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.