Ocean Grove, New Jersey By Paul Goldfinger © Click left
By Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger
In a huge announcement today, the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association disclosed that “we are now an official FEMA project.” According to Camp Meeting COO J.P. Gradone, “The funding is there, and we will receive 90%” just like all the other Jersey Shore towns who were given Sandy disaster aid.
A meeting was held today at CMA headquarters which was attended by representatives of FEMA, our 4th District Congressman Chris Smith, and state historic and environmental officials.
All in attendance agreed that there were some hurdles in the road ahead related to environmental and historic permits, but everyone pledged to “fast track” those barriers so that work on the Middle Beach phase one project could begin. These permissions relate largely to the fact that the middle boardwalk has to be placed 30 feet to the west to get it behind the existing bulkhead as protection against future storms.
Most of the planning has already been completed thanks to the anticipatory work done by the CMA’s engineers and advisors. Once permits are done and FEMA has approved the plans, bids will go out and a time-table set up.
FEMA will agree to the entire budget of about $3.2-3.3 million. Phase one will cost $1.4 million, and the CMA should be able to be reimbursed for at least some of the $500,000 already spent at both ends of the boardwalk. Meanwhile, the Neptune Bond issue will be completed soon.
Down the line, the other phases will be implemented including the fishing pier and the north end accesses.
Mr. Gradone told Blogfinger, in an exclusive interview, that everyone at 54 Pitman Avenue is thrilled, and certainly this result vindicates the persistent and optimistic approach of those at the Camp Meeting Association along with Neptune Township officials, Together Fund people, Governor Chris Christie and his staff, Rep. Chris Smith, State Senator Jennifer Beck, State Assemblywomen Caroline Casagrande and State Assemblywoman Mary Pat Angelini.
We wondered what all those political people were doing and now we see the result 15 months after Sandy clobbered our beachfront.
This is the before picture of Middle Beach. The after picture has suddenly materialized in our minds. Paul Goldfinger photo, 2013. ©
Some citizens in Ocean Grove thought that it was ridiculous to keep reapplying for help, but acting COO Ralph delCampo, President Dale Whilden, and Director of Operations William “Bill” Bailey were steadfast in their persistence and positive approach. They refused to give up, and they just kept trying, along with the help of many consultants and experts guiding the way.
Mr. delCampo was a powerful leader for the effort, and his wonderful mediation and people skills kept the good ship “Ocean Grove” on course. He was the John Phillip Sousa for our town marching band as they accomplished something that was so difficult—to change the mind of a huge federal agency, and they did it with intelligence, patience, good humor, and honesty, and perhaps some skid greasing by friends behind the scenes.
At Blogfinger, commenters berated us for repeatedly beating the bass drum to the rhythm of justice and common sense, but to be honest, we could not bear the illogic and unfairness of it all.
As with the recent FEMA eligibility decision, it will take the Camp Meeting Association some time to pull all the loose ends together, but victory is won, and the people of Ocean Grove are vindicated. This is a great day for our little town.
JOHN PHILLIP SOUSA and THE MARINE BAND: “The Stars and Stripes Forever”
Glad to hear OG is getting this much needed help. Looking foward to coming back and seeing all of it repaired. OG is my favorite vacation place.
Best part of this whole thing is that in the future, we are a FEMA approved entity. Our beach will be destroyed again in 10 years, then again in another 10 years.
I was a naysayer all along about FEMA. I humbly eat my words.
Hurray for OG!!!
Guess Ocean Grove wasn’t too “D” after all and all the elected officials really were working. The internet is great but it allows too many people with only opinions and not knowledge to get a forum.
I agree with happy- having an entirely new boardwalk, pier, bathrooms , shower area, lights and railings is the only way we should go- uniform, solid and a showcase for a town recently voted in the top 15 beaches in the world by Frommers. We can only hope the new COO will agree with this kind of investment for our future gain.
Excellent news. So what is the CMA going to do with the funds they raised?
Sandy results: FEMA says move boardwalk 30 feet west where impact was critical. Environmental groups and home restoration companies react to major vulnerability concerns about Jersey shoreline. The North End is a problem.
Right now, the boardwalk looks like a weird hodgepodge of different materials. Some old wood, some new material, some bricks, some pavement. Is it going to all be redone so it looks like one boardwalk, or is it going to remain in weird fragments of different materials.
I think it looks awful.
Editor’s note: Happy—How would you look before plastic surgery?
Maxster: Watch what you say about rat holes—did you see the movie Ratatouille?
Rich: I think you will have to wait to see the final approved plans.
Anyone have a best guess on where the western edge of the new middle boardwalk will be in relation to the curb on Ocean Ave.?
OK, so now the Township does not have to bond for the $1.4 million they did the other night?
We need to keep an eye on that to make sure that money doesn’t flow to something it wasn’t meant to be for.
Fine if they float the bond money to get this going, but it dang well better be retired once FEMA money flows in, lest another $1.4 million flow down the rat hole.
Editor’s Note: The bond issuance by Neptune Township will go ahead to provide temporary cash to begin phase one of reconstruction. It also shows that our town is following the procedure of other shore towns in going the bond route first and then getting reimbursed with FEMA money later.
Mr. JP Gradone of the CMA says that we now have a “team approach” involving local, state and federal participants striving to achieve our goals. Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger.
Congratulations to all, who worked so hard and never gave up! Date: Fri, 7 Feb 2014 23:26:06 +0000 To: heidiaje@msn.com
Moving the boards 30 feet west obviously has major implications for any future CMA plans for the North End and for the township’s current review of plans for restoring what is there now.
Editor’s Note: Radar—–The bulkheads at the north and south ends did their job during Sandy and saved those end areas. So, although I haven’t seen the plans, it seems likely that the west shift will be only for the middle area where the bulkhead was useless during the hurricane.
I can’t wait to stroll again this summer! Wonderful news, wonderful people, wonderful town! This effort has really brought is together, there is much to be thankful for.
Wonderful news. Now we have to be patient while we await the finished product. Thanking the OGCMA folks for not giving up and thanking God for his faithfulness to OG.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Wonderful News ! The only “word” that for some silly reason seems appropriate is : SUPERCALIFRAGILISTICEEXPIALIDOCIOUS !!!!!!!!!!
The boardwalk will be placed behind the bulkhead, as has been the plan ever since Sandy. Not to do so would be ridiculous. It is my understanding that FEMA has been made aware of this plan, moving the boards 30 feet west.
Fantastic news, thanks for posting! Just wondering if the FEMA funds will dictate where the new boardwalk will be placed, safely behind the bulkhead, or in its original location in front of the bulkhead that contributed to it being washed away??
We owe Blogfinger MUCH to keep us posted with up to the minute news! Thank you, and we can celebrate this news !!!
Congratulations for all who did NOT give up on this gross oversight. The many folks who enjoy your beautiful community THANK YOU for your tireless efforts at righting this very wrong!
Finally justice!
Great news! Left out one thing … A lot of people prayed!
Great News!!!
Wow ,there is a God!
Hurray!