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”