Today we feature the town with the most hyphenated town in America. Their boardwalk rebuild seems to be slow—lots of footings.
Avon-by-the-sea. April 2, 2013. Paul Goldfinger photo. Click left to make the hyphens bigger.
URI CAIN ENSEMBLE:
Archive for the ‘Hurricane Sandy recovery’ Category
Jersey Shore Gallery: Avon-by-the-Sea
Posted in Hurricane Sandy recovery, Jersey Shore gallery, tagged Avon-by-the-sea on April 2, 2013|
Ocean Grove TidBit
Posted in Hurricane Sandy funding in Ocean Grove, Hurricane Sandy recovery, tagged June fundraiser planned on March 4, 2013| 2 Comments »
Showtime at the Great Auditorium PG photo ©
Shelley Belusar, the current CMA program director, worked with Peter, Paul and Mary for 30 years. She is currently organizing a very special fundraiser for the CMA rebuilding efforts. It will be a variety show called “Raise the Roof” at the Great Auditorium on the evening of June 15. The show will have performers from these genres: Broadway, folk, cabaret, and quite a few surprises ( You will not want to miss this show) including Peter and Paul who already have agreed to perform. We will bring you up to date on this event as the program lineup is fully organized. —Paul (the BF Paul not the Blowin’ in the Wind Paul)
PETER, PAUL AND MARY (Michael! Please row faster, we’ve go to get to the show)
Editor’s Note: The 31st Giant Craft Show, usually held on Labor Day weekend, will be held on this same day—June 15. It is the Fathers’ Day weekend.
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.
The FEMA Appeal: A multi-pronged approach
Posted in Hurricane Sandy funding in Ocean Grove, Hurricane Sandy recovery, tagged FEMA AppeaL: A mutipronged approach, Hurricane Sandy in Ocean Grove on February 26, 2013| 5 Comments »
Ocean Grove, New Jersey boardwalk. October 30, 2012. 8:40 a.m. By Paul Goldfinger. Click left for full view
by Paul Goldfinger
When the OGCMA received the FEMA rejection in January, they felt that Ocean Grove was being treated unfairly. After all, our boardwalk has been no different in terms of its importance to the community than, for example, Bradley Beach’s. Ralph delCampo, interim administrator of the CMA, pointed out that we are eligible for FEMA aid, and the only reason for the rejection was that our boardwalk was seen as a purely recreational space, even though the reality is otherwise. When seen in that light, surely there is an injustice here, when other towns with identical boardwalk situations have been already granted financial aid. It was clear that the current FEMA regulations should be modified to address the legitimate needs in the Grove.
A decision was then made to appeal, but the CMA quickly learned that the situation was complicated . One of the first things that they discovered was that the goal posts have been moved since the CMA last received FEMA money in the 1990’s; changing regulations had left Ocean Grove vulnerable. And the appeal process would require a lot more than just filling out some papers.
They soon realized that they would need help from multiple sources in local, state and federal government. In addition, a team of consultants would be required to help navigate the situation.
They also looked back at what happened in 2011 when, after Hurricane Irene, the CMA was denied FEMA funding to fix the pier . You might be surprised as to why they were rejected back then. We will explain that in our next piece on this topic.
In an interview today, Mr. delCampo was effusive in his praise for everyone who has stepped to the plate in a genuine, “nonpolitical” way to try and help Ocean Grove. He mentioned the support of Neptune Township elected officials and staff, the Governor’s office, State Senator Jennifer Beck, our State Assemblymen, Congressman Chris Smith, as well as consultants including Eileen Kean and a group of FEMA experts led by a “young man” who used to be a lifeguard in the Grove.
In keeping with a multi-pronged process for the appeal, Mr. delCampo is asking citizens to “write letters to FEMA describing personal anecdotes” where they witnessed or personally experienced emergency services at the beachfront area or any other events that illustrate the non-recreational activities that occur there. Please send those letters to the CMA at their offices (54 Pitman Avenue, Ocean Grove, NJ 07756) and they will be sent to FEMA along with other elements of the appeal.
OGCMA Announces a New Fund Raising Campaign
Posted in Hurricane Sandy funding in Ocean Grove, Hurricane Sandy recovery, Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association, tagged Fund raising for OG Sandy repairs, Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association Sandy fund raising, Raising funds for Sandy damage in Ocean Grove on February 23, 2013| 1 Comment »
Great Auditorium hurricane rear roof damage (other roof areas were damaged as well). Paul Goldfinger photo
In a card mailing from the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association, a “campaign to restore the OG boardwalk, Great Auditorium roof and Thornley Chapel” is announced for “early in 2013.”
More information will be forthcoming, but the announcement is directed to “all friends of Ocean Grove.”
Of special significance is the clarification regarding earmarks. The card said, “Your gift to the campaign can be specifically designated to, and solely used for, any one of the three projects.” The project is described as a “major effort,” and the theme is that “together we can succeed.”
This announcement does not actually call for “capital gifts” at this time. It is basically a “heads up.”
If you have any questions, contact Karen Adams at 732 775 0035, ext. 114. —-Paul Goldfinger
Photo News: “A clean slate— ready to build.”
Posted in Hurricane Sandy recovery, Photo News, tagged Progress at the Boardwalk on February 22, 2013| 2 Comments »
By Ted Aanensen, Blogfinger staff photographer . Feb. 22, 2013.
New Jersey Dept. of Environmental Protection Commissioner Visits OG Today
Posted in Hurricane Sandy recovery, tagged NJ DEP Commish visits the Grove on February 14, 2013| 3 Comments »
Thursday, February 14, 2013. Bob Martin, the New Jersey DEP Commissioner visited the OG boardwalk along with local officials and 11th District legislators. The visit was set up to underscore the support of the Christie administration for Ocean Grove’s FEMA appeal.
HERE IS THE OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE FROM THE OFFICE OF STATE SENATOR JENNIFER BECK.
11th Legislative District-
COMMISSIONER ROBERT MARTIN VISITS OCEAN GROVE
Department of Environmental Protection head considers boardwalk,
FEMA decision and rebuilding
Following FEMA’s rejection of Ocean Grove’s request for public funding to assist with the rebuilding of the boardwalk, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin visited Ocean Grove to meet with local officials and 11th district legislators. Ocean Grove is appealing FEMA’s decision.
“I am grateful that Commissioner Martin is taking the time to come and meet with community leaders and hear their case,” said Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04). “Ocean Grove is an integral part of the New Jersey shoreline in Monmouth County with its boardwalk providing a vital link between the towns of Asbury Park and Bradley Beach. This heavily used, recognized public thoroughfare needs to be repaired and again serve as a resource for police, emergency personal, and the public. Hopefully, the Ocean Grove boardwalk will be put back into service as soon as possible.”
“Commissioner Martin’s visit sent a message to the residents of Ocean Grove and to FEMA that the Christie administration is taking this decision very seriously,” said Senator Jennifer Beck (R-Monmouth). “Ocean Grove’s boardwalk is integral to the Monmouth County’s shoreline and serves as a critical provider of emergency services including lifeguards and EMTs. The Association also maintains the boardwalk while providing full public access and year round emergency services to the residents of Ocean Grove and neighboring towns. I cannot stress enough how important this boardwalk is to the region.”
In correspondence dated February 6th, FEMA rejected Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association’s request for public assistance to rebuild the boardwalk. The letter from FEMA explained Ocean Grove does not meet the criteria of an eligible facility described in Title 44 Code of Federal Regulations 206.221(e) and Policy: Recreational facilities owned or operated by private nonprofit applicants are not eligible for FEMA public assistance.
Senator Beck, Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande and Assemblywoman Mary Pat Angelini responded with a promise to support Ocean Grove’s appeal.
“We are so grateful Commissioner Martin came to Ocean Grove to view first hand the damage to the boardwalk” says Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande (R-Monmouth). “The residents and businesses of historic Ocean Grove are looking for the same assistance that other Jersey Shore communities have gotten. The goal is to have a thriving community ready to receive tourists this summer season.”
“I am very pleased that Commissioner Martin was able to get a firsthand look at the damage done to Ocean Grove’s boardwalk. Not only is the boardwalk vital to Ocean Grove’s business district it is an integral part of our regional economy,” said Assemblywoman Mary Pat Angelini (R- Monmouth). “We will continue working to find a solution that will allow the boardwalk to be rebuilt without creating a financial burden for local taxpayers.”
“Ocean Grove is very grateful for the hands on effort, commitment and attention that the Christie Administration is providing our community in light of FEMA’s initial determination,” said Dr. Dale Whilden, President of the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association. “We are also appreciative of Commissioner Martin’s visit today and the unwavering support of Congressman Smith, Senator Beck, Assemblywoman Casagrande and Assemblywoman Angelini.”
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Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association remains fully committed to the restoration of the boardwalk and beachfront despite FEMA’s initial rejection of funding.
Posted in Hurricane Sandy recovery, Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association, tagged OGCMA issues press release about FEMA denial on February 8, 2013| 4 Comments »
PRESS RELEASE FROM THE CMA (Ocean Grove, NJ – February 8, 2013) :
As a result of Hurricane Sandy, the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association (OGCMA) applied for FEMA Public Assistance to enable the repair of damages and restore the boardwalk and beachfront.
OGCMA provided FEMA with relevant information regarding the role the boardwalk plays as an emergency facility that supports Ocean Grove’s ability to protect the health and safety of its community and visitors. As the only access point to the beachfront, the boardwalk has been relied upon to act as the systematic lifeline of Ocean Grove.
On February 6, OGCMA was informed that although the organization is eligible for FEMA assistance as a non-profit, the boardwalk facility is ineligible because FEMA considers it a recreational facility. As per FEMA policy, recreational facilities owned by non-profits are not eligible to receive FEMA Public Assistance. OGCMA officials expressed disappointment in the initial decision by FEMA, particularly since FEMA had provided funding for the beachfront restoration after the 1992 nor’easter.
Despite the determination that the boardwalk is a recreational facility, OGCMA is planning an appeal to FEMA, and also investigating available assistance through other federal and state resources. Supplemental disaster recovery grant programs are offered through the US Department of Housing and Urban Development and US Small Business Administration.
OGCMA President, Dr. Dale C. Whilden stated: “The OGCMA remains focused upon the restoration of its boardwalk and beachfront in a timely manner. As the only access point to a beachfront which hosts over a quarter of a million visitors annually, the boardwalk is vital to the assurance of public safety. Ocean Grove’s responsibility to protect the general public matches that of every other shore community in New Jersey. We are currently planning an appeal to FEMA regarding the determination, and are committed to finding ways to expedite the recovery process.”
OGCMA is focused on meeting all recovery needs within the community and continues to work for the beachfront to be open and functional on Memorial Day of this year (details regarding this process are covered in OGCMA’s January 11, 2013 update). In spite of FEMA’s determination, OCGMA is on track to implement a comprehensive beach and boardwalk restoration plan once funding is procured.
Out of Town Relief Workers Arrive. Tuesday morning, November 6.
Posted in Hurricane Sandy recovery, tagged Relief workers arrive in Ocean Grove on November 6, 2012| 2 Comments »
Members of the Calvary Chapel Relief–Hurricane Sandy arrived with plans to help Ocean Grove. They came with a busload of kids from their Christian school in Old Bridge, NJ. Pastor Lloyd Pulley (left) said that they would be based in the Youth Temple. PG photo