Politics & Government

Berkeley Homes Eligible For Demolition Funds Slashed From 400 To 23

FEMA changed the eligibility requirements, officials said

By Patricia A. Miller

There was a time after Superstorm Sandy that homeowners with houses more than 51 percent damaged would have been eligible for help with demolition costs.

But things have changed. Township officials say the Federal Emergency Management Agency has changed the eligibility rules for the Private Property Demolition Removal program, better know as the PPDR program.

"Originally, it was the 51 percenters," Mayor Carmen F. Amato Jr. said at the Oct. 21 Township Council meeting. He referred to homes that were deemed more than 51 damaged by the Township Engineer's office.

Now only homes in "imminent danger" of partial or complete collapse  are eligible for demolition funds," Township Administrator Christopher Reid said.

South Seaside Park resident Donald Whiteman questioned officials at the meeting about a severely damaged apartment building on 20th Avenue that had more than three feet of water from Sandy.

"There are houses not being ripped down and should be," he said.

Many homes in Good Luck Point, Glen Cove, Pelican Island, South Seaside Park and the Toms River Shores section of the township were badly damaged when Sandy roared in on Oct. 29.

"Half the houses in Good Luck Point are gone," Amato said.

The PPDR program also provides help for debris removal and trees that are "leaners," Township officials have said.

The deadline to apply for PPDR funds was June 30.



Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here