Oceanport Hosting Hurricane Sandy Information Session

By Christopher Sheldon

Oceanport is giving its residents the chance to have their Hurricane Sandy-related questions concerning rebuilding efforts and grant applications answered this month.

The Oceanport Office of Emergency Management will be holding a community meeting for residents on Monday, Oct. 21 from 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. at Maple Place School. The Theme of this meeting is “Sandy: Our Next Steps”.

Prior to the meeting, Oceanport has arranged for the state to host the Mobile Cabinet at the school from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Oceanport residents, neighboring towns and business owners can go to check the status of their grants (Renew Jersey Stronger and/or Stronger NJ Business) and speak to state departments regarding individual concerns and casework. FEMA and National Flood Insurance Program officials will also be present to answer questions.

The following agencies will be in attendance at the mobile cabinet meeting:

• Governor’s Office of Constituent Relations

• Economic Development Authority/Stronger NJ Business

• Department of Community Affairs/Renew Jersey Stronger

• Department of the Treasury

• Department of Human Services

• Department of State – Business Action Center

• Department of Banking and Insurance

Department of Environmental Protection

• Department of Children and Families

• New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs - Office of Consumer Protection

• National Flood Insurance Program/FEMA

The community meeting will have representatives from:

• Oceanport Cares

• Borough Construction Office- permitting process

• Monmouth County Health Department- Mold issues

• New Jersey Hope and Healing

• American Red Cross Community Recovery Specialist Sandy Long Term Recovery Program

• Catholic Charities- Case management assistance

• Deborah Heart and Lung Hospital- free testing to residents for potential respiratory problems 

Information regarding renewal of the Monmouth County All-Hazard Mitigation Plan will be available and public comments will be welcomed. 

Three manufactures of flood barrier products to reduce the potential of flooding to homes and property will have products on display, video presentations, along with sample handouts and informational brochures.