Crime & Safety

Christie Calls for 'Aggressive' Demolition and Rebuilding of Boardwalk

Governor does not want 'red tape and bureaucracy at the local level' getting in the way of rebuilding

Written by Daniel Nee

Gov. Chris Christie has promised an "aggressive" rebuilding process for the businesses destroyed in the Seaside Park and Seaside Heights boardwalk fire.

"We have endured, and begun to come back from the devastation of Sandy," said Christie, speaking to reporters Friday morning. "We will not let these fires destroy those efforts."

An investigation into the cause of the fire, which started around 2:30 p.m. Thursday, will take several days to complete, but Christie he hopes to expedite the demolition of destroyed structures – and the rebuilding of those structures – as soon as the investigatory work is over.

"There are lots of businesses up and along this area that are destroyed, businesses I frequented," he said. "Places where decades of memories were built for families have been destroyed."

"Last year was tough because it was rainy, then Sandy wiped us out," said Daniel Shauger, a manger with Funtown Arcade, which was reopened by June.

"We're going to get in there, assess what has happened, and rebuild by spring, one way or another," he said.

Preliminary estimates suggest about 30 businesses were destroyed in the fire between the two towns. The fire consumed an approximately four block-long area along Ocean Terrace, as well as the boardwalk which linked the oceanfront businesses together.

Christie said officials from a number of state agencies, including the Department of Banking and Insurance, Department of Environmental Protection and the state's Economic Development Authority would be on the ground in the area over the weekend.

There were no numbers provided as to what the economic toll is estimated to be.

The rebuilding plan will call for an expedited demolition of the dangerous remains of the boardwalk area, followed by a quick rebuilding, Christie said. Business owners will be connected with the Economic Development Authority to apply for grants or loans to assist in their efforts, and the Department of Banking and Insurance will assist with insurance claims.

The state Department of Community Affairs will be tasked with ensuring local codes and ordinances gel with the rebuilding effort.

"I do not want red tape and bureaucracy at the local level to slow down or impede rebuilding, demolition or removal," said Christie.


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