Expense of debris removal predicted to be “astronomical.” Photo, Main Avenue in Ocean Grove, by Mary Walton
By Charles Layton
Neptune Township has appropriated $1.4 million for its storm-related expenses, but Mayor Randy Bishop thinks that may not be enough.
The tipping fees alone (money paid for disposal of trash and debris) “is going to be astronomical,” Bishop said. On the up side, he said he thinks some of the Township’s expenses will be reimbursed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The Township Committee passed several measures last week designed to make life a bit easier for residents afflicted by Hurricane Sandy. It has waived construction fees for storm-related damages, and Bishop said that although the normal building permit requirements won’t be waived, officials are working on ways to cut through the red tape.
As an example, Bishop said, “I am very concerned about people who have to put a new roof on their house because of the storm.” Ordinarily one might need a survey of the property, but “it’s added expense and time, and it’s not necessary,” he said. “They’re just replacing something that was there.” Officials will be working on these sorts of problems during the coming week, he said.
Although most Township offices will be closed on Monday for Veterans Day, the Code and Construction Departments will be open from 8 a.m. to 12 noon to help people needing permits.
The Township Committee has extended the deadline for residents to make their 4th quarter property tax payments. The new deadline is Wednesday, November 21, and it applies to all property owners, not just those who suffered damage. “So many of our residents have been distracted, and that’s probably putting it mildly,” Bishop said. “We didn’t want to inconvenience people trying to get their kids back in school, trying to get back in their homes…”
“We are still working at debris collection, it is massive,” he said, and includes, besides household items, enormous quantities of tree limbs.
Bishop said that although most of the Township now has power, “there are small pockets that don’t yet.” Both Township officials and ordinary citizens have been frustrated — and even incensed — at the difficulty they’ve had in getting straight answers out of Jersey Central Power & Light. Bishop said officials are in daily contact with JCP&L. “They are very guarded about information,” the mayor said, “because they don’t want to set an expectation they cannot meet.” He said he can understand their attitude on a rational level, but that he, like others, find it “frustrating emotionally.”