November 3, 2012. 5 days after Sandy. Ocean Grove, New Jersey. One of the first fishermen to return. By Paul Goldfinger. Click for full view. See the comments for some photographic notes.
SOUNDTRACK: CAROL KING
Archive for the ‘Hurricane legacy’ Category
Modern OG history–2012: The resolute fisherman—a re-post
Posted in Blogfinger News, Hurricane legacy, Photographic Gallery: Ocean Grove, tagged I've been to Canaan, MUSIC Carol King, Photo: The resolute fisherman on May 31, 2025| 2 Comments »
Modern OG history 2014: The Ocean Grove pier conundrum—A fishy situation.
Posted in Blogfinger Presents, Hurricane legacy, Hurricane Sandy funding in Ocean Grove, Hurricane Sandy in Ocean Grove, tagged FEMA denies Ocean Grove for Fishing Pier on November 1, 2023| 19 Comments »
Ocean Grove Fishing Pier. Date unknown. By Moe Demby, Blogfinger staff .© Click on image to enlarge.
By Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger. 2014. And read the 19 comments below.
During the recent (2012-2014) post-Sandy FEMA foreplay era, Blogfinger went on and on ad nauseum about why our boardwalk deserved public money. The arguments presented by the CMA made sense to us and eventually prevailed, although the feds have yet to show us the actual boardwalk money. But they will.
During that period, the issue of the historic Fishing Pier was raised a few times. The OG Fishing Club members were upset that the CMA would not make a commitment to reestablish their club at the end of the pier.
You will see that FEMA also refused to pay for pier repairs after Hurricane Irene in the summer of 2011. The boardwalk was not damaged then. There was about $150,000 damage to the far end of the pier. FEMA said then exactly what they say now—- that the denial is because private non-profit groups like the Camp Meeting Association cannot be compensated for recreational facilities after storm damage.
But now, when both the boardwalk and the pier are damaged after Sandy (2012,) somehow FEMA has separated the two structures even though they are clearly attached at the hip, and the illogical distinction seems to be based on what? It’s as if they are desperate to nail the Camp Meeting Association in some way .
But the situation is also odd because FEMA has done a double about-face—first a denial, then promises to fund the pier, and now a denial. The CMA always plays “Mister Nice Guy” so their reaction is one of kindness tempered by the need to engage in yet another interminable appeal. Herb Herbst, of the Jersey Shore Arts Center, said that the CMA should get more aggressive with demonstrations, picketing, pressure on politicians, and getting tough. But that’s not the CMA’s style.
Besides, what cards does the CMA hold? I can see their case that the pier is an extension of the boardwalk and does supply opportunities as a facility with some public safety attributes and potential, but they have to again make the case to a bureaucracy that has already ruled on one application and two laborious appeals resulting in a boardwalk award for $2.3 million. FEMA has got to be sick and tired of hearing those two words: Ocean Grove.
So why did FEMA change its mind about the pier? It smells like a political knifing—a blindside attack. If you want to hear one conspiracy theory, just re-read our piece about the editorial views of the Weekly Standard magazine. (Weekly Standard link ) You can make up your own mind if you smell a rat.
And if you follow the money, you will find state funds (grants and interest free loans) to for- profit private businesses on the Seaside Heights boards given first for Sandy and then for a fire.
So help is there for their profitable private businesses, but not for our destroyed pier? Who’s to say which need is greatest—–quality of life for Grovers or for pizza operators in SH?
As for the historic Fishing Club, their future is in the hands of the pier’s owners—the OGCMA—who are evidently still not going to make any commitments with the OGFC, because that carries a risk of a firestorm having to do with use of public money for exclusionary clubs, even if the Fishing Club says that they are not private. The locks on the gates say otherwise to anybody who wants to stroll to the end.
Does the recent FEMA reversal on the pier have anything to do with the Fishing Club and the CMA’s unwillingness to make a decision? I think not, because if that were true, a deal would have been already struck between FEMA and the CMA, and all hope for the Fishing Club would have been carried away by the ocean fog.
Finally, there is one solid promise that was made last year by Interim Camp Meeting COO Ralph delCampo, and he made the promise several times when he said, “No matter what, the Fishing Pier will be rebuilt.”
VIVALDI from The Four Seasons
What’s With the Fishing Pier? Part II: The Ocean Grove Fishing Club. 2021 surprise announcement.
Posted in Blogfinger News, Hurricane legacy, Hurricane Sandy funding in Ocean Grove, Hurricane Sandy recovery, tagged Ocean Grove Fishing Club on August 2, 2021| 20 Comments »
4 degrees F. January 2004. Ocean Grove, New Jersey. By Paul Goldfinger © Click for full view
2004. Ocean Grove, NJ. by Paul Goldfinger © Click for full viewBy Paul Goldfinger, M.D. Editor Blogfinger.net. Re-posted. Update 2021.
On May 2, 2013, we posted Part I of our piece about the Ocean Grove fishing pier, “a historic landmark in a historic town.” Here is a link:
At the end of that part I article we discussed some of the more recent history of the pier and of the Ocean Grove Fishing Club, also a historic entity dating back to the late 19th century.
We posted part II late in 2013. That is below followed by an important 2021 update.
It would be best to pick up the story in December 1992 when a huge nor’easter destroyed most of the pier and some of the boardwalk. Only a small portion at the end of the pier was left, and the Fishing Clubhouse was carried out to sea. The Club’s activities were curtailed until 1994 when the pier was rebuilt by the Fishing Club which obtained a Small Business Loan from the Government. They borrowed $277,000 which was paid off by the Club members.
In exchange for that financial commitment, the only quid pro quo was that the Camp Meeting Association would grant them a 30 year lease extending out to 2024.
The mortgage was paid off a few years ago. Note that the Club has always paid the property taxes for the pier, even though the property is still legally owned by the CMA.
Fast forward to August, 2011, when a hurricane named Irene damaged the fishing pier causing destruction of 9 pilings and 20 feet of pier. The boardwalk was not harmed.
The Camp Meeting Association applied to FEMA for $150,000 to make repairs to the pier, but the request was denied.
In a Blogfinger article by Charles Layton (10/22/12) about this matter, Mr. Ralph del Campo of the CMA is quoted as saying “The rejection was because the Fishing Club area is private.”
Once again the OG Fishing Club proposed to finance the reconstruction work if they could be granted an extension of the lease for another 30 years.
Link to 10/22/12 Blogfinger article about 2011 Irene damage to pier
Negotiations between the two sides moved slowly, and finally a decision by the CMA was to be presented on October 29, 2012, ironically the day that Sandy hit. That meeting was never held.
Since Sandy, the Fishing Club has met with the CMA, but the CMA has not been willing to make a commitment regarding the future of the Fishing Club which still has 11 years on its lease. The only thing that they will say with certainty is that they will rebuild the pier.
At this point (2013,) the Fishing Club has lost some members, dropping down to 100. Again, it has offered to finance the rebuilding of the pier, but the CMA has expressed concerns about that financing arrangement and will not agree to the proposal at this time. Mr. Del Campo estimates that the pier will cost between $750,000 to $1 million, although the Fishing Club members think it could be less.
Mr. Del Campo will not discuss the pier situation beyond what he has said already. If the CMA has more specific plans for the pier, it has not revealed those plans publicly.
At a meeting of the Fishing Club Board of Trustees today (May, 2013,) we heard some frustration expressed. The members can’t understand why the CMA would refuse their offer to pay. “Where is the downside of accepting our offer?” asked one member. “We are willing to foot the bill.” The members pointed out that the 1992 nor’easter was a similar situation, and the club kept all its promises including paying off the loan “There is a precedent,” said one of the trustees.
The Fishing Club views itself as being “good citizens” of Ocean Grove, always supportive of the town including a $5,000.00 donation to the Phase 1 rebuilding effort. They say, “We want what’s best for the community.” Their frustrations can be heard in their comments including: “We’re very disappointed. We’re saddened and perplexed. What are their intentions? They don’t want to engage us. This is a stalemate.”
The Fishing Club trustees refuse to consider their organization as a private club. They say that anyone can be a member, and the only reason for limiting the membership has to do with size—-“engineering and safety issues.”
Since 2011, the famous “teaching kids to fish program” has been curtailed. The group thinks that their history and their record of being a “community within a community” needs to be recognized.
What if the Fishing Club is not reinstated on the pier? This is something they do not want to consider, but if it happens, they will continue as a surf-fishing club, but without the kids—it would be too risky and there would have to be lifeguards, rescue boats, etc.
President Al Dawson points out that Asbury Park and Bradley Beach have fishing clubs, but no piers. However, continuing a fishing pier tradition in the Grove that is at least 115 years old is the only way to satisfy these OG fishermen and fisherwomen.
EDITOR’S NOTE: May 21, 2013. Besides the members of the OGFC and the management of the OGCMA, I don’t know how many of you actually care about the intricate details of this situation. However, after another interview with Mr. Ralph Del Campo of the OGCMA, I have to clarify a few points.
First, the FEMA denial for funds to restore the fishing pier after Irene (2011) was not due to the presence of a private club at the end of the pier. That is what the October article in BF said, but Mr. Del Campo believes there was a misunderstanding.
Instead, the denial in 2011 was because the pier was defined as a recreational facility owned by a private nonprofit organization.
The only difference now (2013), post Sandy, is that financing for both the pier and the boardwalk were denied by FEMA because they are deemed recreational and owned by a private nonprofit.
Second, regarding the OG Fishing Club, Mr. Del Campo says that he cannot accept an agreement now with the OGFC until he has “clarity” regarding the FEMA appeal. He says that there are “four or five scenarios” which could develop regarding financing which could influence decisions about the Fishing Club. He said, “Once we have clarity we will talk to the Fishing Club and entertain all options.”
He reminded me that in 1992, when the OGFC financed the reconstruction of the pier, the collateral for that financing was the Camp Meeting Association itself. This is the first time that fact has been mentioned in this dialogue. So here is yet another variable to consider.
Mr. Del Campo says that he is working on “parallel sequential decision trees” which make a final decision impossible at this time. One variable that he acknowledges is that he has not seen a formal, concrete financing commitment from the Fishing Club. If one were to materialize now, he says that he would consider it. His working understanding, based on engineering analysis, is that the job will cost $750,000-$1,000,000.
I think I have laid out the facts, so at this point, May, 2013, the two parties need to talk to each other. Either party may, of course, comment below.—–Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger.
Editor’s note January 20, 2018: *Eventually FEMA approved boardwalk funding in 2014, but they did not approve the request for public funds to rebuild the pier, and there was no appeal because the CMA did not want to rattle the cages in Washington once again.
The CMA has placed the pier reconstruction at the bottom of their priority list, and currently the North End boardwalk work is about to begin. At no time has the CMA bailed out on their promise to eventually restore the pier.
As for the Fishing Club’s current status, we have no information, but if that group still exists, they are welcome to comment below.
August 2021 update: I may have missed something, but if you actually read Michael Badger’s welcoming statement on page 1 of the 2021 Summer Program Guide, he says, “Architects are drawing up the plans for restoring the pier so that the OGCMA can begin the process of getting permits.”
About a year ago a design for a new pier was publicized. It was in the shape of a cross. We don’t know if that is still gospel, but such a design could be practical in offering more space for fishermen. We had a discussion on BF about pier design. I’ll find the link.
But we must go back to the post Sandy era when FEMA refused to pay to fix the pier. You will recall the “public vs private” debates as FEMA tried to figure out what to do. And back in 2007 there were debates about discrimination on the part of the CMA.
So, when it comes to the pier, the 800 pound gorilla in the room which has not been discussed publicly is whether OG will ever again permit a private fishing club at the end of the pier.
Our impression is that such a segregated concept will never happen again, because the pier is a public thoroughfare. Add to the mix the agreement to lease the end for the Fishing Club extends to 2024.
As Uncle Milty would say, “What the hey.”
JOHN COLTRANE “Say It Over and Over Again.”
Memories of Sandy #2: The iconic Great Auditorium in Ocean Grove suffered severe damage to about 25% of its roof. Temporary (rubber) roof placed last week pending decisions on permanent solution.
Posted in Blogfinger Presents, Hurricane legacy, Hurricane Sandy memories, Hurricane Sandy recovery, Photograph by Paul Goldfinger, Photography: Superstorm Sandy series, Photos from the Great Auditorium, Rebuilding after Sandy, tagged New Jersey, New temporary roof for the Great Auditorium in Ocean GRove, Stardust by Warren Vaché on January 2, 2015|
October 30, 2012, 7:45 am. Rear of Great Auditorium. Paul Goldfinger photo ©.
Great Auditorium roof on the morning of Tuesday, October 30, 2012, one day after Sandy hit. The photo does not show the front side damage. This portion of the roof is on the north side. Paul Goldfinger photo. ©
The Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association is ready to complete work on the Great Auditorium roof, but they have had daunting problems deciding about which material to use. Their plan had been to obtain zinc coated stainless steel material, but manufacturing challenges have prevented that. JP Gradone, COO of the OGCMA, sent us the comment below in response to a Blogfinger inquiry yesterday.
“Our insurance company has recently agreed to pay for the installation of a temporary EPDM rubber roof on the damaged area while we continue to work closely with the insurance company to find a permanent solution to resolvethe situation with the roofing material. The temporary roof was completed this week and gives the Great Auditorium an excellent short-term solution while we carefully determine the best material for the permanent roof.”
EPDM rubber roofing on the south side. Blogfinger photos
EPDM rubber roofing on the north side.
One year ago we wrote about the Woody Allen movie “Stardust Memories.” Here is a link to that article because it shows the Great Auditorium decked out as the Stardust Hotel for that 1980 film which Allen considers one of his best.
http://blogfinger.net/2013/12/28/remembering-stardust-memories/
And for this article about the GA roof, here is a version of “Stardust,” a song by Hoagy Carmichael, that was performed by Louis Armstrong in the movie.
But now, in 2015, we present a contemporary jazz version of “Stardust,” an instrumental, by Warren Vaché on trumpet (a Jersey boy,) Derek Watkins, and the Brian Lemon Quartet.
Memories of Sandy #1
Posted in Blogfinger Presents, Hurricane legacy, Hurricane Sandy memories, Photograph by Paul Goldfinger, Photography: Superstorm Sandy series, tagged Remembering Sandy on December 10, 2014|
Shark River Hills. November 1, 2012—two days after Sandy hit. Committeeman Randy Bishop comforts a tearful resident after scavengers try to buy her furniture drying outside. By Paul Goldfinger @Blogfinger.net ©
MAUDE MAGGART sings Irving Berlin:
Building a Boardwalk: Lickety-Split
Posted in Blogfinger Presents, Boardwalk rebuilt in Ocean Grove, Hurricane legacy, Hurricane Sandy recovery, Ocean Grove events, tagged Building the Boardwalk in Ocean Grove on May 30, 2014| 5 Comments »
By Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger
Friday afternoon. May 30, 2014. Ocean Grove’s Middle Beach Boardwalk Project is underway—full steam ahead.
J.P. Gradone, COO of the CMA, had it right when he recently said, “It’s like when you build a house. Once the foundation is done, the framing goes real fast.”
The view from the south end of the project. Note the horizontal supports which are set into the piles. All photos and video by Paul Goldfinger ©
And so it goes for the OG boardwalk project which seemed to be dragging in recent weeks during the excavation phase when the infrastructure was created including exposing the rusty hulk of a bulkhead. The boardwalk was to be set into place west of its prior location so that it could be behind the reinforced bulkhead.
But now, a busy crew is going full speed down there as they drive piles rapidly into the ground using a very tall machine that looks like the Parachute Jump at Coney Island. As each pile is driven into place, the machine seems to slow down, take a deep breath and then belch out some dark smoke—only to move onto the next one without delay.
Then those piles are set upon by a team of burly guys who create notches in the piles to receive horizontal thick wood beams. After that the components are sandwiched together, and the workers use long strong drill bits to chew into the wood rapidly, creating holes for the galvanized steel bolts which hold it all together. Then steel washers and nuts are cranked in place using hand operated big wrenches. Notches have also been placed into the steel bulkhead to receive the horizontal members on the ocean side.
Bolts out of the blue attach the horizontal beams to the pilings. ©
There is no doubt now that this project will be completed on time. Even the Boardwalk Watchers Association can see that.
The Boardwalk Watchers’ Association. An ad hoc group keeping an eye on things. © Click left to join the fun.
PETER, PAUL AND MARY
PARTY TIME IN THE GROVE: FEMA SAYS “YES!!”
Posted in Hurricane legacy, Hurricane Sandy funding in Ocean Grove, Hurricane Sandy in Ocean Grove, Hurricane Sandy memories, Hurricane Sandy recovery, tagged FEMA says yes to Ocean Grove, FEMA will pay to rebuild the Ocean Grove beachfront, Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association is victorious in battle with FEMA on February 7, 2014| 26 Comments »
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”
What does Katrina have to do with our FEMA problem?
Posted in Blogfinger Presents, Hurricane legacy, Hurricane Sandy funding in Ocean Grove, Hurricane Sandy in Ocean Grove, Hurricane Sandy recovery on October 27, 2013| 10 Comments »
By Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger
In December 1992, a vicious nor’easter destroyed the Ocean Grove Boardwalk and Fishing Pier. FEMA, understanding that the Ocean Grove boardwalk was owned by a private non-profit group (The Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association,) readily agreed to pay for the reconstruction of those beachfront structures.
After that, FEMA regulations were changed, many times, over the ensuing years. We don’t know exactly which/when regulatory changes affecting PNP’s (private non-profits) were put in place, but OG ended up being rejected by FEMA after Sandy, and we don’t know why those changes were made.
Ralph delCampo, interim COO of the OGCMA, in interviews with Blogfinger, said, at least twice, that we were suffering now because of rule changes made after Katrina hit New Orleans on August 29, 2005. New regulations were published in 2007.
Yet it seems that if we were eligible in 1992, then surely we should be eligible now. If our boardwalk was understood to be for the public good then, so why is it now written off as a “recreational facility?” Nothing has changed with respect to the Boardwalk’s functions. If there were problems after Katrina, how could that have been something that would cause the rejection of Ocean Grove now?
Consider this quote from the New York Times, last week; in an article about how the Governor has been recently criticized regarding his failure to rebuild after Sandy in many parts of the Shore and to return thousands of citizens to their homes:
“Mr. Christie has blamed the slowness of federal agencies for delays in getting money to residents, and said that New Jersey was paying for the sins from Hurricane Katrina, as the Federal Emergency Management Agency put up hurdles to prevent fraud.”
Again a reference to Katrina, this time from the Governor, and it is about fraud after Katrina. So how does Katrina fraud in New Orleans result in making OG ineligible for aid after Sandy?
Is it possible that Ocean Grove is being punished by being swept up in a storm of regulatory changes that weren’t meant to hurt places like the Grove? Perhaps the issue was also one of cost cutting, but why cut out our boardwalk when it was equally as deserving as all other boardwalks back in 1992? If cost is the concern, then why pay for every boardwalk except ours?
Here’s a quote from a FEMA regulatory statement dated 2007:
“FEMA policy 2007 ineligible PNP Facilities. ‘ Some PNP facilities that might have been assisted prior to 1993 are no longer eligible under the governing statutes and regulations. Examples include: recreation facilities, etc.’ “
We have complained on Blogfinger that OG has been treated unfairly. BF is not the only source of such complaints on behalf of the Grove. Below is a resolution from the NJ Legislature (the link is below)
The synopsis says: “…. urges the President and FEMA to ensure funding necessary to repair Ocean Grove’s boardwalk”
ASSEMBLY JOINT RESOLUTION
No. 103
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
215th LEGISLATURE
INTRODUCED APRIL 4, 2013
Sponsored by:
Assemblywoman MARY PAT ANGELINI
District 11 (Monmouth)
Assemblywoman CAROLINE CASAGRANDE
District 11 (Monmouth)
When I appeared on a panel (BF Link to podcast ) recently to discuss our situation, Mark DiIonno, a Star Ledger columnist who was nominated for a Pulitzer this year said, referring to our denial by FEMA, “Their reasoning was absurd regarding the designation of the OG boards as ‘recreational,'”
He noted that every boardwalk in New Jersey was recreational in the same way that ours is. He referred to the “skewed reasoning of FEMA.”
Need money to rebuild the beachfront? There is a precedent going back to 1885.
Posted in Hurricane legacy, Hurricane Sandy funding in Ocean Grove, Hurricane Sandy in Ocean Grove, Ocean Grove history, tagged An idea for financing the boardwalk, History shows us a precedent on October 13, 2013| 14 Comments »
Sent by Estella: 1904 “..was up and down the boardwalk until 9:30 o’clock.”
On June 3, Frank S., a resident of Ocean Grove, commented regarding our failure to obtain FEMA funding. He said, “Could OGCMA place a special assessment of $250 to $500 on its approximately 3000 homeowners/tenants ??”
No one reacted to his suggestion, even though the idea could have produced $1.5 million. Now we see that there is a precedent going back to 1885.
Rich Amole, amateur OG history sleuth, found this news item in a long out-of-print book called “The Story of Ocean Grove…1869-1919.” The book was copyright in 1919 by the author Morris Daniels, a trustee of the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association.
Rich says, “That paragraph is on page 265 and relates to a storm of 11/25/1885.”
The book goes on to say that the citizens responded with “spirit” and that “the responses were a great encouragement to the Association.” The assessments were voluntary. The total expense, including the repairs to the sewer amounted to $6,500.00 with the remaining $1,500.00 paid by the CMA.
J.H. Thornley, one of the members of the Executive Committee and D.H. Brown, Esq, the treasurer, “drove the nails next to the last, and the president the last in the the new boardwalk at 11:40 am, June 18 1885. …..refreshments and general congratulations followed.”
As many of you know, there were quite a few destructive storms that clobbered the Grove over the ensuing years, and there were a number of boardwalks and piers that were rebuilt by the OGCMA and perhaps the citizens as well.
At no time, until 1992, did the Federal government (FEMA) ever help with rebuilding a boardwalk here. At that time, the government had decided that it was its responsibility to help communities after bad storms, and that n’oreaster caused horrid damage to the beachfront.
In 1993 the rules were changed, and we have now been excluded by FEMA because of a technicality. FEMA has focused on the ownership of the boardwalk instead of focusing on our citizens who deserve to have their very public boardwalk restored by FEMA, so as to provide us with the same economic, safety, emergency, life style and access advantages that other neighboring towns have.
In addition, the CMA, in 1885, recognized that a boardwalk improved the financial value of all the homes in the Grove. Those of you homeowners in town who cheered FEMA for denying help to the CMA are out of step with history, with fair logic and with your own financial interest.
—Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger
Annette Hanshaw–“It All Depends on You.”
Ocean Grove is not alone in waiting for FEMA, but we are still different. Why?
Posted in Hurricane legacy, Hurricane Sandy funding in Ocean Grove, Hurricane Sandy in Ocean Grove, tagged FEMA fails to come through for the Jersey Shore, FEMA slow to pay shore towns, Ocean Grove citizens denied FEMA funding on October 8, 2013| 8 Comments »
By Paul Goldfinger, editor @Blogfinger
Long Branch boardwalk post-Sandy (Long Branch Patch)
Long Branch not only hasn’t rebuilt its Sandy-damaged boardwalk, it hasn’t even designed the new one. Although it expects to receive money from FEMA, it has no idea how much money it will get. As a result, the city council there has not given their engineers the go ahead to plan the project. Mayor Adam Schneider is quoted by the Link News (latest October edition) as saying, “A $10 million boardwalk would be designed differently than a $14 million boardwalk.” He said that he hoped the amount will be disclosed sooner than later.
As in Ocean Grove’s situation, the goal is to build a new boardwalk that is designed to withstand the ravages of another super storm. There is one cautionary note: FEMA will pay to rebuild boardwalks as they were before the storm. They do not pay for newly designed structural enhancements such as bulkheads.
Interestingly, the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association has gone ahead with planning for its project so that work can be begun as soon as financing is achieved.
A citizen questioned the Long Branch mayor as to why they are still waiting while Seaside Heights and other towns have already rebuilt. He said that Long Branch’s situation is technically different because of the loss of sand and “bluffs.” Long Branch took out a note for $5 million shortly after Sandy, but, as noted, no FEMA funds have arrived.
Unfortunately, 42 shore towns have sold nearly $400 million in short-term debt at a relatively high interest rate in order to get their recovery projects going after Sandy, expecting to be paid back by FEMA, but now some of those towns are sweating because FEMA has been slow to pay, even though Congress approved over $800 million for Jersey in January 2013.
Belmar is one of those towns that took on debt to begin a project that was estimated to cost $20 million. The town borrowed multiple millions of dollars. This summer, Belmar did receive $9.2 million from the feds (Belmar Manasquan Patch July 13, 2013). Manasquan borrowed over $3 million in August, and they are desperate to get the promised federal help
Long Beach Island borrowed $8 million in March and has only received 9% back from FEMA. Mayor Mancini of Long Beach Township said, “It’s an absolute disgrace that we’re going to have to go out and bond nine months after the money’s been appropriated by Congress. We can’t self-fund any more. Our pockets aren’t that deep.” (Bloomberg )
Asbury Park approved an emergency appropriation of $7.1 million that will be allocated over five years. Their project was initially estimated at $12 million. We don’t know if they received any FEMA checks.
As for Neptune, the Manasquan Patch reported on August 23, “Neptune Township, which includes hard hit areas of Ocean Grove and Shark River Hills, received …… just more than $1.9 million, according to the figures.
“Lynn Servon, secretary of the Neptune Township Economic Development Corporation, said FEMA estimated the township’s damages at around $7.2 million.”
This is the first we have heard about FEMA payments to Neptune. For more information about the Neptune payments, see comments.
FEMA paid $3 million to Seaside Heights for their boardwalk after Sandy, but the final bill will be much higher. Now, after the fire, the two Seasides expect to get $1.4 million more to re-do their boardwalks. Reuters reported that there will be help for [at least 30] privately owned businesses at the Seasides including Bubba’s Dog House, Kupper’s French Fries, and Marruca’s Tomato Pies.”
This is from Philly.com (Sept 19): “The state chapter of Americans for Prosperity, which is affiliated with the tea party, believes the state should not cover fire losses that cannot definitively be tied to Sandy. And left-leaning housing advocacy groups say funds should not be diverted to unrelated needs as long as displaced New Jerseyans are still on waiting lists for housing aid.” In addition, they asked, “So why is Sandy relief money being earmarked to rebuild burned structures – including, according to Christie, businesses unaffected by the storm?”
- Sept. 13, 2013
In May, the Point Pleasant Beach had received no money from FEMA for their boardwalk. They complained loudly and got a check for $2.1 million. (Point Pleasant.Patch.com)
When Spring Lake did not get its money, Rep Chris Smith (Monmouth County 4th district-replacing Rep. Pallone for OG) went to bat, and FEMA awarded Spring Lake over $4 million in federal funding in June toward the $5.5 million cost to replace their boardwalk. Rep Smith said, “Boardwalks are the economic lifeline of beach towns, which would not fully recover unless their boardwalks are rebuilt and open for tourism. I will continue to work to help Spring Lake and other towns recover and rebuild.” Rep Smith also announced $2.3 million for Avon-By-the-Sea.
Rep. Chris Smith (r) in Avon.
However, the people of Ocean Grove have never seen our Rep (Smith) in town. Most of us don’t even know he exists. We are told that he is working on our behalf, but he really should show his face down by our grassy/sandy middle beach strip and say something to the people of Ocean Grove.
Our Senator Menendez is quoted as saying, when discussing Pt. Pleasant, “I will continue fighting for the federal resources we need to help all New Jersey communities rebuild even better and stronger than before the storm.” (Pt. Pleasant Patch) Where is he on Ocean Grove’s unique situation where our citizens are being treated unfairly?
The Governor said that part of the reimbursement slowdown is because some of the towns did not do their paperwork properly. (Ouch!)
As a result of the borrowing, Moody’s gave negative credit ratings to Belmar, Lavallette, Sea Bright and Long Beach Twp. Seaside Heights was significantly downgraded.
In June, FEMA said that it would reimburse these towns 90% of their expenses.
We may not have all the numbers right , but clearly only a small amount of approved FEMA money has actually been received by the towns around here. This is worrisome and requires our attention along with our chronic concern about the citizens of Ocean Grove’s status at the bottom of the heap.
Volunteers Descend on the Ocean Front—multiple organizations take part. Click on any photo and follow the lateral arrows.
Posted in Blogfinger News, Hurricane legacy, Hurricane Sandy recovery, tagged Volunteers work the beach front today on April 13, 2013| 3 Comments »
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- Beautification: Connie Ogden (L), Joan Knust, Phyllis Schroeder (R). The guy on the left has his eye on Connie.
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- Sofia (L) and mom Paula Giglio. They came down from New City to help.They are Grovers.
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- Volunteers at the beach front. They came on a big green bus; except for Connie in the red shirt
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- Restoring the pier out to where those boards end. That 167 feet will be open, but no water for fishing.
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- Volunteers from American Fence Co. sanding and painting the rails
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- Clarke family are staying at the Majestic. They are in order of shortest to tallest: Eamonn, Aidan, Lisa, Neil
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- Korie Kalavado of Bath, Pa. She lives on a horse farm. Korie knows machines.
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- Joyce Mante of Easton, Pa. Her family owns American Fence, Co.
Sophia and Paula Giglio of New City, New York, have a second home in the Grove. They decided to come down this weekend and lend a hand to the group that was busy shoveling sand off the grassy area just east of Ocean Avenue, opposite Main. They brought two wheelbarrows along, which they donated. Dad was in New York City working as a physician.
But most of the workers, about 40 of them, showed up this morning in a large green bus that had been hired by the Calvary Baptist Church of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. These church volunteers were working side-by-side with members of the OG Beautification Project who were determined to eliminate the sandy berms (ie piles of sand) that were burying the beach roses (rosa rugosa) and preventing spring planting. Connie Ogden, wearing a bright red OG sweatshirt, had a shovel in her hand while giving me the rundown (no, not rubdown.) I needed that because the cast of characters was like an anthill, busy as bees (sorry for the insect analogies.)
You could see the problem because the roses were starting to bloom, and only their little rose heads could be seen sticking out of the sand.
A very special group of workers, from the American Fence and Flag company (see post below) were concentrating on the pier and the South End. There were about six of them, and they also came on the same bus. Mr. Bill Bailey of the OGCMA took me over to see what was going on. The CMA engineers had decided that 167 feet of the pier could be salvaged and safely used. Mr. Bailey viewed this project as being important for the morale of the town—“to give hope for the future.”
A group of Pennsylvania carpenters were up on the pier replacing damaged board planks with reclaimed boards from the Sandy mess. Those boards look like new, because they are new, having been placed last year after Irene. Other volunteers from that Pa. company were installing, sanding and painting the metal railings.
We met the Clarke family from Sterling , New Jersey. They were watching the work, impressed with all the activity. They happily posed for a photo and told us that they often visit the Grove, and they feel good about the restoration effort unfolding in front of them. The Majestic Hotel is their home base this weekend.
Mr. Bailey busied himself walking around and interacting with the workers, trying to help expedite the situation. He has lived in Ocean Grove for much of his life, and this volunteer effort was deeply impressive to him, but not surprising. He also admitted that these volunteers are saving the CMA a large amount of money that can be used for the ongoing storm recovery.
—text and all photos by Paul Goldfinger
TO THE VOLUNTEERS—- THANK YOU— YOU’RE TOO MARVELOUS FOR WORDS:
What Does Hurricane Irene Have to do With the Current FEMA Sandy Appeal ?
Posted in Blogfinger News, Hurricane Irene, Hurricane legacy, Hurricane Sandy recovery, tagged What does the current FEMA denial have to do with hurricane Irene? on March 2, 2013| 1 Comment »
Ocean Grove Fishing Pier, 2004. Paul Goldfinger photo
By Paul Goldfinger
Many of you are probably unaware that Ocean Grove has a past history of being rejected by FEMA, and that history reverberates today. In early 2012, the OGCMA received word that FEMA would not provide funds to repair the fishing pier damage that resulted from the 2011 hurricane Irene. The rejection was a surprise because the CMA had received help in the past for prior storm damage to the Great Auditorium.
The reason for the FEMA Irene damage denial had to do with the recreational functions of the pier, and a related component may have been due to the fact that the public had no access to the private fishing club area. In a recent discussion with Mr. delCampo of the OGCMA, he was concerned that the current Sandy appeal might be negatively impacted if the CMA were to agree now that the fishing club would be reestablished at the end of the pier where it has been located for many years.
At this time, rebuilding the pier has been declared a lower priority by the CMA, and they have not been willing to enter into discussions regarding the fishing club’s future at this time. The OG fishing club has about nine years left on its CMA lease for the pier, but it’s not clear if that lease will be honored in the future.