Ocean Grove Fishing Pier, pre-Sandy. Paul Goldfinger photo ©
By Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger.
Two years ago we reported that the Camp Meeting would not appeal the FEMA decision to deny funding for the pier. Below is a link to that July 2014 article.
After that we heard nothing else on the subject. The CMA had said that it would rebuild the pier, but that it was not a high priority. But now that the North End component of the boardwalk reconstruction is done, some curiosity might again arise on this subject.
A related issue which is still in suspension is the fate of the OG Fishing Club which used to meet in the little house shown in the photo. They used to lease the end of the pier from the Camp Meeting Association.
Today, in the Coaster, Herb Herbst, a long time member of the Fishing Club is quoted as saying, “Two months ago we received a call from FEMA—they found some funding. They mailed the application to me. I called the CMA, and we have until the end of 2016 to submit this paperwork.We have a meeting set for next Wednesday. I hope we will rebuild the fishing pier.”
****EDITOR’S NOTE 7/29/16: We can’t account for Herb Herbst’s quote in the July 28 Coaster, but we contacted FEMA, and this is the official response from FEMA Region 2 (New York/New Jersey):
Hi, Paul –
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the Ocean Grove Fishing Pier. We’ve looked into this issue and have found that both the boardwalk and pier were originally denied funding. The boardwalk was appealed and has received funding. At this point, there has been no additional action on the pier and it remains unfunded.
Susie L. Webb, FEMA Region 2, External Affairs, News Desk
ANITA O’DAY:
Thank you for following up on that, Mr. Blogfinger.