Pelican Island Residents In Both Berkeley and Toms River Can Go Back Home Briefly Thursday

Pelican Island residents of both Berkeley and Toms River will be allowed to return to their homes between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Thursday, weather permitting, Berkeley Mayor Carmen F. Amato Jr. said tonight.

Residents will have to check in at the Bellcrest Plaza at 935 Fischer Boulevard in Toms River tomorrow morning. Proof of residence is required: driver's license, tax bill or utility bill, Amato said.

"Only one vehicle per household with a pass will be permitted to cross the bridge," the mayor said. "We appreciate all of our residents' cooperation."

The approval to re-enter Pelican Island came after "long negotiation sessions" between Berkeley and Toms River officials and various state agencies, Amato said.

"We know this information comes quick and often at inconvenient times for some..." the mayor said. "We need all to cooperate fully, so we can allow further re-entry to your homes, possibly at a later date."

Using an email alert and a post on the township website, Toms River Township issued an identically worded message for residents on its portion of the island.

Pelican Island sits between the Toms River mainland and Seaside Heights along Route 37 near the Tunney and Mathis bridges, which remain closed with emergency access only over the bridge since Monday Oct. 29 when Hurricane Sandy hit.

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