Sandy-Struck Businesses Offered a Helping Hand

Shore communities are still hurting, but help is on the way.

The Christie Administration is extending a helping hand to small businesses and communities battered by Hurricane Sandy.

Over $7.4 million worth of loans have been approved by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (E.D.A.).

"With the official start of summer fast approaching, we are doing all we can to get assistance to our recovering businesses and communities," said E.D.A. Chief Executive Officer Michele Brown.

According to Brown, the Music Man Singing Ice Cream Shoppe in Lavallette and Seaside Heights, which reopened on Saturday, is a symbol of the steadfast recovery from the infamous storm.

The eatery was flooded with more than four feet of water, resulting in a loss of all inventory and equipment, and destruction of the interior.

However, with aid from a Stronger N.J. Business grant and working capital loan, they recovered completely and ice cream lovers can now enjoy their favorite creamy treats.

To see both communities "bounce back has been an inspiration and we look forward to a busy summer serving residents and tourists," said owner Josephine Sessa-Agliata.

Seven applicants were also chosen to advance under the Development and Public Improvement component of the Neighborhood and Community Revitalization Program.

Priority was given to applications from low-to-moderate income areas that were submitted during the initial six-week application period, and projects had to fall under at least one of these categories: Catalytic,Transformative Neighborhood, Innovation, or Recreational, Cultural and Park Land Amenities.

$5 million was certified for Seaside Park and Seaside borough after the Sept. 2013 boardwalk fire for clearing of demolition and debris.

Tuckerton is under consideration for annexation of an unoccupied building as its new municipal complex.

The seven recommended projects in Atlantic City, Jersey City, Tuckerton, Little Ferry, Newark and Perth Amboy will now go under  reviews by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.