Community Corner

Fire-Damaged Seaside Businesses May Be Able to Use Sandy Money for Rebuild

Announcement comes same day as Senate hearings on Sandy relief.

On the same day that Housing and Urban Development Sec. Shaun Donovan testified about Superstorm Sandy rebuilding efforts, officials approved Sandy funds for rebuilding after the Seaside fire.

Following the approval of HUD's Community Development Block Grant Action Plan, Gov. Chris Christie called on the New Jersey Economic Development Authority to administer $460 million of the state's allocation to support the recovery of businesses affected by the fire.

THE EDA today officially approved allocating the $5 million in Stronger New Jersey Neighborhood and Community Revitalization funding, on the very same day that Donovan testified on Sandy rebuilding efforts before the Senate Banking Committee, chaired by Sen. Robert Menendez, D-NJ, and the same day that businesses were allowed back to their businesses along the boardwalk. 

The funds will go toward demolition and debris removal.

"The area of Seaside Heights and Seaside Park that was impacted by the fire represents a critical hub of business and employment,” Michele Brown, CEO, EDA, said in a prepared statement.  “The unsafe conditions and additional business losses caused by the fire have not only greatly exacerbated the impact from Superstorm Sandy, but have also created a dangerous health and safety hazard which must be addressed immediately.”

She added, “The steps we have taken to help the victims of the Seaside fire will not adversely affect any Sandy-impacted business that has applied for grant or loan funding. We encourage all business with damage from the storm to apply, as sufficient funds are available to assist any eligible business that needs a Stronger NJ Business grant or loan.”

Fire investigators just yesterday announced that electrical wiring, likely compromised by Sandy flood waters, were the cause of the fire that destroyed blocks of boarwalk businesses.

Speaking on Sandy rebuild efforts, Donovan testified that "rebuilding must be a community-driven effort with a community-based vision at its heart."

But Menendez and others questioned Donovan on the length of time it has taken many to access Sandy rebuilding funds. 

The length of time in accessing funds is precisely the issue, said Ron Jampel, a Brick resident who has teamed up with other local residents, including those from Lavallette and Point Pleasant Beach, in a grass-roots group to lobby for Sandy funding and address other Sandy-related issues, known as "Save Our Communities."

He said he understands that monies are needed to rebuild the boardwalk, but he said, there is so much red tape in accessing Sandy funds, he felt the priority should first be to get funds to homeowners who need to get back in their homes. 



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