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Christie on Delays in Sandy Aid: 'Please Be Patient'

Plans are being formulated at the state level for how to spend Hurricane Sandy relief aid, but the money hasn't come in yet.

 

The state is developing plans for how and where to best allocate Hurricane Sandy relief aid, writing proposals for putting together lists for its various relevant agencies, from Housing and Urban Development to the Department of Transportation.

The money will come, Gov. Chris Christie told a crowd in Union Beach Tuesday, and it will be used to rebuild New Jersey and get residents back into their hurricane-ravaged homes.

Be patient, he said. The check hasn't been written yet.

Christie joined other local legislators in celebration after a $50.7 billion hurricane relief bill passed in a contentious U.S. House of Representatives in January before heading off to the U.S. Senate for approval and finally to President Barack Obama’s desk for a signature and adoption. It's not here, he said, but it will come soon.

“In the bill there are deadlines for when the money will flow,” Christie said. “Those deadlines have not passed yet.”     

The State estimated that New Jersey suffered more than $37 billion in property damage following Hurricane Sandy’s late October arrival. Approximately 350,000 properties throughout the state were damaged or destroyed by the storm leaving anxious owners wondering when they’ll get the aid they’ve been promised.

As soon as the state gets the money, it will be put to work, Christie said.

In an effort to ensure that relief money is spent wisely, Christie said the sate would rely on transparency. There’s even talk in the state Legislature, he said, of developing a bill that would demand integrity spending.

"We’ll be very transparent about it. We certainly don’t want any of the money waster,” he said, adding, “We want everyone to see where the money is going. That’s to our advantage.”

Some municipalities throughout the state have received Public Assistance program funding through FEMA to help cover the cost of debris removal and emergency response, though many large projects at the municipal level have yet to receive federal assistance.

Residents, too, have been left out waiting for aid.

Currently, Christie said the state is hoping to use block grants and HUD to supplement the cost of elevating homes along the shore. With the state adopting the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Advisory Base Flood Elevation maps, or ABFEs, many residents now find themselves facing exorbitant flood insurance costs if they’re unable to elevate their homes. Residents with flood insurance are eligible for Increased Cost of Compliance funding to the tune of $30,000 to raise their homes, though in many cases that may not be enough.

The block grants could cover the shortfall between the $30,000 and the actual cost of home elevation, though how much would be available remains to be seen. Soon, Christie said, New Jersey’s residents will get what’s coming to them.

One thing Christie feels residents should no longer be patient for is claim payouts from the National Flood Insurance Program. According to data he said he received from the Department of Banking and Insurance, approximately 85 percent of non-flood related insurance claims related to Sandy have been paid out, an exception figure considering it’s been just three months since Sandy landed on New Jersey’s coastline. The same can’t be said for the NFIP.

Just 30 percent of flood insurance claims have been paid thus far in what Christie called a “disgrace.” While New Jersey waits for its share of Hurricane Sandy relief funding, the flood insurance program has already been bolstered with funding of its own. At the start of the New Year, Congress approved a measure allowing FEMA to borrow more than $9 billion to pay Sandy-related claims.

Yes, they’ve been busy, Christie acknowledge, but he chalked the delay up to people not doing their jobs correctly.

“We need to do something different now,” he said. “We need to be loud and public (about the delays).”

Related Topics: FEMA flood maps and Hurricane Sandy

Martin

3:47 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

After his politicial pals at AshBritt got their multi-million-dollar "no-bid" contract, Christie boughgt doughnuts with our money and ate them on TV with Letterman last night. Boardwalks and businesses will be next, and what's left will go to homeowners.

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.

11:23 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

...and that was only after he returned from his trip to New Orleans for the Super Bowl. I hope people are starting to realize that this man really is not good for New Jersey.

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peter festa

8:59 pm on Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Its better than watching OBAMA lie to the American People this Gov is genuine

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shorecorruption

9:47 pm on Thursday, March 28, 2013

Transparency to me, would be to publish in local papers each month what it was spent on.All agencies!

Bob

3:52 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

It is amazing to me that our state legislature has to demand an "integrity spending" bill to get the aid to the people who need it. What a joke. They are all in a cesspool together.

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Sue

2:14 pm on Thursday, February 7, 2013

"Stop FEMA Now" grassroots uprising!
Meet 'n' greet this Saturday 2/9/12, 3-4 pm
Belly Busters, 708 Fischer Blvd, Toms River NJ

Let's get together and discuss and strategize how to rectify FEMA overkill (flawed maps, ridiculously high elevation mandates and usurious annual insurance premiums will BANKRUPT the Shore and make it a ghost town (except for the wealthy).

How about a class-action lawsuit? Petitions to White House, federal and/or state legislators? Letter-writing and email campaigns to news media? Rallies on steps of Statehouse and Congress?

"United we stand, divided we drown in debt!"

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.

2:01 pm on Friday, May 17, 2013

Yes, please go far away governor.

cindy

4:01 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

I haven't got my flood insurance money yet and don't know how I'll afford to lift the property higher up.

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shorebabe

9:18 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Cindy, me neither. I'm wondering how we can apply or get the money from this grant money he's talking about.

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ann marie houlis

10:10 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

you have to re-apply for ICC, call your agent, youll need to send the letter from the town along with an estimate, ive been told that once you get you letter you are put on the list for the grants i called my towns boro clerk, she confirmed that i was already on the list

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ann marie houlis

10:35 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

cindy and terrilynn....you should also go back into FEMAS website and apply for everything!!!!.apply for the loan the number is 1-800-488-5323 then make a complaint to the NFIP and FEMA , i heard nothing till i made the complaint, not sure its going to help, but my phones been ringing ever since and suddenly everyone wants to help, i also emailed christie...PUSH PUSH PUSH and dont back down they beat you down and wait for you to give in ...well not this girl, you beat me down and i get pissed, i also hired an attorney.....i will not back off

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ann marie houlis

10:54 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

cindy...you dont have to accept what your flood offers you..if its not enough dont take it there goina low ball you, dont except their engineer either, hire a private one also think about a public adjuster....if you didnt see my last post,,,,call your agent and re-apply for the ICC, its seperate ...i feel so bad for you and terrilynn ive been fighting and IM not backing down..i normally wouldnt do this but,,,,,if either of you want to know what ive learned you can call me at my shop...732 544-0600

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foggyworld

1:05 pm on Wednesday, February 6, 2013

You are getting the drift of the program. The intention is to have us leave.

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butch cassidy

1:43 pm on Wednesday, February 6, 2013

me either cindy i really could start crying but am afraid once i start i wont be able to stop! my god between flood ins health ins raising a home there is no way i can pay those bills...ive applied for everything and will probably get nothing..seems like the people who pay their taxes work hard everyday to do the right thing are the ones getting punished...so if i happen to have a savings account .. what a fool i was to believe in the american dream..

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Kristy

4:53 pm on Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Cindy, If you need any assistance with these issues please contact me. My company Cross Builders, which is contracting and construction has been working with a home lifting company, so far we have helped the displaced homeowners get the ICC grant and once the work is started they were able to move back home between 4-6 weeks. There is so much information and loop holes with the government aid that people don't even know about! Please contact me directly and I can help answer any of your questions. Kristy- 732 440-4070
Kristy@crossbuildersllc.com

Rob

4:06 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Governor please put someone in charge that we trust. You need to dredge ,remove debri from the bays and rebuild the dunes better than before. If this is not done than we will have flooding as in the last two northeaster's. The smallest storm will be devasting to all who have already taken care of their property with their own money, not waiting for flood money from the Ins. co. Do not waste money like in the past ie: school construction. Don't every one out there agree.

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Resident of Lacey

8:14 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Let's get people back in their homes FIRST! Lift them up and move them in. Then fix the other stuff, yes, it is important too however people need to get their lives back, their businesses back.

Patricia Perillo

4:11 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Be Patient, what a joke ! 100 million dollars went to ASHBRITT 5 days after Sandy hit us. We are in our 4th month of waiting to get any aid from FEMA. What a pitiful situation the people are in. Every has the gimme tactic and it is not from the flood victims who just have about given up on restoring anything. It is the greedy politicians with their hands out for consultation services and accepting mega bucks for people they are supposed to represent.

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Jackie Simon

4:14 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

In addition to the grants what we really need is for the Governor to get behind the efforts of Save Our New Jersey Communities and request that FEMA revisit the flood zone mapping. Many of us have been mapped in zone V which is incorrect and unjust.

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ann marie houlis

4:18 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

i cant be patient anymore,,,,i have a flood policy that doesnt want to pay,homeowners that wont pay, no help from fema,a letter from the town stating we have over 50% damage and have to raise our house and can no longer have a basement and my utilities have to be moved upstairs wich will take our bedroom over ...now need to build up, and no money from anyone...but they have no problem taking my insurance payments....this is pathetic!!!!!

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lu ann silveri

6:08 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

You have said it PERFECTLY!!!!!!!!
No insurance money yet (and its disgraceful what they offer to pay), no compliance money yet, no money to build up, but my daughter still is paying her mortgage!
If another person says "Jersey is strong, we will rebuild" I am going to scream! The bottom line is - You can't build without money!!!!

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ann marie houlis

7:34 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

i feel bad for your daughter lu ann, its so hard to deal with all this crap on top of paying a mortgage and taxes, living in oceanport my taxes are very high,plus my flood insurance is due next month...lol...i hope it all works out for your daughter and her family...i have hired a public adjuster, i am not going to settle for the pennies our insurance wants to pay, maybe something your daughter should look into...

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shorebabe

9:23 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

You said it Ann Marie. I'm in the same boat, so to speak. I was told by FEMA I'm not eligible for any assistance from them since I have insurance. I haven't heard from my public adjuster or my insurance company. In the meantime, I'm trying to get a company that lifts homes tosend me a proposal. Trying to get the surveryor here to survey the home. It's all bs. Meantime, I'm outta money and way outta patience.

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ann marie houlis

10:02 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

i know what your going threw terrlynn...but ..dont depend on a company that "lifts houses" they are extremly over priced, most larger construction companys can do it, i had an estimate from one of those companys and it was twice the amount my builder is asking for...and you shouldnt have to raise your house unless you have a letter from the town saying you have over 50% damage, the town should send an engineer...why do you need a surveyor?

Patricia Perillo

4:30 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

It is people who lost nothing can say " BE PATIENT ". We need to start own own governing body made up of people who live 12 months out of the year on the barrier island. They can relate to our pain and anger about being neglected by our politicians. We need someone who can help us get justification on our losses. Homeowners are not looking to build a mansion, just make us whole again before Sandy hit us. Not that we sow, but we seldomly reap. Not that we die, but we die like sheep. And believe me barrier island residents are not going to remain idle another month.

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Tom Bolcar

4:37 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Being patien't doesn't get the advisory maps corrected. We can't start to rebuild even if the checks start to come in because we don't know what we are supposed to do. What we need to get rebuilding done in earnest on the mainland is you to change your stance and join every other politician in the state in rejecting the rediculous Advisory Maps. Being patient is what we have been with you personally Governor Christie. An upright guy should be able to admit he was wrong about the maps.

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Jim Leone

4:53 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Amazing.... a TON of money has been raised. Benefit after Benefit... I live in shore acres and we were SLAMMED. Not ONE PERSON has seen a DIME of this benefit money! NONE!
Corrupt politics once AGAIN! It will NEVER change in this slum called NJ run by corruption.

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ann marie houlis

5:18 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

doesnt that make your blood boil.....its really a shame that all those people donated hard earned money and for what...they donated to a lie

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Tine

9:31 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

We have even tried to apply for aid from these places with no result! What were the benefits for???

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Lori Noel Lewkowitz

11:04 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Jim Leone: Ocean County College rec'd $200,000 from the 12/12/12 concert in MSG and are doling it out to needy students in increments for their supplies, tuition, etc. That's the only giveback that I've heard about with all of these so called beg-a-thons and Sandy relief benefits. Christie and his wife started a charity and have collected a few million dollars so far. Where has that money gone? Is that even legal for a sitting governor to do that? Lori (Ortley Beach)

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Lori Noel Lewkowitz

11:14 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

I know for a fact that you can start a charity, collect money, operate for 10 years and call it "start up costs" before you ever have to turn any of the money over to the cause. That's legal, sickening and nobody knows that. Labor Day weekend's yearly telethon only gives $.17 for every dollar raised to muscular dystrophy.

Chief Wahoo

5:00 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Keep believing this guy. Do you see where it has got you in only 3 short years. I am still waiting for him to LOWER property taxes. You people have been had by the fat liar. Anyone besides public employees any better off on NJ than 3years ago ????? Yet you will vote for the fat guy again because he is a tough talker. Big deal. 9.8% unemployment is NJ. Highest property taxes in Country. Most foreclosures in the pipeline in the country. Now he is Going for the land grab in Ocean County. Make sure you vote for Christie again , just before they kick you out of your house. Hey you voted for Polhemus. Forget Stockholm Syndrome. Ocean County Syndrome is much worse.

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peter festa

5:10 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

jeerk off the Money comes from washington where the biggest LIAR in the world lives. And all the tv station has nor gone after in ovewr 4 years but a jerk goes after ounGOVERNOR who had to kiss Obams ass for the money.So watch what you say stupid.

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Spooner

5:16 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

...it just amazes me watching these cable news channels, painting this guy as some kind of savior...and Presidential timber for 2016. As I said before: Obama, Washington DC, and Christie are going to do there share in wiping out the middle class.

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Chief Wahoo

5:17 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Sorry Peter Fester, if you think I care about Obama when it comes to NJ. A liar in DC doesn't give a pass to the fat liar in Trenton. Take that red team cheerleader skirt off. It makes you look dumber than you sound. Dope.

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Enuf Already

6:45 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Hey Chief! I suppose you'd rather have Corzine or McGreedy in office, huh? So what's you're answer "mouth".

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Chief Wahoo

7:25 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

My answer WAS Steve Lonegan. Why do you fools always point to other clowns to stick up for your clown. So if i call out Christie , that means i must love Corzine. Red vs Blue team. Boy the sheep are so easily fooled. I'm just the messenger to wake you zombies up !!!

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clamdigger

8:45 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

how do you propose Christie get the money faster?

Obama was the one who promised NO Red Tape when he showed before the election then split and hasn't been heard from since.

Do you want Christie to just snap his fingers and fix it all?

Do you want the entire state to pony up funds for each and every household that had damage until they can figure out how their own insurance works?

So the guy went on Letterman, BIG Friggin' deal. Could her have used the time to plead our case,sure he could have but it's a comedy program that runs on Dave's agenda and only Dave can discuss politics if Dave wants to.

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Enuf Already

10:19 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Chiefy- Lonegan is out. So hit the snooze button.

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.

11:27 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Hopefully, Christie will be out too come the next election.

Stilts

5:08 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

New Jersey's adoption of the ABFE's has nothing to do with "residents now facing exorbitant flood insurance costs...". They would face those whether the State adopted the ABFE's or not. Christie's ruling only affects construction projects, and has no effect on federal flood insurance premiums...

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Cheri P

5:15 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

My parents were hopeful after seeing Christie at the Manahawkin Town Hall several weeks ago - however to date they still have not received any money from their insurance company; and now they've recently been informed that they have to come up with thousands of dollars to raise their home or pay $30k+ for flood insurance. Talk about adding insult to injury. They've always done the right thing, worked hard, paid their taxes and paid their insurance premiums on time - now they are retired, live on social security and will soon have to walk away from their beloved home with nothing to show for it. Their entire neighborhood is empty because no one has rec'd the money to start construction. These people deserve much better. C'mon people - where's the money?

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Rob

5:36 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

sweeney you should run because i believe you would help the shore people because you are also. Christie does't have a clew how it feels to live at the shore with no help and know help with the possabilityt that the new fema maps will be accepted. This is worse than the storm itself ---mind games.

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Lori Noel Lewkowitz

6:03 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Be patient, it'll be available when they're done skimming off the top first.

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peter festa

6:03 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Wait you will see who the real culprit is, we have to see what christie does in the future .Now dont forget to watch what happens in the next few days. You will see the Gov. stand up for his people. The Pres never even sent the check yet and it was signed days ago and our Gov doesnt like that either. Please watch OK

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Pat

6:45 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Be Patient - I think I have!!!! By the time I get back to my primary home in Ocean Beach 3 on the barrier island it will be too long...no money, no contractors, no equipment and no supplies cos they will all be used on the houses that have the spare money to rebuild and those of us who do not have the up front money and must wait for the payouts will be still out of our homes! I want to go home now!!!!!

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Peter M. Clausen III

7:02 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

and do you know that if you want to leave NJ you have to pay an EXIT fee for that priviledge? FREEDOM? DEMOCRACY?

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Walking Dead

9:33 am on Thursday, March 14, 2013

Peter, it is called an "exit tax" but is actually income taxes. My attorney explained it to me. Also, when you sell your home, you have to pay a realty transfer fee (3%) and the state wants to raise that to 6%. Only in NJ do these laws exist.

Tricia Carey

7:04 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

I live on LBI and thanks to Christie we got our gas back on in a two week period and had electricity back in a four day period, and that is what the guys that reconnected our gas said, "thank Christie for this, he said we had to get this done no matter what it takes", I believe he is doing the best he can, and I am very grateful for all of his efforts! I feel awful for all the displaced (my oldest son is one of them) but this was a historical occurrence and it sucks but you can not blame one man if you want to blame someone blame Obama it took him 91 days to approve the money that Christie still does not have.

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George Clark

7:16 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

you aren't serious are you? They probably just stuck a hose up lardarses keester and you got your gas back on. then they ran a balloon over his fleece jacket and the static charge generated from his enormous jacket powered your lights. you people don't seriously think anybody but the dummies he's fooling cares what he says do you?

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Jon Q. Public

8:02 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Um...wasn't it Congress and John Boehner that voted NO to the billions of dollars? It's quite clear that you only lost your gas service for a couple of weeks. Sucks to be you. What about the people that have lost everything? What about the people now stuck in a V zone that live blocks away from the water on the mainland? Ole chubsy ubsy did a fine job with that and hasn't looked back. Maybe it is you that needs to be educated.

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Tazzie

8:46 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

You are entitled to your own opinion but you are not entitled to your own facts. President Obama had nothing to do with the delay in approval of funding- that was completely the doing of the republicans in the House of Representatives, led by John Boehner. Gov. Christie made that very clear himself.

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Michelle Blamble

1:58 pm on Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Tazzie - if you are going to point fingers you should also note that the Democrats in the Senate waited TWO WEEKS after the House approved the $50billion to vote on it. Then Obama took a week to sign it and now another week+ for the cash to arrive. Just saying....

mike

7:24 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

The only money that will be dished out is to all these consultants that are "Experts" in where the money should be spent. Everyone suks.

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Tricia Carey

7:30 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

You are an ignorant moron, please go away you probably voted for Obama. Get an education.

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Tricia Carey

7:33 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

I meant this as a reply to George Clark

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proud hypocrite

9:58 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Hey idiot
it was John Boner and the republicon house that has delayed the money
Its happy Gilmore who is the puppet master of no bid contracts
wanna see ignorant look in the mirror tricia

flees

7:41 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

look's like he is asking her for a hanburger !!!!! or a hotdog !!!!! maybe both ?????

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Tatatoothy

7:59 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Have to say, my new favorite past time is reading the ignorant comments you bafoons continue to post! There are a few of you who seem to have a clue, but most of you are complete uneducated boobs!

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Walking Dead

9:46 am on Thursday, March 14, 2013

People are p/o, frustrated, angry, displaced and out of patience. Obviously, sandy didn't effect you. Show some compassion and have a heart for those of us who's lives have been turned upside down.

flees

9:39 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

don't like what you see don't look boobs !!!!!

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walt hays

10:17 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

As I sit in my undamaged apartment in Mays Landing, I feel sorry for all you that were really affected by Sandy- but please remember that the congress and senate took months to pass the legislation to fund your recovery- this is not Christy's fault. This is damage control AND he's the best at damage control. He will, and has, as of today put FEMA on notice that they are in his sight- please be patient- the skirt is off- now he will, and can kick ass!

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.

11:30 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Who is Christy? Did you mean Christie? You don't even know his name, yet you think you know all about the situation. You are wrong

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Xavier

8:00 am on Wednesday, February 6, 2013

C'mon, do you REALLY believe Christie can control FEMA or Congress? I mean... do you REALLY believe that? You can't possibly.

walt hays

10:18 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

PS- God bless you all who have suffered so much- you all are in my prayers.

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Walking Dead

9:50 am on Thursday, March 14, 2013

Walt, what I need is a check from my ins. co, not your prayers.
And where was your God when Sandy was wreaking havoc on the JS ?

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Marcel Kay

6:31 pm on Saturday, April 27, 2013

Walt, That and a $5.00 cup fo Coffe from Starbucks will get you "Bubkess"!

walt hays

11:56 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

WOW, some of you guys are tough up north. So I can't spell. I think I'l stick to commenting on the Ocean City Patch only. LOL best of luck anyway

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Theresa Dosch

12:18 am on Wednesday, February 6, 2013

We sufferred a great deal here at the shore. We were out of power for one month, kids could not go to school, sufferred damages both inside and outside of our home. Christie said we'd be back in with power restored within the next two weeks. We were. He said our kids would start school on time, They did. We paid for our damages out of pocket, put it on credit, borrowed from family; and hoped insurance/fema would rebate some of the costs. They just did 2 weeks ago. Since Christie has been in office, we have gotten better tax breaks and bigger home rebates than ever before. I think the biggest reason that people who NEED it most are not getting their FEMA funds or hurricane aid is because people who DON'T need it are and have been abusing it. I, too see all this relief aid and benefits, but none of the people we know who are displaced are getting it! Yet, we hear other people who don't really need it getting money, furniture, ipads, you name it! They are not replacing what they had.....many are upgrading to a lifestyle that they couldn't afford BEFORE the Hurricane! It makes me sick to my stomach; their will always be opportunists out there taking what belongs to someone else. And, there will always be other people blaming our governor and the state of NJ for all the problems. I personally was born in NJ and I will die in NJ. I love the state and never want to live anywhere else!! I traveled all over the world, but would never call home anyplace but NJ.

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Marion

6:10 am on Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Trying to hang in there and push back - the insurance company is not making it easy. My understanding was that we were spared paying the full deductible (in my case $5000) on both the dwelling claim and the contents claim because technically Sandy was a post cyclone storm. I found Governor Christie's Executive Order on line prohibiting insurance companies from charging the full amount. Allstate says that do not have to abide by his Order....does anyone have any information on this? Many thanks in advance.

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Angelo Turello

9:31 am on Wednesday, February 6, 2013

If they want to continue business in Jersey they have to.

Patricia Perillo

6:34 am on Wednesday, February 6, 2013

We finally got to come into the barrier island via Rt 35 S. this past Friday night. Over 90% of the homes along the road were demolished and remained the same as if Sandy just hit us. No lights, no people, just deserted as if an atomic bomb hit the island. After 4 months no progress has been made. With summer only a few months away, how could the " Bennies " rent properties down here seeing all of this depression and desolation? I lost my entire home and it's contents in Normandy Beach and still can not beleive what has happened to our once beautiful barrier island. It is pitiful that we got screwed on the County, State and Federal levels when we asked, pleaded for help to rebuild. Tell all of your friends to go to Wildwood Crest for vacation rentals. Fun, joy and happiness will not be found on the barrier island until we become whole again. Restore the Shore is only a dream, one that will never come true without Federal funding. But again, everyone has moved on to other causes..

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foggyworld

1:02 pm on Wednesday, February 6, 2013

It could come true if the FEMA map and it's guidelines were tossed in the garbage but it's just too easy for NJ politicians to clear off their own desks and dump the mess into the hands of a group who just yesterday Christie called inept.

We need thoughtful and reasonable changes and we need to give people some time and space to implement them. But that apparently is out of the question.

peter festa

7:57 am on Wednesday, February 6, 2013

hey TAZZIE you think the bill was written for NJ think again you had in that bill all shit that the DEMS wanted for themselves. Our bill should have no PORK in it but it was full. Now Boehnner threw the bill out and would not vote for it until theDEMS took the PORK out.They got a lot out brought to a vote and it passed.So it was the PRES fault because it was his money hungry party who put most of the PORK in it. The REPUBS were looking out for you and we are finally getting our money. Now Christie can start working to put NJ back on the map.

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John K

8:53 am on Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Does Christie have the lawful authority to issue an "Executive Order" accepting and adopting FEMA's flawed preliminary maps ? I have read that each of our local governments would have to vote to accept the FEMA maps when they are completed - possibly in 2014. Why have our State legislators been silent about Christie's executive order ? That executive order is bankrupting ALL of us !!

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foggyworld

12:59 pm on Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Berkeley Township's triple dipping Mayor has indicated that he like Christie is more than willing to put his work load on the plate of the incompetent and inept FEMA folks. Not much chance in this town of things being done the right way.

Try Lacey or Belmar.

patched in

8:58 am on Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Governor Chris Christie: Intelligence with common sense. Integrity, grit and a sense of humor. N.J. thanks you.

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Marcel Kay

6:29 pm on Saturday, April 27, 2013

What brand of Dope are you Smoking ?

tlc

10:37 am on Wednesday, February 6, 2013

just a question...is there any hope for people w/o flood ins., secondary home? We have started to rebuild (not looking for any freebies). Purchased a few years back so still owe alot of it?? any advice. please dont tell me how stupid not to have flood ins.
i already know that and besides i probably saved more not having it than any of us will be able to save in the future.

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foggyworld

12:57 pm on Wednesday, February 6, 2013

One of the more insane features of not helping those with second homes here is that those folks tend to pay the highest taxes in Town for which they receive once a week garbage pickup for three months. But in today's world, to own a second home is to be labelled as one who is politically incorrect. The accumulation of wealth is considered to be a serious character flaw these days.

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Tazzie

2:12 pm on Wednesday, February 6, 2013

tlc, There are many non-profits working up & down the coast assisting people just like you. Samaritans Purse is one such organization. Contact your local municipality & ask if they have any contact info; also, contact local churchs in your community. In TR Grace & Peace & also the 1st Presbyterian Church have teams of people assisting for free. The help is out there- you need to start asking around. PS- totally disagree w/ your opinion on flood insurance- you wouldn't be looking for free assistance if you had it. I have major damage to my home & have insurance- still waiting on a check- but over the 18 years I've owned my home, I've paid a total of about $35K. My damage is over $100K- so it more than makes my premium payments worth it. I hope you give it another consideration. God bless you & good luck.

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Walking Dead

10:10 am on Thursday, March 14, 2013

Tic, people who own a secondary home receive nothing. Good luck

foggyworld

12:54 pm on Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Patience for what? Christie is dumping all of his own responsibility onto FEMA, the very group he raged about yesterday as being incompetent.

The FEMA flood map with empty out the NJ shore which is the goal of the EPA. SBA loans added to existing mortgages are impossible for most people. We on the less wealthy bay side are all being tossed into the absolute worst FEMA rating of zone V while some on the barrier islands are actually going to be in zone A areas where the cost of flood insurance is negligible. What happened here is this State sold out its building codes to Builders and even today we don't have hurricane prevention techniques on the books. The pols got the money. We got the shaft.

Christie is going along with those on high in Washington because his eyes are focused on that prize at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Problem is he may have great difficulty getting a single vote from the thousands of people who lives have been devastated by a storm.

So go to the Superbowl and chomp on donuts for Letterman but understand Governor, at some point you will be held accountable for your failure to lead. Party on while you munch your donuts and tell us we should be patient. Give me a reason WHY.

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Michelle Blamble

2:10 pm on Wednesday, February 6, 2013

ohh foggyworld - so much of your post is wrong. "less wealthy bay side" - BS, just as much money on the mainland bayfront and plenty of middle class on the island. "zone A areas where the cost of flood insurance is negligible" is wrong. We're two blocks from the ocean and 2+ from the bay (in zone A) and the estimates I've seen of 7500 or 3k (after we raise the house) are far from negligible.

The problem isn't Christie adopting the maps. I think I get what he's doing; not wanting people to wait until they are final. The real problem is Biggert - Waters (signed by Obama last summer - look it up) and FEMA.

Why are people so fixated on the non V zones on the island? Stop throwing us under the bus and just argue your point. And yes, the bay does have waves. Last summer Sea Tow made us put on life jackets while they were towing us because there were 4ft waves around the Toms River inlet.

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Walking Dead

10:16 am on Thursday, March 14, 2013

Foggy, I agree with many of your posts. You hit this one, head on ! ! !

proud

1:29 pm on Wednesday, February 6, 2013

["Yes, they’ve been busy, Christie acknowledge, but he chalked the delay up to people not doing their jobs correctly."]

Is allowing the failure of the New Jersey economy doing your job "correctly"? I would think not, because that is exactly what is going to happen.

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proud

1:47 pm on Wednesday, February 6, 2013

@ foggyworld, the mayor and committee in Lacey are no better than that of Berkeley. They are selling out their residents as well.All of these municipal officials should be jumping up and down and contacting their county, state and federal colleagues to stop this madness before the shore (and other regions) tailspin into financial collapse that will make the housing bubble looklike an insignificant event.With the impending budget season upon us, I would strongly advise that Lacey Mayor David Most, and all the local politicians consider doubling, or even tripling their reserve for uncollected taxes line item. They are going to need it. Then again, they could stand up for their constituency. Nah, that'll never happen.

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butch cassidy

1:57 pm on Wednesday, February 6, 2013

the mayor now mr most is only worried about 1 thing thats his job at the power plant

tlc

2:25 pm on Wednesday, February 6, 2013

thanks Tazzie for the referrals..i will def. call. I do have flood ins. now alittle too late of course but my point was that in the future if they raise the flood ins. to some insane amout, then wouldnt it be cheaper to save it in our own pocket?? just saying.

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Sue

2:37 pm on Thursday, February 7, 2013

See the Patch "events" column for an important meeting SATURDAY afternoon...
http://patch.com/E-ttDh

"Stop FEMA Now" grassroots uprising!
Meet 'n' greet this Saturday 2/9/12, 3-4 pm
Belly Busters, 708 Fischer Blvd, Toms River NJ
Discuss and strategize how to rectify FEMA overkill -- seriously flawed maps, ridiculously high elevation mandates and usurious annual insurance premiums will BANKRUPT homeowners and make the Shore a ghost town (except for the wealthy).

How about a class-action lawsuit? Petitions to White House, federal and/or state legislators? Letter-writing and email campaigns to news media? Rallies on steps of Statehouse and Congress?

Don't just complain. Do something about it. Make your voice heard! "United we stand, divided we drown in debt!"

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Patricia Perillo

2:37 pm on Thursday, February 7, 2013

Everyone who took the time to write a comment about the screwing we got on the barrier island, please read and attend :
""Stop FEMA Now" grassroots uprising! Meet 'n' greet this Saturday 2/9/12, 3-4 pm Belly Busters, 708 Fischer Blvd, Toms River NJ Let's get together and discuss and strategize how to rectify FEMA overkill (flawed maps, ridiculously high elevation mandates and usurious annual insurance premiums will BANKRUPT the Shore and make it a ghost town (except for the wealthy). How about a class-action lawsuit? Petitions to White House, federal and/or state legislators? Letter-writing and email campaigns to news media? Rallies on steps of Statehouse and Congress? "United we stand, divided we drown in debt!""

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butch cassidy

7:20 pm on Thursday, February 7, 2013

you know i was just saying today that how is all this legal? i understand if house had to be demolished then to rebuild at new zones is fine but if you dont have to demolish your home why do we HAVE to raise it? and what about if you are handicapped? how the heck do you enter your home? fema buying me an elevator..doubt it.. also once steps are added in the garage the cars wont fit..

peter festa

5:06 pm on Thursday, February 7, 2013

That's a great start now lets hire some busses and go march on Washington just like the do nothings do and then end with money that is not theirs. You know who I mean?????

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proud

5:46 pm on Thursday, February 7, 2013

@Patricia Perillo,I intend on attending the "meet and Greet" on Saturday, but if you think the property owners on the barrier "island" are the only ones getting a "screwing", you are quite mistaken. The ramifications affect thousands and thousands of properties, and the economic impact is not exclusive to flood victims or others in SFHA zones.

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proud

5:54 pm on Thursday, February 7, 2013

Please Read--This is a breath of fresh air from a politician that understands what huge mistakes have been made in the State House: The White House: and both Houses of Congress:

Sen. Whelan Asks Gov. Christie to Reconsider FEMA Maps - Point ...
pointpleasant.patch.com/.../sen-whelan-asks-gov-christie-to-reconside...
Jan 30, 2013 – Christie announced the maps would be adopted to help business owners and residents rebuild.

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butch cassidy

7:30 pm on Thursday, February 7, 2013

only a matter of time before the uprising...very soon there will be no longer a middle class..just wealthy and poor...

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Walking Dead

10:19 am on Thursday, March 14, 2013

That's why people are leaving NJ. We can't afford to live here. I shutter to see the new tax increase.

Patricia Perillo

5:57 am on Friday, February 8, 2013

We need to start somewhere, do something and get fed up with turning our cheeks, only to get slapped again, You need to start small ( here in Toms River meet and greet ) and let other flood victims in other areas see that they can fight back too !!!
It is TIME to start an uprising and here is the place to do it :
Stop FEMA Now" grassroots uprising!
Meet 'n' greet this Saturday 2/9/12, 3-4 pm
Belly Busters, 708 Fischer Blvd, Toms River NJ

Due to the pending storm, I have asked Sue to supply an alternate date. Seems like the weather is always our down fall. Not this time, Not this time !!!!!!!!!!!!!

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bernie

10:58 am on Sunday, February 10, 2013

Email us at saveourcommunity2013@gmail.com and like us on facebook Save Our New Jersey Communities

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Tonysoprano_62

11:30 am on Sunday, February 10, 2013

Most will have completed their construction without building permits. After all who can wait for an estimate and plans from a company to raise your home? ICC funds are fully disbursed when the job is completed and you have a C of O. Block Grants will help defer some out of pocket expenses and will come sooner. Many are hitting roadblocks because the new ABFE'S have not yet been adopted by FEMA so the "Substantially Damaged," letter is being pushed aside. ICC will not necessarily take into account the new elevation levels. So we remain in the middle being told by the township we have to go up yet it is too early in the process to get any money. Finish your homes, when of course the insurance companies and mortgage companies are through milking all the short term interest possible, get back in your home, clear your head and apply for everything under the sun. The taxpayers forked over billions of dollars and hundreds of millions more were raised from a very generous population not to be squandered by an electorate peeling dollar bills off the endless rolls of red tape.
If you are interested check out this site. Some members have provided valubale information. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rise-Up-TR-Sound-Board/144428685711908?ref=ts&fref=ts

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Greener Island

1:36 pm on Sunday, February 10, 2013

Tony, That post is the most reasonable post so far, and very true. Put yourself in the shoes of the thousands of folk's that have to deal with this. I for one did exactly what you stated here and so did a few of my neighbors. When the smoke clears my family can figure out what in the lord's name we are going to do here. In the mean time, we have a safe and normal enviroment for our family again. Home is back the way it was and we did it all by our lonesome.

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proud

2:10 pm on Sunday, February 10, 2013

@ Tonys, you must be mistaken, the President AND the Governor said there would be NO red tape.

www.facebook.com/stopfemanow

Samantha

3:31 pm on Wednesday, March 13, 2013

"BE PATIENT" ! ! Is the gov. insane ? That takes brass balls to make that comment; especially when he is sitting in a warm comfortable home watching tv with his family.

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MomOf2

2:01 pm on Friday, April 26, 2013

I truly feel sorry for all of you who lost homes and so much more. I've lived on the Jersey Shore my entire life but I'm inland so I wasn't affected. I don't understand where all the millions in relief raised went? I recently took a ride down 35 from Point Pleasant to Seaside and I was saying the exact same thing that day. Why are so many homes still in such disrepair? I just don't get it. Prayers to you all that something is resolved soon.

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ann marie houlis

2:57 pm on Friday, April 26, 2013

we're in disrepair because no one wants to pay......its 6 months and my house is still in sticks, we are still homeless as are so many other families.What a shame, you pay your taxes ,mortgage,homeowners and flood insurance,go to work everyday and do the right thing.And the insurance companies can just walk right over you without a care and no one to answer too......oh ya..."Be Patient"

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Marcel Kay

6:25 pm on Saturday, April 27, 2013

While the Gov. is telling us to be Patient, The Community Organizer and Moochelle are having Music and Love Fests in the White House! Hey, Gov., who's side are you on anyway ?! Next time you throw your arms around this Punk make sure you squeeze him for some cash !

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John B Taxpayer

4:30 am on Monday, April 29, 2013

Awe come on!
He needs to do presidential things too!
Like go to Planned Parenthood and Tell Them "GOD Bless Planned parenthood" for the fine work you've done! (He forgot to mention that "Dr Mangala" of Philadelphia)
Because when it comes to gun control "If we can SAVE just one life" What a hypocritical PUKE!
I think GOD is not gonna be very happy about this!

Martin

12:28 pm on Sunday, April 28, 2013

On Monday MSNBC-TV's Morning Joe will be at Asbury Park and Seaside Hts. for a 6-month update on Sandy. The governor will be there to tell them what a "great job" he is doing (April Fool!) and Joe'll be gushing all over him. I hope Patch, StopFEMAnow.com and homeowners will be there with protest signs to tell the rest of the story. Let them know the "story" is not about the boardwalk but real people losing homes.

SIGNS: FEMA gets an "F"
Hou$e-rai$ing mandate$ + Exorbitant in$urance rate$ = Goodbye Shore!
Congress, amend Biggert-Waters Act, Stop FEMA Now!

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butch cassidy

3:18 pm on Sunday, April 28, 2013

what a mess our businesses in town are crumbling ..all since sandy...small guys no chance and if i see one more commercial with that lester glenn chipmunk i will scream!.. and what is the wall street rumor? all is not what it appears with that place and the owners..so get off your high horses mr chipmunk and crew.....

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Lori Noel Lewkowitz

10:58 pm on Sunday, April 28, 2013

I spoke to a few of my neighbors in Ortley today while retrieving belongings before our demo. All complaints about their insurance companies not paying what they were insured for and where has all of that money gone. Sad day today.

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ann marie houlis

2:48 pm on Friday, May 17, 2013

very sad.....were in oceanport and 7 months later.... still fighting with insurance, it just shouldnt be this way.....

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Lori Noel Lewkowitz

5:40 pm on Friday, May 17, 2013

It's still a sad situation in the forgotten Ortley Beach. But Seaside will be up and running.

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ann marie houlis

5:58 pm on Friday, May 17, 2013

same here...the boardwalks come first...who cares theres hundreds maybe thousands of familys homeless

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Mrs. G.

10:11 am on Sunday, May 19, 2013

The people who made the Christie family tourist attracting ad. don't give a hoot, for sure.

Lori Noel Lewkowitz

3:18 am on Saturday, May 18, 2013

Ortley Beach has been left intact as an official Sandy-devastated tourist attraction for those on their way to get a sausage sandwich on Seaside's boardwalk. If the police chase you away, come back 10 minutes later. They only make the homeowners show photo ID, tax statements and other home ownership documents at the police satellite check-in station by the A&P when we try to get to our homes. And when you do get to your home you can't park near your home because the tourists are parked in your driveway while they are roaming around taking their souvenir pictures.

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ann marie houlis

9:12 am on Saturday, May 18, 2013

@Lori....that is unexceptable!!!! not that it would do much good, but id be at the police station throwing a FIT....id be on the phone with Christi throwing another FIT,,,then id go to every newspaper in town to throw another one...i feel so bad for all of you down there....i wish you well

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Lori Noel Lewkowitz

12:33 am on Monday, May 20, 2013

Thanks, Ann Marie Houlis. I've been bitching and moaning about this for a long time now. Months ago the police applied the "TR" sticker on my windshield so that I don't need to go through this. The police are usually present when I arrive, but don't stay at their designated posts.

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