BECK EXPRESSES DISAPPOINTMENT OVER FEMA’S REJECTION OF OCEAN GROVE AID REQUEST TO REBUILD BOARDWALK
Agency’s ruling will leave gap in Jersey Shore and hinder rebuilding
Senator Jennifer Beck today expressed outrage over FEMA’s rejection of Ocean Grove’s request for aid in the wake of Sandy. FEMA determined that the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association is a private non-profit organization and not eligible for public assistance dollars. In a letter sent to FEMA earlier in January from Beck and other legislators, the lawmakers made it clear that the boardwalk in Ocean Grove has received funding from FEMA and the Army Corp. of Engineers in the past.
“FEMA’s Decision today is not only disappointing, but it is unacceptable,” Beck said. “The Ocean Grove Boardwalk serves as an essential public thoroughfare and connects Bradley Beach to Asbury Park. It provides access to emergency services and augments flood protection measures. We will be appealing this ruling immediately.”
In the letter sent to FEMA officials on January 30th states that the Ocean Grove boardwalk has been recognized as public property and dedicated as a public roadway since at least 1908 when a Monmouth County court ruling exempted it from taxation because of the boardwalk’s previous designation as a “public highway.” The boardwalk, which provides access to communities both north and south of Ocean Grove, has also been clearly recognized in court rulings as a public facility.
“Today’s decision is destructive to the economy of Ocean Grove and will have long lasting negative impacts on the community,” Beck explained. “To reject Ocean Grove’s request for assistance will leave them unable to rebuild this historic boardwalk and create a gap on New Jersey’s shoreline. I am hopeful that in our appeal those making these decisions will see the long term implications of this decision and realize that not only is the Ocean Grove Boardwalk a public property but it is essential to both the safety and commerce of Ocean Grove and surrounding towns.”
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and i am dissapointed that Sen Beck has sold out her principles to remain part of the ruling class—so i guess we’re even now.
then again—when you have NO principles, it’s easy to sell out………………
Potshots right now are NOT needed. You really can’t simplify this down to a conservative argument. Sure, there are plenty of things Beck disappoints me with, but this is a post Superstorm NEED.
While there is a reasonable case both for and against FEMA paying for this boardwalk, FEMA has paid before and what we need is to restore our beach infrastructure as fast as we can.
Considering all of the waste in the government, $1 million is not a bad investment; as long as stipulations are made to put the board walk back in a way that it would be much more protected next time. Bradley Beach is the perfect example with it’s bulk head and paver style construction.
I wonder if you would be protesting so loudly if you had a business in Ocean Grove.
the Federal Gubmint SHOULD NOT BE INVOLVED—-these storms are State issues. FEMA should be disbanded—and if you really NEED a boardwalk—find ways to pay for it—-why should someone in Tenn, be taxed to protect YOUR business????
………..and if you open a business in a flood zone–why should i have ANY risk????
PAY FOR YOUR OWN DAMN BOARDWALK.
Is how it’s gonna go. This legislator says this, that legislator re-states the obvious that, and comments again,on something else..again, it will go on all year. It’s basic premise is job-retention, truth be told, and to show how in-tune they are ,and how well they are representing their districts. My personal fear with this FEMA struggle, is that they will look for loopholes, in order to not reimburse people. $16 trillion in the hole and counting, I don’t know why we keep up the facade that there’s all this extra cash sitting around in Ft. Knox or some big bank somewhere, just waiting to be distributed all over, whenever crises occur!
Now you’re sounding like Joey Foster.
The businesses in Ocean Grove are NOT in a flood zone, but they sure as hell depend on summer business from the boardwalk. Would you rather all of those businesses go out of business, putting more people on unemployment.
This is where conservative lunacy should be put aside, for pragmatism.
The world is made up of risk Brian and there should be insurance to cover it. Now, you SHOULD know that there are no more “gubmint” subsidies for FEMA, The premiums are based now on actuarial risk.
But to say FU under these circumstances just ain’t right. Get ahold of yourself and take a chill pill.
I assume you were not affected by the storm, otherwise you might be talking a different tune.
See my previous comment also about no more FEMA subsidies. I’m “down with that, but this FU, Kill FEMA attitude is over the top.
Remember, the Federal Government is there to do for citizens what they can not do for themselves. A storm of this magnitude is presents obstacles for good citizens, things that they can not handle for themselves.
As well, do you want to stop FEMA aid for other natural disasters such as tornadoes and earthquakes?
Man, you folks are mean.
So, unless you all just want to close up shop FOR EVERYTHING for some 5 miles inland off the coast, you and Brian might just want to get a hold of yourselves and start thinking in REALVILLE terms.
If the town businesses so surely as hell depend on the summer business from the boardwalk, maybe they should chip in to fix the boardwalk, not taxpayers in Florida who sure as hell don’t depend on it. 100 small businesses in OG… $1,000 each… I know it can be a lot, but surely beats going out of business
Since your math skills are deficient ( 100 x 1,000 only equals $100,000 NOT $1 million) I sure don’t trust your opinion. As well, there are NOT 100 small businesses in Ocean Grove that could afford the $10,000.
So again, are you in favor of no FEMA insurance for earth quake or tornado victims as well?
Brian, I love ya for your conservative principles, but sometimes conservatives can take it way tooooooooo far, to the point that they get silly and mean.
Get a grip on reality, will you?
A boardwalk is NOT infrastructure, it’s an amenity.
You can’t be a “sometimes” conservative. Under your own premise, FEMA should pay only for infrastructure so which should they build —a seawall or just berms?? What does a boardwalk do to mitigate future storms???? Every town should have ALL their amenities rebuilt,?? If not, who decides??
And flood insurance is backed by the Gubmints tax $$$$, hence it is called NFIP.
If You Want To Be “Stuck On The Corner Of Stupid & Mean” With Out Foresight As To How Important Boardwalks, I Can’t Help You.
Keep on pissing off the moderate voters who depend on this kind of “infrastructure” if you want to. But all you are doing is digging a grave for conservatives. You need to be a smart conservative, not a smarty pants one.
Still waiting on how you want those business owners to pay for it since your math was WAY off.
As to the $16 Trillion and counting, I already said FEMA is no longer getting subsidies from the government. Future things will be based on actuarial realities.
So, if that is the case, you have to wean yourself off it. But to crunch a town over this is nuts. I also said,
As to being a “sometimes conservative,” that I am far from. But I accept pragmatism in certain circumstances like natural disasters. It’s the right thing to do.
You totally missed my point: I don’t need legislators telling me how to feel at our worst disaster in a lifetime! As a clam digger born and brought up at the Jersey Shore, I am heartbroken and completely get it all, and know many who depend on the beach for their living. I am angry that FEMA, after many promises by the Admin., appears to be looking for loopholes,and arbitrarily not helping certain areas, while others, like New Orleans, got immediate help, ongoing to this day. The fact the Camp Meeting Association, likely largely comprised of white Methodists, owns/ runs the Grove, has nothing to do with the fact that they are part of, and serviced by, Neptune Twp. And, they pay their taxes like everyone else, and deserve for the rest of America to help other fellow Americans in need. I,for one, just do not need elected people running for re-election, to tell me what to think about it! Am pretty sure am here longer than they are, too..
Sorry for the mistake, I was typing from a phone. I meant $10,000 each (of course, if it were $1,000 that would’ve been a no brainer). But if the survival of your company would depend on investing those $10,000, would you do it, or would you expect someone else to pay it for you?
And no, FEMA shouldn’t pay for earthquake damage, it’s a very cheap endorsement on your home insurance to cover for earthquakes. People should be responsible about this, but why would they, when the general thinking is that Government would bail you out anyway?…
NO business has that kind of free money in this economy, nor should they for what has in effect become a publicly used part of the town. Nor are there enough of those kinds of businesses in Ocean Grove.
Brian, you’re just plain wrong in your thinking on this. There is a need for fiscal conservative thinking and there is a time for pragmatism in the face of REAL hurt.
Again, I revert to the fact that there are things that are just TOO big for individuals to handle as in Sandy, earthquakes and other natural disasters.
I am a proud conservative, but I’ll be damned if I will allow that conservatism to get in the way of rebuilding whatever infrastructure that is needed.
Points Well Taken.
@Brian:
So with that reasoning, if an earthquake should ever hit and destroy your home, God forbid, then don’t ask for assistance in rebuilding because you build on the ground and knew there was always a chance for an earthquake.
Look, I agree that some of these homes and businesses that build directly on the water should have more of the financial risk placed on themselves, but without those locations the State would lose enormous funds from tourism (etc).
Correct—i pay for insurance so if my house gets destroyed—it’s between me and a PRIVATE BUSINESS.
The Gubmint should NEVER bail out a homeowner, and should NEVER pay for amenities—like a boardwalk, period.
lf it’s that important to a town/business—find a way to bond it—–banks loan $$$ for valid investments, and they take your collateral if you don’t pay—it’s called free enterprise
You alleged conservatives like to complain about debt, spending, etc—but the minute you are inconvenienced we must move heavan and earth to make you whole.
And this is why we are in massive debt and heading for collapse–the words Sunshine Patriots have never been more profound.
…………..and if Gov you-tube actually addressed some debt issues—then the State could provide $$$ to help tourism—but it’s easier to have a hissy fit than honestly address his failure to control spending……………
“l am a proud conservative”—-until l need Gubmint money……….so you are not really a conservative as principles are hard………
Enough Brian, you’ve gone off your rocker with this one. You just can’t see that sometimes there are things too big for individuals to handle, and that’s sad.
Gubmint money? We pay taxes and insurance for such benefits. And, I am FULLY SUPPORTIVE of rates being based on actuarial numbers, instead of subsidies. But then, I’ve said that about three times already.
There, for the grace of God, you seem never to have been hit by a disaster. And don’t you EVER question one’s conservative principles. You know
Next, you will be attacking the disabled for taking Social Security Disability benefits they paid insurance premiums for and are entitled to. Though, I like others would like to see the trust fund invested in a different way, there is no difference between the programs.
I’m done baby sitting now. Please go back into your bunker. Your kind of thinking is giving Conservatives a bad name.
Home Owner’s Insurance DOES NOT Cover Flood Damage. You Would Have 5 or 6 Miles Inland Permanently De-Habitated Because Of Such Thinking. This Would Cause A MAJOR Economic Shockwave To The State, Permanently Killing Us.
You See, You Don’t See The BROAD Implications Of Your Tunnel Vision.
Hurry up folks who erroneously call themselves conservative (which requires principles) that Gubmint cheese line is getting longer
if the Gubmint didn’t bail out flood insurance it would be at market rates –but I wouldn’t expect Progressicans to understand free markets while Gubmint fills your paws.
Either you tabor Gubmint bail -outs, or you don’t —cant have it both ways when YOU need $$$$ yet we wonder why the economy is collapsing.
*favor.
Homeowner insurance doesn’t cover flood damage. You have Flood Insurance for that (NFIP – a Govt program). If you’re in a flood zone and have a mortgage, you must take it. Otherwise it’s up to you and your responsibility as a grownup.
I was speaking to a lady whose house was completely destroyed by Sandy. She has no home now. The mortgage was paid off and she just chose not to get flood insurance. She told me she wouldn’t find it fair to ask for a money handout now – it was her decision and she must leave with it. She’s thinking of ways to get her home back, including dividing her lot so she can sell half of it and have money to raise a new house.
This is what responsible people do. You make your choices and you live with them. Asking for a bailout because you didn’t have proper insurance is disrespectful, even offensive to all those people who are paying their monthly premiums.
This is payback because the Camp Meeting Association, which owns all of the property in Ocean Grove, did not want to permit a same sex marriage in a gazebo next to the boardwalk. They argued the gazebo was not a place of public accommodation. The case was tried and they lost on appeal. Now OG will need to argue that the boardwalk is a public, when they appeal the FEMA determination.
Secondly, there are no businesses adjacent to the boardwalk in Ocean Grove. There are businesses only on Main Ave., more than a block inland. None of them are in a position to “chip in” anything for a boardwalk.
With This Comment, You Insinuated The Your House Would Be Covered For A Flood…
“Correct—i pay for insurance so if my house gets destroyed—it’s between me and a PRIVATE BUSINESS.”
BUT HOMEOWNER’S DOESN’T COVER FLOODS. THAT’S WHY A PROGRAM FOR IT IS NEEDED.
As to the lady that didn’t pay for flood insurance, YES, that is her own fault, but you can’t ding and attack others who have it.
You keep going off on so many “tangental tirads” that you are looking silly, like your recent comment about the Governor on Facebook.
If you want to “save the country,” why don’t you go fight these battles
http://www.humanevents.com/2012/05/07/missing-400-purse-holding-800-cash-plus-food-stamp-cards/
As I Said, ENOUGH.
Why enough is that battle worth fighting???? Because it doesn’t effect YOUR gunning cheese??
unlike you Progressicans., Conservatives have consistent principles—you will choose ONLY THAT WHICH DOESN’T IMPACT YOUR HANDOUTS.
NO BAILOUTS MEANS NO BAILOUTS PERIOD.
but slide down your slippery slope of moral hazard as our Founders spin in their graves. No wonder NJ ranks near the bottom of everything —a State of liberals looking for handouts.
Look Brian, I admire your verve, but you are missing the point. Ocean Grove has been singled out because of its religious origins and orientation. Beck is wisely picking up low lying fruit here.
You argue for less federal contribution for natural occurrences in areas adjacent to federally controlled areas. See e.g. admiralty jurisdiction. Fine. Argue for the repeal of FEMA jurisdiction over such occurrences. Then states and municipalities may take measures to protect against such risks by creating reserve funds or buying insurance.
This controversy is a federal bureaucrat pulling the rug out from under Ocean Grove. FEMA money in the meantine is flowing just fine into Asbury Park, which is widely know to have a thriving alternative community.
To argue that Beck, a state legislator, should support the arbitrary decision of FEMA because that scheme, upon which her constituents relied in managing their risk of loss from hurricane, offends the notion of federalism is just silly.
Argue for the repeal of FEMA and I will support you. Argue that an arbitrary FEMA determination due to religion should not be righted because it offends federalism at your own risk.
Excellent Points.
[…] bill applies to “houses of worship” only and will not impact FEMA’s decision to deny funding to the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association for the rebuilding of the Ocean Grove boardwalk, according to Smith’s […]