the water damaged probally already sustained by the storm surge, that s the least of the problems....
LBI last week was utter chaos the first and only day of re entry, 10 miles of traffic on rt 72... give the new re entry system a chance , it is in response to a otherwise failed attempt in LBI.....
god bless all those affected by sandy....and all those helping NJ rebuild stronger and better than before...
Chuck Lada
9:00 am on Friday, November 9, 2012
John,
Stop drinking the kool aid. All the conditions you mentioned, while they are still be reported by the media no longer exist on the vast majority of the areas on the island. They certainly can block off the sink hole on one stret in Seaside that has been reported ad nauseum. It's long past the point that we can return safely. It is time to demand vehicle access!
Chuck Lada
9:03 am on Friday, November 9, 2012
http://www.change.org/petitions/nj-office-of-emergency-management-allow-residents-of-the-barrier-islands-access-to-their-homes
Please access this web site and sign the petition to demand vehicle access to our homes.
Thank You!!!
john
9:04 am on Friday, November 9, 2012
chuck, i see jcpl over there, why dont you volunteer as a electric meter to test if lines are dead.....
major devastation and few wants to run back.....wth for..... it s the assumed risk living on a barrier island when you signed up ....
Chuck Lada
9:12 am on Friday, November 9, 2012
There are many areas that do not have any devistation. You mean thatafter 11 days they haven't been able to isolate the danferous areas and block them off with barriers?. I must say you are either a troll posting the bureaucrats lies or you are an idiot!
Daye Kelly
10:43 am on Friday, November 9, 2012
I agree with you. Mindless sheeps that believe anything the politicians say.
Chief Wahoo
10:15 am on Friday, November 9, 2012
No Government
Chief Wahoo
10:17 am on Friday, November 9, 2012
leaving at 10AM and out by noon !!!!!!!
even just leaving from shelter cove will take 20 minutes to get to SSP .....that leaves people 1 hour and 40 minutes and if they have to be on bus bu noon, that probably cuts another 10 minutes off......ARE THESE POLITICAL FRAUDS SERIOUS !!!!!!!
lauren silveri
10:18 am on Friday, November 9, 2012
Seaside park angry residents: I've been pretty calm and collected throughout this ordeal... Now I'm irate. Remember other towns cannot even go back. The articles on the meeting last night, I understand frustration not being able to go home but it's NOT safe nor the cop or councils decision. All they are doing is working their butts off to get people back in. To all the people with the nasty comments, do you realize that more than half of the SPPD And VOLUNTEER fire dept are now homeless and lost everything as well?!? That hasn't stopped them from working every single day to help. Even locals that stayed gave in in the last week. Living without power water heat food is just not a option and if a strong young 30 something year old can't stay tell me how a 74 year old could. Understand that your anger is being directed in the wrong place. Last week these guys were heros, now because of a decision made for them they are the bad guys?! NO, they are still heros so treat them with respect and remember they lost everything too, including the town they love and live to protect. Respect them and the rules today, the sooner this isn't the top priority the sooner they can focus on what will make the island liveable again.
Chief Wahoo
10:22 am on Friday, November 9, 2012
you are very dopey when you are irate
Donna Griffin
1:26 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
Amen, Lauren. I sometimes wonder if any of these folks have seen some of the videos of the island. SSP got off lucky for the most part and will get back in before the residents of Ortley, Lavallette and points north. Be angry at the Hurricane....not the first responders.
George Hartwick
5:49 am on Sunday, November 11, 2012
Gee, Lauren, Lavallette has power and water. Now, what's your excuse?
John
10:24 am on Friday, November 9, 2012
Florida residents were in their homes packing and clean up the day after Hurricane Hugo. I know, because I was there.
Mattie
1:42 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
Last I looked Florida isn't a half-mile wide island, now is it? It's been well established and agreed upon that this area has never seen a storm/devastation like this - EVER.
So now explain to me why your snarky comment is relevant?
Chuck Lada
10:29 am on Friday, November 9, 2012
Yes we all know that. The difference is we have Christie as Governor and he will only let us drive in when he is good and ready. How anyone can take him seriously as a candiadate for President when he exhibits this type of abuse of "emergency powers" is beyond comprehension.
John
3:10 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
The snarky comment is relevant to the fact, Mattie. It has nothing to do with size, and your lucky for that! :-) It has to do with the destruction. And they were in within a day or two to clean up. We are at 10 days.
Bob Davieau
8:52 am on Monday, November 12, 2012
I don't think Christie and the bureaucrats are handling this very well. Originally, I thought Christie was doing a godd job, but now I've changed my mind.
chris
10:42 am on Friday, November 9, 2012
A lot of te new restrictions placed on other towns are a result of Monday's debacle. There were people drinking and partying in their houses and ignoring the rules. Don't misunderstand, the rules are a clear civil rights violation, but those people really botched it up for the rest, you know who you are, shame on you!
angel
11:26 am on Friday, November 9, 2012
chuck
called governor office. they said the decision resides with ocean county oem
732-341-3451 give them a ring. hopefully they answer
Chuck Lada
11:53 am on Friday, November 9, 2012
I was told by the Ocean OEM (which is under the supervision of our ancient sheriff) on Tuesday that the Governor was the reason cars could not get over the bridge. Who is reasponsible for this decision? Hopefully the Governor will address this at the press conference at 1:30 today. As the Governor he has the power to overide the Ocean County OEM so I believe who were given an incomplete answer.
Obviously no one wants to take ownership of the thisunpopular position.
Jim
12:44 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
The seaside park re-entry plan consisted of four (4) school buses - enough to carry about 180 people TOTAL - everyone else was denied entry and turned away. The Township employees all blamed the State. If you hope to have any chance of getting on the island, you better arrive before 5:00 am tomorrow and Sunday.
Chief Wahoo
12:49 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
i am shocked......it does happen in New Jersey !!!
http://www.nj.com/sussex-county/index.ssf/2012/11/authorities_mulling_charges_against_sussex_undersheriff_who_had_possession_of_county-owned_generator.html#incart_river_default
Mattie
1:04 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
OK everyone is unhappy with the organized return to homes for clearing out?
I say Eff them all.
Let everyone do whatever they like - since they all seem to know best and "demand" to do things their way. Let them! Turn off all remaining electricity and gas supplies to the barrier island areas, and clear away the road blocks and check-points- Let them IN! Let them go in on their own, at their own leisure.
Let's see how they do with no traffic lights, no cops, no firefighters, no debris clean-up, no protection from looters or muggers... go for it people, Go For it! Have it all your way because hey, you own property on a totally destroyed island, and by golly you don't need no stinkin' laws or acts of prevention and protection for you!
Good Luck. Let's see how many of you complain and/or try to sue when things don't go well or you get hurt doing things 'your way'.....
Chuck Lada
1:12 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
Mattie, you must be a troll for the local politicains who are saying the island is totally destroyed. If you spend 20 minutes review the government satelite photos of the island post hurricane like I did you would see that most of the island had zero strucural damage. (I cant see flooding from a satelite photo. Please stop spreading the myth that the island was destroyed.
Mattie
1:30 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
I'm no troll, sir. I am merely disappointed in so many people who will not realize that sometimes they have to wait and do things according to an organized effort - not willy nilly just because THEY want to do things their way. While not *every* home on the island is completely destroyed, MANY of them are. While not *every* road may be impassable, MANY of them are. While not *every* house on the islands is structurally dangerous, MANY of them are.... There are no traffic lights or street lights or electricity anywhere on the island. What happens when people decide they don't want to be done and out of there before dark? Who will help them if something happens to them? Do you honestly believe local politicians and government are putting these time and access restrictions on people just for ..... FUN? For no real reason at all? Why would they do that? Come on... Think.
John
3:25 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
Mr Troll
They are putting them in place because they are politicians.
George Hartwick
6:01 am on Sunday, November 11, 2012
Gee, sorry, Mattie, you're exactly right (how could you not be with those 138 IQ points)?
My town (Lavallette) has power and water. The gas lines were turned off at Christie's order. I dont have a problem with that. No problem has been found with the roads in Lavallette and my home was undamaged. I am essentially homeless because of our arrogant governor. I am now three hours from work and school (lived in Lavallette full-time.) Surely, a quick ID flash at the bridge would suffice to keep out looters, so why is it I can't go home?
Sorry, obeying authority for authority's sake makes zero sense to me. They work for me (and all of us) and I am entitled to answers. What's going on now is insulting. Sorry that your 138 IQ points are not sufficient for you to see that.
Bob Davieau
9:00 am on Monday, November 12, 2012
Many roads are clear and if there was danger of sink holes on route 35 which is being used for north and southbound traffic, do you really think they would be putting 60 plus pepole on each bus and driving them there? Many homes on the bayside only suffered from flooding and the roads are in pretty good shape. It's the oceanside that unfortunately took the major hit. The authorities should ask each property owner ( in areas not totally destroyed) to sign a waiver and allow them to return to their homes to do whatever is necessary to protect them from mold and to winterize them.
voice of reason
1:04 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
you can thank Toms River for all this there mayor said that when Berkeley Township residents went over with there cars it was a mess. i disagree i heard nothing about that if anyone did let me know I believe the power hungry Mayor was furious that they did it without his permission and thats when it was stoped by him with a phone call to Trenton. He is the one organizeing the buses. why i dont know. Seaside officials shoudl be handling this with Berkeley Township and Toms River handling there own towns and keep politics out of this mess
chris
1:09 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
Actually sounds great, and friends and neighbors helping one another will ALWAYS be more efficient than 15 government agencies denying responsibility. People get by IN SPITE of their government, not because of them.
John
1:20 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
Mattie.....
Your a very angered individual. :-(
May God Bless You
Chuck Lada
1:52 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
Mattie,
I am not angry that I have to wait. I am angry that some politician who never read what the constitution says about property and liberty, can deny me access to my house for over 11 days with a very dubious safety argument. People are driving arounfd all over NJ dispite traffic lights that are out. your list of reasons is ridiculous and if you are not a mouthpiece of the politicins than you are not a very bright person. It's interesting that your response backed down from your previous comment that the island was destroyed. Please don't waste your time replying until you spend 20 miutes reviewing the satilite photos. They contridict all of the BS safety issues our poiticians keep repeating. As to why the restrictions are in place follow the money! As long as they can say we are in a "state of emergency" they can write no-bid contracts to all their cronies and let FEMA pick up the tab. My o my you are very naieve
Mattie
2:00 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
Obviously you can't just disagree without denigrating someone personally. I guarantee, Chuck, I am probably at least 35 IQ points smarter than you. I promise.
But it's also obvious your issues are about 'trusting government' and 'trusting politicians'.... a real conspiracy-around-every-corner kinda nut. OK. You are seriously off the deep end into Teabag territory. I get it.
But hey, Go! Storm the bridge. Bust your way onto the island to get to your house... I really don't care. No skin off my nose, as the saying goes.
Good Luck. Just don't call for help from anyone if something happens.
John
3:37 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
Well said, Chuck.
Chuck Lada
2:29 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
My IQ is in the top 2%. If you can prove your IQ is 35 points higher, I will send you a $100 dollar gift certicate to a resturant of your choice. I am not a conspiracy theorist, I am a businessman with 30 years experience with the Ocean County Government. If you don't believe how money is corrupting our government than your IQ must be 35 points lower than mine. By the way nothing to hide, my name is my real name.
Mattie
2:52 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
138. Tested more than a few times over many years; Believe it or not. But I know you won't believe it. :-)
And as for $$ corrupting government... that is not the topic of this article. The topic is people being angry and disgusted because they want to get back to their homes in a storm devastated area, NOW... not later..."NOW!!" and they don't trust the government or politicians to decide if things are safe enough or not.... I'm not turning this into a 'conspiracy'... you (and others) are. I'm not politicizing this situation, you (and others) are.
And now I'm bored with the whole thing. Good Luck.
Nancy
3:19 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
Thank goodness Mattie is bored with the whole thing! :-)
John
3:39 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
Even better Chuck. And I don't really believe his IQ is 35 higher.
Nancy
2:35 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
Mattie,
Give me a break and get over the idea of storming the damn bridge...we will be there in force to convince whom ever to drop the restriction placed earlier. What'is good for safe areas Lavalette is good for safe areas of Ortley. I have seen videos of many people walking and driving in areas that are far worse than areas between routes 35 north and south
We appreciate all that is being done for us. We're not asking for for a "free for all" but a controlled entry with the other towns. Stop trying to make it that we are unreasonable and selfish.
Chuck Lada
3:27 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
You won't be getting a certificate as we are almost the same. The reason the government is saying it isn't safe is to make it easier for them to steal from FEMA. The two issues can't be seperated. If Seaside was filled with residenrs, don't you think it would be more difficult to have Borough employees fix damage to all the private businesses and send the bill to FEMA. Wow you may be smart but you sure are naive.
John
3:42 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
Very nice Nancy........
George
7:54 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
OK you two I have a way to solve this. Back to back walk ten steps turn and then answer rapid questions from Alex Trebek.
Tony a
9:14 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012
A snippet of text that covers what we are seeing here, which is in effect a taking.
.... nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
John
9:56 pm on Saturday, November 10, 2012
SUNDAY MORNING 10AM RT37/FISHER BLVD, BY THE FIRST ROAD BLOCK. PARK IN THE SIDE STREETS AND WALK TO THE INTERSECTION.
GROUP SUPPORT NEEDED FOR THE SAME ACCESS TO ORTLEY BEACH THAT LBI OFFICIALS GRANTED THEIR RESIDENTS, THRU "HONESTY" TO THE GOVERNOR.
PLEASE COME SHOW YOUR SUPPORT WHETHER LIVE ON THE BARRIER ISLAND OR NOT. DO NOT LET TOMS RIVER OFFICIALS WALK ALL OVER YOUR
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT.
PASS ALONG PLEASE
Nancy
10:04 pm on Saturday, November 10, 2012
I will try to be there tomorrow at 10am.
Karen RN
10:32 pm on Saturday, November 10, 2012
Are you people serious?! Go storm the bridge you idiots! No one is tryning to stop you from seering your homes, they just want you to be safe!! I live in Toms River and no one has stopped me from coming home because I have no safety issues!! They are protecting your homes from thieves by limiting access! Hey let them open the bridge and let everyone over and then you'll complain you were robbed!! Better yet sue the government because your sorry as... got blown up or electrocuted or sunk in a sink hole or etc, etc, etc!!
John
10:43 pm on Saturday, November 10, 2012
KarenRN
We pray for you and your issues.... etc, etc, etc...........
Karen RN
10:52 pm on Saturday, November 10, 2012
John you are an issue. An unfortunate one for the people of this town.
John
11:04 pm on Saturday, November 10, 2012
KarenRN (Registered Nut)
I've own property on the Island for 40 years. I love it there. But you know what. I can care less if they didn't rebuild any of the Island. I'll get paid thru my insurance. As a matter of fact, I think it would be great if they didn't. Because I would love to see YOUR TAXES rise thru the roof without the barrier Island supplementing your tax base.
John
2:56 pm on Sunday, November 11, 2012
I'm looking for a single rider, male or female going to Chadwick Beach in the morning on the bus to retrieve your belongings. If you are going by yourself. I've had a house in Ortley for the past 40 yrs. Its just night my turn on the bus yet. I would like to accompany you on this nightmare. I am a professional video and photographer. In addition to helping you carry out an extra suit case. I will also document this experience for us as well as giving you a copy, AT NO CHARGE. For yourself and your insurance company. You can contact me at jes352002@yahoo.com and I will get back to you ASAP. John
John
10:10 pm on Sunday, November 11, 2012
This is what a few of us Ortley Beach residents witnessed this morning on Rt37. After 2 weeks and counting, NO ACCESS TO OUR PROPERTIES. With all the tax dollars that TR milks from us. We get a humiliating school bus ride to our properties for 1 hour with 1 suitcase to remove our belongings.
http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?feature=em-share_video_user&v=-g7MYfleX-o&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D-g7MYfleX-o%26feature%3Dem-share_video_user
John
6:26 am on Monday, November 12, 2012
I guess Keyport and Union Beach doesn't have major destruction, they do. Boats/ cars on bridges and in the water and roadways upside down. With gas and oil leaking in the waterways and in the communities. Businesses destroyed roads torn up and poles down. The whole town of Union Beach and parts of Keansburg have to be leveled. Was it the same destruction as Ortley, probably not as big. BUT MAJOR..... And the difference is, the day after the storm people were helping people. They are climbing thru the rubble cleaning up. The difference is, 2 HARD WORKING BLUE COLLAR TOWNS WORKING TOGETHER. THEY WEREN'T BLOCKED OFF FROM THEIR HOMES OR BROUGHT IN ON A BUS TWO WEEKS LATER. A week fine, 2 weeks is becoming a JOKE.
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