After removing the checkpoint at Route 72 for people going to Long Beach Island, traffic subsided, and many residents of LBI got their first glimpse of their homes since Sandy.
"When I first saw LBI and the Boulevard, it didn't look that bad," according to one eyewitness. "But as you get further south on the island, it looks like a warzone."
Long Beach Island emergency management officials this morning started a "grab and go" system to enable people to pick up needed items such as checkbooks, medication, legal documents and similar items.
Law enforcement members patrolled the island, to keep people from "sightseeing."
Long Beach Township Mayor Joseph Mancini and other officials noted the "grab and go" was being tightly controlled, and "sightseeing" of the island was not be allowed, but, some gawkers could be seen trying to snap photos of teh ocean.
Dumpsters were available around the island. Township officials asked people to use the dumpsters to clean out their refrigerators of perishable items.
Since there is no electric, water, or sewer service in some parts of the island, residents of Holgate and North Beach were not allowed to "grab and go." "We also have to be first concerned with people's safety and the safety of the personnel who will be protecting them," said Surf City Councilman Peter Hartney.
Monday is the only time currently scheduled for people to access the island as officials are keeping a wary eye on a potential nor'easter storm that could strike the area mid week.
But, island officials noted, they are allowing New Jersey State Licensed Plumbers and Electricians, and registered builders and home caretaking companies to come on the island to secure homes (shut off utilities and winterize homes).
All plumbers, electricians and home caretaking companies should have documentation (work order or other proof of work) that allows them to be on propert, according to township officials.
Homeowners should contact their respective contractors and make sure they have proper documentation. All plumbers, electricians and home caretaking companies that will be working within the Joint Emergency Operation Towns (Long Beach Township, Ship Bottom, Harvey Cedars, and Barnegat Light) are to report to the Long Beach Township Municipal Complex where they will be registered and issued a contractors pass.
Mancini and other island officials are warning people that the island is still under unsafe conditions, with no potable water and debris littering the island.
Would love to do just that but my house is in Holgate. We know there's a door blown out so the damage continues to build. Perhaps it would have better for the seat in the National Guard vehicle to go to a resident who needs to secure property rather than a reporter seeking a by-line.
saw so many sight seeing day after the storm.... conserve gas, conserve all your resources...... ! !
You would probably be the first one complaining if something happened to you while you were trying to get back into your neighborhood or home and they didn't "protect" you from it. I don't think YOU realize what most of you are so anxious to run back into... a war zone like situation.
My ID doesn't have a LBI address can I get access to the island and take out stuff for them, and/or bring things to them like a propane generator?
http://thesandpaper.villagesoup.com/ www.nixle.com lbieoc.org Those have had the best INFORMATION over most other news outlets with direct info for LBI only. This is a trying situation for ALL home owners, business owners, Police, Military, Fire, EMS, Govt Officials, Local Town Comittees AND each Utility Company involved. Everyone is under severe duress, stress, anxiety and rampant emotions. PLEASE folks, stop the bickering and "post wars", seriously, isn't there enough going on for all, than having to come on here and fighting?? GIVE the Authorities the time to get things in order for YOUR SAFTEY. Do any of you sincerely think they want to keep ANY of you from your properties, businesses or boats, etc?? The extent of the damages is extreme, infrastructure was in some instances, destroyed. The resources are limited at this time as well - remember, LBI was not the only shore area affected by Sandy. Therefore, the resources necessary to get things in order for YOUR SAFETY commends PATIENCE. The entire situation is one that has had a tremendous impact on multiple locations. So, please think about those working double and triple shifts to help clear debris, work infrastructure issues, and who are trying their best to also meet YOUR needs so you all can get to your properties SAFELY....C'mon now folks, band together, NOT against each other.
The conditions are either safe for no one, or safe for everyone. Seeing this creates additional anxiety for frustrated full time residents. We are denied the right to live in our house by those that continue to live in theirs when the prevailing conditions are the same. Should there ever be a next time, the unintended consequence of these actions will be evident in that more people will disregard the "mandatory evacuation order", because they dont want to be denied access to THEIR property. Full time residents have no where to go as this is our home also. Consideration should be given to allowing full time residents access to their homes to regain some normalcy.