UPDATE: Pelican Island Residents May Return to Homes "Before January 1st" - Mayor Says

Residents of Pelican Island may be able to return to their homes "within the next few days" after Hurricane Sandy struck in late October, Mayor Tom Kelaher said on the township's Website.

Kelaher said the township submitted a request through county's Office of Emergency Management  to Governor Chris Christie, asking to permit re-popuation.

The Township had updated its Website at 1:30 p.m.  The site had previously said Pelican Island residents may return to their homes as early as Jan. 1.

Electricity and sewer service are restored to Pelican Island homes and New Jersey Natural Gas has indicated that all gas meters will be reset Dec. 19 (tomorrow), the township said.

Currently the water on Pelican Island is not suitable for drinking and NJ American Water still has to finish up their projects, the township said.

Berkeley Township Mayor Carmen F. Amato Jr. said he is hoping residents of South Seaside Park, its portion of Pelican Island and neighboring Seaside Park will be able to return to their homes by Dec. 20. Berkeley's plan is awating approval by county and state officials.