New and existing challenges 3 years after Super storm Sandy

As the three-year Anniversary of Super storm Sandy approaches next week, many Jersey Shore storm victims are dealing with existing recovery issues and facing new challenges. 

Representatives of storm-based recovery groups outlined some of the obstacles that remain and how they are trying to tackle new issues during "Townsquare Tonight" Wednesday on News Talk 1160 and 1310 AM with host Tom Mongelli.

Paul Jeffrey, President of the Ortley Beach Voters and Taxpayers Association, a group that had been pushing for dune replenishment before Sandy devastated the barrier island community to the ground zero of the hardest-hit communities, shared how their relentless efforts have paid off. Jeffrey met for a second time this week with state and federal officials, including New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin on the status of easements still needed for the Army Corps of Engineers project to begin.

"There were over 4,000 easements necessary. They're down now to something over 200, which is a tremendous advance," said Jeffrey. He noted that some of the necessary steps in the complicated eminent domain process, surveys and appraisals, have been completed and that notices are going out for final approval from homeowners in Brick, Mantoloking, and Toms River.

"It's at least a sign of progress, but it's three years after the storm, this should have started years ago," Jeffrey said.

In addition to the stalled beach replenishment project, there's concern with the much criticized state's RREM (Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, Elevation and Mitigation) program.

A representative for the faith-based non-profit "A Future With Hope," which helps Sandy victims rebuild called into the program. He said through the help of volunteers and Miller Homes, they were able to recently complete their first modular home and to date, have rebuilt 186 homes.

"Our goal is to try and rebuild 300 to 500 homes," the caller said, but conceded that achieving that depends on how far funding can be stretched with people's insurance proceeds or money they haven't spent with contractors who didn't finish the job. He also pointed out, it's estimated between 8,000 and 10,000 homes in New Jersey still need to be rebuilt.

A Future With Hope and Miller Homes will celebrate their partnership at a lunch on October 29, on the third Anniversary of Sandy, at Lighthouse Alliance Community Church in Tuckerton. The event also will include members of the Ocean County Long Term Recovery Group and Episcopal Relief and Development. Details can be found at http://www.afuturewithhope.org/thirdanniversaryofthestorm.

George Kasimos, Founder of "Stop FEMA Now," explained New Jersey's allocation of federal funding for the RREM program is significantly less than the same program in New York.

"New York City and New York State have the same program, but they get $300,000 to rebuild and raise, where in New Jersey, we only get $150,000," said Kasimos. He also pointed out the high cost of building and raising is leaving many Sandy victims short of money.

Two other major issues that Kasimos said need to be addressed are fixing FEMA's flood zone maps and rising flood insurance premiums. New uniform building codes recently adopted by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs impact homes designated in the new Coastal A zones, which could be required to build to V Zone standards.

"It's going to leave more people behind in this rebuilding process," Kasimos said. He's concerned many will eventually give up and leave New Jersey all together.

Another caller, Steve from Toms River, who had a home damaged during Sandy, said he is a general contractor and shared his frustrations in dealing with the complexity of the RREM program in both capacities. He pointed out that while he was fortunate to be able to elevate using a large portion of his personal funds, "The amount of dollars I had to spend in permit fees alone for Toms River is completely astronomical. One house, one lift: over $6,000 in permit fees and change fees."

In addition, the caller said the four months it took for the Township to approve his building plans is unacceptable.

Amanda Devecka-Rinear with NJ Organizing Project invited Sandy survivors to participate in a rally at the Statehouse in Trenton next week, and a three-day camp out at the War Memorial to commemorate the 3rd Anniversary of Sandy. Details can be found at http://finishthejobnj.org.