Sandy Recovery Update for Sea Isle City

SEA ISLE CITY – There is now unrestricted access to Sea Isle City via the Sea Isle Bridge/JFK Boulevard. There is no access to Sea Isle City via Ocean City/Strathmere or Avalon. We remain under a State of Emergency. Please exercise caution when traveling in Sea Isle City.
Update from Sea Isle City Mayor Leonard Desiderio:
Even though Sea Isle City has experienced some destruction during Hurricane Sandy, we are now in full-recovery mode and we expect to emerge from this experience stronger than ever. Of course, the most important factor is that no lives were lost and no major injuries were sustained during this storm. Through it all, I was continually reminded how well our community pulls together and works as a team – and I am grateful to each of Sea Isle City’s police officers, firemen and ambulance corps volunteers, public works employees, beach patrol and everyone else who has worked to keep our town safe.
The effects of the hurricane can now be seen in virtually every part of our community. During the storm, City Hall and our Public Safety Building each had over one-foot of water on their first floors, we experienced damage to our Promenade, and our beaches and dunes experienced substantial erosion. Additionally, sand has accumulated on roadways and private properties across the island, and there is a great amount of debris to remove. Some public buildings were damaged, while others made it through the storm unharmed.
Thank you all for your cooperation during this trying ordeal. Below are some key points of information that you need to be aware of during the recovery from this storm…
City Hall Phones: City Hall’s main phone number is currently not working. If you need to phone City Hall, please dial 609-263-4471.
Be on the Look-Out for Hazards: Residents and business owners returning to Sea Isle City are reminded to be on the look-out for downed electrical lines and the odor of natural gas. If you notice any downed electrical wires Do not touch them! Please phone 911 immediately if you see downed wires or smell natural gas.
Electricity: While most of Sea Isle City has power, there are areas on the island that do not currently have electricity. The City is working with Atlantic City Electric to restore power to all parts of town.
Water: Sea Isle City’s water system was not affected by Hurricane Sandy and the quality of our fresh water supply was not compromised. Even though Sea Isle’s water is safe to drink, all residents are asked to conserve water as the State of New Jersey emerges from this devastating event.
Bottled Water: As of late Friday afternoon, Nov. 2, those who need bottled water can receive a free case of water at the Sea Isle City Welcome Center, JFK Boulevard and Park Road. The City asks that you take water only if you are in need. Proof of residency or home ownership will be required.
Sea Isle City Beaches and Promenade: All of Sea Isle City’s beaches (1st Street to Townsend Inlet), beach access-ways and the entire Promenade are closed to vehicles and pedestrians. City employees are working diligently to clear sand and debris from the Promenade and our beaches, which will remain closed until the “all clear” is given.
Businesses: The Sea Isle City Acme on Landis Avenue at 62rd Street received serious damage during the storm and will remain closed until further notice. On Nov. 2, we anticipate that businesses that are able to re-open will do so. All deliveries will be permitted onto the island starting Nov. 2.
Trash Collections: Normal trash and recycling collection is suspended until further notice. The City’s Trash and Recycling Depot (adjacent to the Sea Isle Bridge) is accepting drop-offs of household trash and recycling from residents and property owners. Storm related debris should be put on the curb. Public Works has started to pick-up storm debris, and this will continue on Friday and throughout the weekend.
The City is working to strategically place dumpsters throughout town for residents to dispose of storm debris. As of Friday afternoon, Nov. 2, dumpsters will be placed at the following locations:
36th Street and Central Avenue
44th Street and Venicean Road
44th Street and Central Avenue
50th Street and Landis Avenue
While we will continue to pick-up such debris placed on the curb, these dumpsters will offer another way to aid in the removal of storm debris. As we place additional dumpsters, we will post their locations on our website. Please utilize these dumpsters to the fullest extent possible.
Sand: A great deal of sand has accumulated on Sea Isle’s streets, on the Promenade and on private properties all over town. Private property owners are responsible for shoveling/moving unwanted sand to the curb, where it will be removed by the City work forces.
Strathmere: The City of Strathmere, Upper Township, is not accessible via Sea Isle City. Cape May County employees are currently working to remove several feet of sand and debris from the north-end of Landis Avenue in Sea Isle City and Commonwealth Avenue in Strathmere.
Townsend Inlet Bridge is Closed: The T.I. Bridge will remain closed until further notice.
Postal Services: The Sea Isle City Post Office is open and operating with normal hours and services. However, they are unable to deliver mail in Sea Isle’s North-end, where Landis Avenue is still covered with sand and debris.
Change Your Clocks this Weekend: With so much to do during the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, please remember to turn your clocks back one hour as you go to bed on Saturday evening, Nov. 3.
Halloween: Because the City was under a state of emergency on Halloween, Oct. 31, Governor Chris Christie has designated that “Trick-or-Treating” will take place on Nov. 5. Sea Isle City will announce any special “Trick-or-Treat” conditions within the next 48 hours.
Elections: General Election Day is Nov. 6, 2012. Elections will take place as originally planned. All city offices will be closed on Election Day, however the Municipal Clerk’s Office will be open. As always, the Sea Isle City Police Department is on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Polling Locations:
Polls are open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Registered voters living in Sea Isle City’s 1st and 2nd Districts vote at the Community Lodge, JFK and Park Road. Those living in the 3rd and 4th Districts vote at the new Sea Isle City Library, 48th and Central Avenue. For questions about voting in Sea Isle City, phone the Municipal Clerk’s Office, 263-4471, extension 200.
Beware of Scams: Now that the clean-up of Hurricane Sandy is underway, the Sea Isle City Police Department reminds property owners seeking to employ home improvement contractors to check for proper business licensing and proof of insurance prior to signing any contract. Do not allow yourself to be victimized by unscrupulous opportunity seekers. You can check contractor’s reference and registration status at
https://newjersey.mylicense.com/verification/ .
Reconstruction: The Sea Isle City Construction Office reminds residents to apply for the proper permits when any electrical, plumbing or structural work is to be done. For any questions on permits, please phone the Construction Office at (609) 263-1166.
State Law requires contractors to be licensed with the State of New Jersey. Failure to register as a contractor can result in being charged with a fourth degree crime. Contractors wishing to obtain additional information can visit http://www.contractors-license.org/nj/NewJersey.html or http://www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/HIC/ .
4th Quarter Taxes are Due: Sea Isle City’s 4th quarter tax payments were due on Nov. 1. Even though storm damage was sustained on the first floor of City Hall, Sea Isle’s Tax Collection Office is open for business. We are asking, if possible, to please pay your taxes online at www.seaislecitynj.us (click on the “View and Pay” icon) or by mail (City Hall, 4416 Landis Avenue, Sea Isle City, NJ 08243). The tax grace period has been extended to Nov. 13. As a reminder, the City Clerk and the Tax Collector’s offices in City Hall will be open on Election Day, Nov. 6. City Hall will be closed on Nov. 12 in observance of Veterans Day.