As more and more towns question or even opt out of the state's dune replenishment plan, one Toms River community is proposing a storm protection alternative.

Paul Jeffrey
Ortley Beach Voters and Taxpayers Association President Paul Jeffrey
(Photo Credit: Tom Mongelli, Townsquare Media)
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Ortley Beach Voters and Taxpayers Association President Paul Jeffrey says his community has concerns about the state's plan.

"There's always been a question about whether this project would go forward and whether it would be enough," Jeffrey said.

Jeffrey has asked Toms River Council members for $5 million to install protective steel sheeting like what's being used in Mantoloking and Brick.  He says when you crunch the numbers, that's not a high price.

"That isn't much more than the assessments of four or five homes directly behind where the extra protection would be provided," Jeffrey said.  "And it's a relatively small portion of the entire Toms River budget."

Jeffrey says Ortley Beach is extremely vulnerable to future storm damage, and he believes the steel sheeting would go a long way toward offering some protection.

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