Jackebob’s Opens Union Beach’s Doors

A tribute to  resiliency and community.

Gigi Dorr has reopened Jakebob’s…off the bay…five months after the Union Beach landmark was destroyed by Superstorm Sandy.  The new restaurant is decorated with the doors of homes that were destroyed by the storm.

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Union Beach Video: The Destruction of Sandy

This video footage was shot by Captain Vincent Solomeno, NJ National Guard, on October 31, 2013 as he flew in a helicopter over his hometown of Union Beach.

Solomeno said that it took him months to watch the video, after the shock of witnessing the destruction first hand.  We are grateful that he shared it with us.

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Christie’s “Mobile Cabinet” Coming To Union Beach on Tuesday

On Tuesday, from 9am to 5pm, Governor Christie’s Office will be holding a “Mobile Cabinet” at the Union Beach Hose Company 1 located at 1224 Florence Avenue. We will have staff from multiple departments of state government and FEMA that can assist with your insurance issues, help answer questions about flood maps or any other issue related to recovery and rebuilding after Superstorm Sandy.  This is a great opportunity to help you, your family, and neighbors on the road to recovery.

Spread the word.

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Displaced residents being evicted from temporary housing for weddings. Sleeping in cars for weekends

O’Scanlon:  Temporary FEMA Housing to be extended for two weeks

Displaced residents should call Assemblyman O’Scanlon’s offfice for help: 732-933-1591

Sea Bright Mayor Dina Long told MMM that the residents of her community that have been sleeping in cars are people who have been put up in hotels by FEMA who are evicted by the hotels on weekends in order to accommodate wedding guests.

“When hotels have weddings or events, people get evicted for the weekend,” Long said via twitter, “I just learned of people sleeping in cars because of this and I’m hopping mad.”

Long said that FEMA’s response has been, “Well, when that happens the people should call us.”  Yet, when people do call FEMA’s 800 #, the FEMA employees who answer the phone are dropping the ball or don’t know what to do.

Long said she trying to reach her displaced residents in this situation to coordinate weekend housing through Sea Bright Rising and other charities. “FEMA knows where my people are, I need their help in locating them.”

Union Beach Councilman Charlie Cocuzza told MMM that the same situation is happening to displaced residents of his borough. “The hotels are asking people to leave on Friday and tell them they can come back on Sunday night,” said Cocuzza, “These people are falling through the cracks on weekends.”

Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon said that his legislative office has been transformed to a clearing house for temporary housing to match people in need with a roof over their heads. “This should not be happening,” said O’Scanlon, “but too often we’re hearing about it too late. No one should be sleeping in their cars.  Anyone, from my district or not, can call my office and we’ll find them a place to stay.”

O’Scanlon’s office said landlords or anyone willing to put up a displaced resident can also contact them.  O’Scanlon’s phone # is 732-933-1591.

FEMA temporay housing allowances are set to expire on Saturday the 12th.  O’Scanlon told MMM that the program will be extended for two weeks.

Posted: January 9th, 2013 | Author: Art Gallagher | Filed under: Declan O'Scanlon, FEMA, Hurricane Sandy, Sea Bright, Union Beach | Tags: Charlie Cocuzza, Declan O'Scanlon, Dina Long, FEMA, Sea Bright, sleeping in cars, Temporary Housing, Union Beach | 4 Comments »

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