Township of Berkeley Joins
Nixle Notification System
Mayor Amato is pleased to announce that the Township of Berkeley is now part of the Nixle notification system. To sign up to receive e-mails and text messages, you must register. To register both your e-mail address and cellular phone number click here:
...Nixle Sign Up
Or to sign up for text messages only, simply text your zip code to 888777. "This new service is in addition to our Reverse 9-1-1 Notification System implemented earlier this year. By signing up for this service, you will receive real-time alerts and advisories directly from Berkeley Township." Mayor Amato said.
APPLICATION for Robinhood Relief Funding
DEADLINE to apply is August 16th.
Those who have already appliled for funding will be receiving a call the week of August 5th followed by a letter the week of August 12th.
Mayor Amato is pleased to announce the receipt of a $200,000.00 grant from the
Robin Hood Relief Fund, which is helping residents of the tri-state area recover from
Super Storm Sandy. The Township applied to Robin Hood for a grant to help the
residents of Berkeley, so many of whom have found insurance and/or federal aid to be inadequate in dealing with all the costs associated with the storm. Repairs to the
property, replacement of major household appliances and other housing expenses are some of the gaps with which this grant will help.
Assistance for Robin Hood funds is available only to full-time permanent residents. Business and second home owners are not eligible for Robin Hood funds but may qualify for other assistance for which the Township has received donations. No money will be given to any residents - assistance shall be in the form of gift cards, appliances, or payments on behalf of you made by the Township to contractors. Any
bills paid on behalf of a grant recipient must be for work, materials and/or supplies
purchased to help the applicant restore and/or move back into their Berkeley residence.
Verification in the form of bills, purchase orders, quotes, etc., must be supplied.
Applicants must have been a full-time resident of Berkeley Township on October
29, 2012. Proof of identification and residency are required. If you are a full-time renter, you must show proof of being a resident on October 29, 2012, as well as a current lease showing you are moving (or have moved) back to Berkeley.
Grants are expected to range from $300.00 to $1,000.00 and a determination as to
the exact amounts will be done after all applications have been received and reviewed. Please note all claims and requests must be supported by the appropriate documentation and an interview may be necessary. The Township will receive applications at Town Hall beginning Monday, May 13th. Applications may be dropped off in person to the Township Clerk's Office, mailed to: Berkeley Township Hurricane Relief Fund, Post Office Box B, Bayville, NJ 08721 or faxed to 732-505-0145
....Click Here for the Application
Reconstruction of Route Highway 35 Mile Post 0-12.5
The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) is embarking on reconstruction of State Highway 35 from the entrance to the Island Beach State Park in Berkeley Township
...More Information
...NJ DOT Community Outreach Team Information for all concerns regarding the project
NEW FEDERAL GUIDANCE ON SANDY
RECOVERY REIMBURSEMENTS
Mayor Amato would like all Sandy affected homeowners to be aware that on July 30, 2013, the federal government issued a notice in response to the various requests from the Christie Administration to allow for reimbursement of homeowners and landlords of costs they have already undertaken to rebuild, repair and mitigate their homes, or rental properties
...More Information
New State Grant Opportunity
Mayor Amato is pleased to announce a NEW State grant opportunity has been released today. The State Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Elevation Program is a reimbursement program designed to assist homeowners with the elevation of their primary single-family residences to meet the requirements of the flood insurance risk maps in affected communities. Eligible applicants can receive reimbursement of up to $30,000 for elevations on existing homes. The program is limited to the Sandy-impacted counties of Atlantic, Bergen, Cape May, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Monmouth,
Ocean and Union. There are no income limits for this program.
The calculation of HMGP assistance takes into consideration the cost of elevation and other funding the owner has received for elevation from other sources such as insurance, FEMA, SBA, and non-profits.
For more information visit:
...More Information
Application - Click here to Apply
Mayor Amato is encouraging all homeowners to apply. The application opens July 22, 2013 and closes on September 15, 2013
Round 1 Qualified Contractor Pool
Mayor Amato announces the NJ Department of Community Affairs has released Round 1 Qualified Contractor Pool. This is now Available for the New Jersey Homeowner Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, Elevation and Mitigation (RREM) Program
Click here for the list of Qualified Contractors
NJ Department of Community Affairs Superstorm Sandy Page
Preliminary FEMA Maps RELEASED
Mayor Amato has learned the Preliminary FEMA Maps have been released. "The original ABFE maps released in December had nearly 40% of the homes in the maritime area in the Velosity "V- Zones". The Preliminary BFE maps released today, have removed that designation. Berkeley homes are no longer in the dreaded "V" Zone and some height elevations have also been reduced. Were very pleased these Preliminary Maps appear to have taken into consideration our argument." Mayor Amato said.
" We will be meeting with our professional staff to review thoroughly and add comments to the process as needed. My letter and Council's Resolution:
....RESOLUTION - PROCLAIMING ITS ADOPTION OF THE ADVISORY BASE FLOOD ELEVATIONS UNDER EXTREME PROTEST to FEMA was pretty clear in pointing out the flaws in the ABFE's. This is good news for our residents and Township. The rebuilding process for many can now commence knowing now what the future holds." Mayor Amato said.
"The Mayor and Council will re-focus our efforts to the repeal or modification of the Biggert- Waters flood insurance rate act." Mayor Amato concluded.
Glen Cove
Good Luck Point
Berkeley Shores
South Seaside Park
Pelican Island
Fema Interactive Map of the Jersey Shore, Type your adddress in the upper right hand corner
Base Flood Elevation(BFE) Address Lookup Tool
FLOOD INSURANCE AND MITIGATION HELPLINE
Mayor Amato would like residents to know if you have questions about the National Flood Insurance Program and mitigation techniques, FEMA has set up a helpline to call to get the most up-to-date information.
The number is 1-877-287-9804 for people who need information about flood insurance, the latest
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Voluntary Demolition Program
The Township is currently identifying properties that may require assistance in demolishing structurally damaged homes and/or removing debris from private property. Please Contact Robin Young in the Township's Construction office at 732-244-7400 ext 250 for more information.
Homeowners Struggling with Mortgage Payments
Mayor Amato is pleased to Announce the Christie Administration's Assistance for Homeowners Struggling with Mortgage PaymentsNew Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency to Host Free Outreach Events for Homeowners at Risk of Foreclosure
TRENTON, N.J. - New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Commissioner Richard E. Constable, III today announced that the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (HMFA) will receive $197,802 from the federal Making Home Affordable
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"ReNew Jersey Stronger"
Housing Recovery Center
The application period for the Resettlement Grant and the Homeowner Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, Elevation and Mitigation (RREM)has expired.
Visit
www.renewjerseystronger.org or call the hotline number 1-855-SANDYHM (1-855-726-3946).
The Ocean County Housing Recovery Center that will open is located at: 750 Vassar Avenue, Lakewood, NJ.
New Jersey' Clean Energy Program
Energy Incentives
Mayor Amato would like to remind residents of the New Jersey' Clean Energy Program's enhanced incentives for High Efficiency Appliances for Storm Victims. Berkeley Township is designated as a "major" damaged area impacted by Hurricane Sandy. Because of this designation, Berkeley residents may be eligible for enhanced incentives on high efficiency equipment/appliances.
...More
...More BPU Incentives
Ocean County Unmet Needs Assessment
Mayor Amato would like all residents affected by Sandy to attend one of the very important upcoming Ocean County Unmet Needs Assessment Meetings. These assessment interviews will allow Sandy Survivors to sit down face to face with someone and have an in-depth conversation about what exactly their unmet needs are. These needs will be documented and compiled in a effort to assess the current unmet needs for Ocean County residents. This compiled data will be crucial in moving forward to gain resources to meet these unmet needs. So I would respectfully request that you share this information with everyone you know and encourage those who still have unmet needs to come out to one of the walk in centers.
....Click Here for the Dates & Places
State Database Provides Information on
Flood and Salvage-Titled Vehicles
Before Purchasing a used Automobile, Mayor Amato would like residents to be aware that the State Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) and Division of Consumer Affairs (DCA) has set up a database of flood and salvage-titled vehicles damaged by Super Storm Sandy.
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JCP&L- Sandy-Related Repairs
For Demolitions and Elevations
FROM JCP&L: We understand the hardships still being experienced by customers whose homes and belongings were damaged by Hurricane Sandy. JCP&L remains committed to working with federal, state and local agencies in a coordinated effort to rebuild and restore your service.
.......More
Giving New Jerseyans Choice In Recovery
The Christie Administration has put forward a plan to spend $300 million in federal funds that will give homeowners the option to sell Sandy-damaged homes
...More Information
UCEDC Offering 2% Working
Capital Loans For Small Businesses
UCEDC is a Non Profit Economic Development Corporation offering a 2% working Capital Loan for Superstorm Sandy recovery.
....More
UCEDC Website
Mayor-Council Oppose Proposed Flood Maps
At the March 25th Meeting The Council adopted the new flood maps with reservations. Mayor Amato and the Council also are determined to get the new "V" zone designations changed and approved two resolutions outlining their opposition.
....RESOLUTION - PROCLAIMING ITS ADOPTION OF THE ADVISORY BASE FLOOD ELEVATIONS UNDER EXTREME PROTEST
....RESOLUTION - SUPPORTING THE EFFORTS OF THE 9TH LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION IN IDENTIFYING GREATER MEANS OF PROVIDING ASSISTANCE TO THOSE IMPACTED BY THE NEW FEMA REGULATIONS
....Ordinance Adopting the Flood Map
Council Unanimously Adopts
Ordinance To Grant Dune Easments
Mayor Amato announces the Township Council adopted two Ordinances on April 22nd that will assist homeowners in the rebuilding process.
Ordinance AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A GRANT OF AN EASEMENT FOR THE CREATION OF DUNES AS REQUIRED BY THE UNITED STATES ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS ON PROPERTY KNOWN AS BLOCK 1720, LOTS 3, 3.02, 4.01, 4.02 & 4.03.
RESOLUTION - REQUESTING THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY AND U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS ADD THE SHORES OF ISLAND BEACH STATE PARK TO ITS DUNE PROJECT
Ordinance AMENDING CHAPTER XXXV ENTITLED "LAND DEVELOPMENT" TO AMEND SECTION 35-95( I.GRANDFATHERING PROVISION FOR UNDERSIZED LOTS FOR LOT AREA and II. PROVISION FOR HEIGHT REQUIREMENTS
FEMA Hazard Mitigation Seminar
Watch the Recording
Mayor Amato has made available the recordings for the two informational seminars.
WATCH A RECORDING OF BOTH SEMINARS..Click here Watch
Dune Replenishment Program
South Seaside Park
Mayor Amato recently met with representatives from the Department of Environmental Protection to discuss the dune replenishment program specifically for South Seaside Park. Since the damage from Super Storm Sandy and the two nor'easter storms that have occurred since, Mayor Amato and the members of the governing body are committed to working with State and Federal Officials to rebuild a safer and stronger dune system. Berkeley Township has been advised that the project will be 100% funded by State and Federal resources. The beach replenishment program will fall under the United States Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) program.
All private property owners of ocean front property in the Township will receive information from our Township Attorney in an effort to obtain signed easements so the beach replenishment will commence.
....Click Here For The information obtained from this meeting
....Army Corps of Engineers Project Proposal
NJDEP BLUE ACRES PROGRAM
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is accepting applications from residents located in flood prone areas that wish to sell their properties through its Blue Acres Program. People who are eligible for blue acres are those that have been damaged by or prone to incurring damage caused by storms or related storm flooding or that may buffer or protect other lands from such damages. Acquired properties are permanently deed restricted as open space in accordance with the NJDEP statutes and are made open to the public. If you wish to participate or apply for this program, the application can be found at:
Blue Acres Application
NJDEP Blue Acres Info Page
STATE REGULATIONS
From Hurricane Sandy
Mayor Amato would like all residents to be aware of the following: Trenton, NJ - Taking action to give New Jersey families, businesses and local governments the best available guidance to quickly and more durably rebuild from Hurricane Sandy,
... More
Statement of Imminent Peril Mandating Flood Hazard Amendments
NJDEP Flood Hazard Emergency Rule
Residents Affected by Sandy
FREE Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Mayor Amato is pleased to announce the township, in conjunction with the NJ Division of Fire Safety have acquired (CO) Carbon Monoxide Detectors for distribution to those residents affected by Super Storm Sandy. They are free of charge and available on a first come first serve basis. One per household. Residents can pick up the detector at Town Hall in the Fire Prevention Bureau on the 2nd floor.
Residents must show proof of residence.
"As residents repair and rebuild, we want to make sure they have these detectors for their safety. I want to thank Chief Ken Anderson, of the Bayville Fire Company for taking the lead on behalf of our township to acquire these lifesaving detectors." Mayor Amato said.
Mayor Amato and Chief DiMichele Announce
Route 35 Entry Checkpoint Discontinued
Mayor Amato and Chief DiMichele are pleased to announce that the Route 35 Entry Checkpoint in Seaside Park and all Checkpoints in South Seaside Park have been discontinued. Police units will continue to be assigned to patrol the area.
Residents who see any suspicious activity, should immediately report it to the Berkeley Township Police Department: (732)341-6600 or use the anomious tip line: (732) 341-1132 ext: 611.
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Mayor Amato Announces
Emergency Notification System
Mayor Amato has introduced an emergency notification system to alert residents and inform them in emergency situations.
Click here to Sign-up
Planning Board TDR and Real Estate Market Analysis
All the REMA and TDR information is posted on our Planning Board Page
..Click here to take you to the page