Hurricane Sandy and Toms River: Election Day Updates

Update from Mayor Tom Kelaher:


Barrier Island residents

Mayor Kelaher and Chief Mastronardy attended a meeting this morning with the NJ Department of Transportation, Lavallette, Brick and Seaside Heights authorities. The DOT has declared that the roadways on the barrier island North of Seaside Heights are unsafe. They have found over 22 sink holes some being as much as 8 feet deep. The DOT is aggressively attempting to stabilize the situation. The pending Nor'Easter is of great concern and it is unsure how it may affect their progress. This situation will directly impact the development of any type of public access to the Island.


Until the DOT gives us permission, we can't allow access onto the barrier island. No timetable has been set. The most up to date information will be posted on our website.

Ortley Beach is known as Ground Zero. This area was affected by the storm more than the neighboring towns.


Disaster Assistance Available from FEMA

Housing Needs
* Temporary Housing (a place to live for a limited period of time): Financial assistance may be available to rent a different place to live, or a government provided housing unit when rental properties are not available.
* Repair: Financial assistance may be available to homeowners to repair damage from the disaster to their primary residence that is not covered by insurance. The goal is to make the damaged home safe, sanitary, and functional.
* Replacement: Financial assistance may be available to homeowners to replace their home destroyed in the disaster that is not covered by insurance. The goal is to help the homeowner with the cost of replacing their destroyed home.
* Permanent or Semi-Permanent Housing Construction: Direct assistance or money for the construction of a home. This type of help occurs only in insular areas or other locations specified by FEMA, where no other type of housing assistance is possible.



Municipal Court
Toms River Municipal Court will resume on Wednesdat November 7th 2012.




Where can I pick up my mail?

Due to flooding, the Toms River Post Office is currently closed. For the foreseeable future, if you have a P.O. Box you can pick up your mail in the trailer of the parking lot of the Toms River Post Office at 130 West Water Street.

If you are unable to receive home delivery, residents are encouraged to pick up their mail at 1920 Swarthmore Ave in the Lakewood Industrial Park. Toms River post office employees are being relocated to this site.

Voting:
Voting can take place in the following areas (bring a flashlight due to poor lighting conditions in parking lot areas):
a. East Dover Fire House Voters (Districts 11, 12, 31 & 53) will now be voting at Toms River HS East on Raider Way
b. TR Rec & Snug Harbor Pool Area Voters (District 17 & 42) will still be voting at this location (NO CHANGE)
c. Silverton Fire House, Green Island Clubhouse, Silver Bay Elementary School (Districts 5, 61, 29, 35, 46, 20, 55) will be voting at Silverton Elementary School on Silver Bay Road
d. Ortley beach (Barrier island) voters will go to Hooper Avenue Elementary (voting districts 8 & 26)
e. Seaside Pk. Seaside Hts., and Lavallette will also be voting at Hooper Avenue Elem. School
f. All other polling places remain the same including the Senior Center, which will be open for voting.


Communications Trailer:
Verizon has a communications trailer set up in Silverton Park as well as Bellcrest Plaza for those needing to register with FEMA.


Ice & Water distribution
Ice & Water distribution is still ongoing at Silverton Fire House and East Dover Fire. Silverton requests that no additional clothing donations be dropped off at this site. East Dover also has potable water distribution.