UPDATE: Photos of Sandy’s Impact, Sea Isle City Reopens, No Sightseeing

SEA ISLE CITY — As of Oct. 31 at 1 p.m. the city will allow homeowners, residents, and business owners into town so they can inspect, repair, and clean-up their properties. Officials ask that all owners inform the police department should they smell gas, see any electrical problems, or notice any other serious issue that would pose a threat to safety.
Access to the island is for the security of individual properties and businesses only.
There is to be absolutely no sightseeing within Sea Isle City as police will be strictly enforcing the law with regards to this point. As of this announcement, the State of Emergency is still in effect, and clean-up, road, and utility repairs are still ongoing throughout the barrier islands.
Thank you in advance to your cooperation and understanding of our position. It is in all our best interests that we follow these procedures and restore the town as quickly and safely as possible.
Thank you.
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EARLIER, Mayor Leonard Desiderio issued the following:
SEA ISLE CITY – Sea Isle City continues to recover from the devastating effects of Hurricane Sandy. This afternoon, Business Administrator George Savastano and I met with our governor, Chris Christie, to discuss the hurricane’s impact on Sea Isle. The governor has issued an order that all access to the barrier islands be restricted until further notice. At this point in time, it is still unknown when we will receive the “all clear” to allow residents back onto our island. Please be assured that we are doing everything possible to address all of our issues in order to make the city safe for your return.
We are coordinating with County and State emergency management officials as we work to restore our infrastructure. Our police department, public works department, fire department, ambulance corps and City Hall staff have been working around the clock responding to this historic event.
Please know that our telephone communications were severely affected, and continue to be, both at City Hall and the Police Building due to inundation from flood waters, with both buildings suffering much damage. In addition, much of our community still remains without electricity. We understand your desire to be here, and believe me, we want you here. Right now, we are working to ensure safe travel on Sea Isle Boulevard and JFK Boulevard, as well as our main north-south routes along Central, Pleasure and Landis Avenues.
We have suffered severe beach erosion and some damage to our promenade, but through it all, there still remains a considerable amount of beach and dune despite the impacts of the storm.
I understand that everyone is concerned about their home. The most important thing to us is that everyone is safe. For that reason, we are taking all precautions in conjunction with our County and State partners to ensure the public’s safety before we allow access back onto our island.
I wish I could give everyone an individual report on the status of their property. And while I can’t do that, I can say that the vast majority of our homes have weathered this event. Certainly, one of the most devastating impacts was the level of flood waters.
While there are no guarantees, I am hopeful that we will be permitted to open access to the island for all residents by Nov. 1.
We will communicate to you when it is all clear to return.
Once again, please know that we want you back as soon as possible.