Ortley Residents Can Arrive With Contractors in This Week's Access Plan

A plan that would allow what many Ortley Beach residents have been clamoring for — hours to winterize homes and address issues woth contractors and insurance adjusters — is coming this week.

Toms River Township announced the third phase of access for the Ortley Beach section of the barrier island, starting this Friday.

Phase Three, the final stage, is for all owners to spend "ample time with contractors, insurance adjusters and winterize homes," according to the township.

On the whole, residents are still barred from living in their homes as part of an ongoing mandatory evacaution after Hurricane Sandy.

Toms River officials reffered to Ortley Beach as the hardest hit section of town, with whole buildings shook from their foundations and widespread sinkholes.

 The plans as announced on the township website:

Friday              NOVEMBER 23, 2012- Washington Ave. west to the bay (From Lavallette to Seaside)

Saturday          NOVEMBER 24, 2012- Washington Ave. east to Rt. 35 South

Sunday            NOVEMBER 25, 2012- Rt. 35 South to the Ocean

 
PHASE THREE 

• Based on the above locations, residents of Ortley Beach will be provided access to their homes from 08:00 AM to 3:00PM.   Beginning at 2 pm, the roadways are transitioned into construction lanes for heavy equipment transversing the roadways.  
• Residents are requested to have identification and a proof of ownership for the house they are entering (Driver's license, tax or utility bill.) Police will be doing additional checks at homes.
• Residents will arrive over the Rt. 37 bridge via their own car and may begin the process of flood remediation and winterization. It is strongly suggested that residents work with their respective homeowners' association to have contractors on site to assist in the winterization process.
• One car per household (as many people that can fit in one car.) Reminder that there are no facilities or utilities there. Translation- no bathroom, and you will not be able to flush your toilets. You will be able to come and go throughout the day.
• Insurance adjusters may go over the bridge to see customers. Contractors may meet you over there for the purpose of winterization only.  They are not to solicit jobs. No major construction can take place at this time as the home owners only have one day to re-enter. Have your contractor see the section entitled, "Contractor and Insurance Adjuster Registration For Access to the Barrier Island."
• Access to communities other than those listed for a particular day will be denied. A controlled re-entry for Phase three will enable all people to get to their homes. Arriving on a day not scheduled will only slow the process.
• Vehicle size restriction- No large moving vans will be allowed to enter at this time. You may attach a small trailer.

• The roads are very narrow in many areas.  Residents are urged to comply with these guidelines to ensure all residents future access.  
• The Route 37 E bridge will not open until 8 am.
  Resident traffic are to stay in the right and center lane. The left lane is for emergency vehicles only.
  EXPECT TRAFFIC DELAYS!

• The homes and infrastructure in many areas have been severely damaged. As such, ALL RESIDENTS CHOOSING TO VOLUNTARILY ENTER THEIR HOMES TO INSPECT/REMOVE PERSONAL ITEMS DO SO AT THEIR OWN RISK.
• Residents are reminded to use caution in and around their homes.
• Residents will not be permitted to wander to other unsecured areas.
• Residents should throw out unwanted items at curb side, but on their property so as to not block the streets. You may have your contractor haul your trash for faster removal.