Pallone Announces Completion of Federal Dredging Project in Belford

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 29, 2015


WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced the completion of the dredging of the Shoal Harbor and Compton Creek federal channel in Belford, New Jersey. The project, which began in February, was completed with federal funds from the Sandy relief package that Congressman Pallone fought for in Congress.

“Projects like this, to help us come back stronger than ever from Sandy, are vital to the Jersey Shore economy,” said Congressman Pallone. “With the dredging complete, boaters and businesses, like the Belford Seafood Co-op, that depend of the navigability of these waterways will benefit.”

The Army Corps of Engineers contracted with M.E.R.I.T. Inc., a small business located in Newark, for $3.4 million to complete the project. With the federal funding, approximately 135,000 cubic yards of material were dredged from the Compton Creek and Shoal Harbor channel in order to maintain accessible waterways after Superstorm Sandy.

Pallone Announces Work to Begin on $2.88 Million Belford Dredging Project

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 2, 2015

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced that the dredging of Shoal Harbor and Compton Creek in Belford, New Jersey will begin within the next week. The Army Corps of Engineers awarded the $2.88 million contract to M.E.R.I.T. Inc., a small business located in Newark, New Jersey. The project will be completed with federal funds from the Sandy relief package that Congressman Pallone fought for in Congress.

“Projects like this are vital to our Jersey shore economy,” said Congressman Pallone. “This dredging in Belford will bring much needed relief to local boaters and businesses that depend on these waterways being navigable, like the Belford Seafood Co-Op and the Belford Ferry. I am glad that the Army Corps of Engineers is undertaking these critical projects as we continue to recover from Superstorm Sandy.”

This contract provides $2,884,910.00 in federal funding to remove 160,000 cubic yards of sand from the Compton Creek and Shoal Harbor channels in order to maintain accessible waterways after Superstorm Sandy.

“So many local fishermen depend on these waterways being accessible. Dredging Compton Creek and Shoal Harbor will allow our boats to move in and out of these waters more easily, especially after so much excess material accumulated as a result of Superstorm Sandy,” said Roy Diehl, President of the Belford Seafood Co-Op. “I want to thank Congressman Pallone for working to secure the funds necessary to complete this important project.”

Volunteers Needed For Comptons Creek Clean-Up Sunday 10am

Please, your help is needed to clean up the Bayshore region from the mess that construction crews post-Super-storm Sandy leave around and from ignorant people. We really need your help!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR CLEAN-UP NEAR COMPTONS CREEK

SUNDAY, September 21, 2014
10am to 12pm

The Bayshore Watershed Council & NY-NJ Baykeeper are having a cleanup of Compton's Creek wetlands, located along Church Street, near the old fish factory in the Belford section of Middletown Township.

Meeting Location: On-street parking along Church, located in between Port Monmouth Road and Broadway in the Belford section of Middletown Township, zip code 07718. The wetlands and creek will be located on either side of the road..

Time: 10am to 12pm
Be part of the solution to clean up the Bayshore and restore the shore!

Come with friends, family and lots of energy! Wear long pants, sturdy shoes, and gloves. Bring boots or waders. Join us as we restore the health of our creeks and waterways. Join in the effort to protect our environment by helping us remove litter from our beaches, creeks, and wetlands; thereby reducing the harmful impact caused by both litter and urban runoff and enhancing the natural beauty of our watershed.

Pallone Announces Contract Awarded for $2 Million Belford Dredging Project

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced that the Army Corps of Engineers has awarded the contract for dredging Shoal Harbor and Compton Creek in Belford, New Jersey. The $2 million contract has been awarded to M.E.R.I.T. Inc., a small business located in Newark, New Jersey. The project will be completed with federal funds from the Sandy relief package passed by Congress in January 2013.

“I am pleased to announce that a contract has been awarded and that work can soon begin on this dredging project in Belford. Projects like this are vital to the Jersey shore economy,” said Congressman Pallone. “This dredging will bring much needed relief to local boaters and businesses that depend on these waterways being navigable, like the Belford Seafood Co-Op and the Belford Ferry. I am glad that the Army Corps of Engineers is undertaking these important projects as we continue to recover from Superstorm Sandy.”

This contract provides $2,411,290.00 in federal funding to remove 89,455 cubic yards of sand in order to maintain accessible waterways after Superstorm Sandy. The project is set to begin in June 2014.

Pallone Announces Bill to Help Fishing Industry Recoup Post-Sandy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, April 8, 2013

The First Sandy Supplemental Aid Bill Will Assist in Recovery of Fisheries Disaster and Plug Shortfall in Sandy Relief Package


BELFORD, NJ – Today at the Belford Seafood Co-op, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced his plan to introduce the first Superstorm Sandy supplemental emergency aid bill that will assist the fishing industry and coastal communities badly impacted by the storm. Pallone’s legislation provides $193 million to fully fund the estimated cost to recover storm affected fisheries.

The funding would support both commercial and recreational fishing industries. Recreational fishing infrastructure such as marinas, tackle and bait stores and public access points for fishing that were impacted by Sandy will be eligible for funds under the bill. Pallone spoke today with commercial fishermen to discuss the damage they suffered and what assistance is needed for a full recovery.

“Fishing is a strong contributor to the economy, providing our nation with fresh seafood and recreational opportunities,” said Pallone. “Now, it is our turn to support our fishermen by making a commitment of fisheries disaster assistance that really takes into account the amount of damage they suffered.”

The bill is already gaining traction throughout Congress, with fellow New Jersey Congressman John Runyan (NJ-03) and Long Island Congressman Tim Bishop (NY-01), whose districts were also badly damaged by Sandy, joining Pallone as original co-sponsors of the legislation.

"Eastern Long Island's fishing industry was struggling even before Sandy dealt a devastating blow to the Montauk and Shinnecock fleets," said Congressman Tim Bishop.

“We know the scope of the fishery resource disaster in the Northeast, and now Congress needs to step up to with funding sufficient to ensure the recovery of the Long Island fishery and the families that rely on it.”

“I am pleased to support this legislation which will bring much needed aid to New Jersey fishermen,” said Congressman Runyan. “I am disappointed that NOAAs late release of the estimates precluded us from working to include this funding in the sandy package. However, I will continue to fight on behalf of New Jersey fishing communities to ensure they get the disaster aid they need to recover.”

Last month, the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released a report detailing the economic and socio-economic effects of Superstorm Sandy on the fishing industry and fishing-related businesses and infrastructure in New Jersey. The report estimated total uninsured losses of $78 million to $121 million for New Jersey’s fishing industry and coastal communities due to Sandy. The impact on the commercial fishing industry, which contributed $2.4 billion to New Jersey’s gross state product in 2011, is estimated to be $14 million. Pallone’s statement on the report can be viewed here.

The funding package passed by Congress in the wake of Superstorm Sandy included only $5 million for fisheries disaster assistance, far below the initial $150 million passed by the U.S. Senate.

“The shore is my home, and I know what fishing means to life here. That’s why I am introducing this bill as soon as I get back to Washington,” added Pallone.

Pallone to Announce Bill to Help Fishing Industry Recoup Post-Sandy

Supplemental Funding will Assist in Recovery of Fisheries Disaster and Plug Shortfall in Sandy Relief Package


(BELFORD, NJ) – On Monday, April 8 at 1:00 p.m, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) will  be at the Belford Seafood Co-op, 901 Port Monmouth Road Belford, to announce his plan to assist the fishing industry and coastal communities badly impacted as a result of Superstorm Sandy at the Belford Seafood Co-op. Pallone will also speak with commercial fishermen to discuss the damage they suffered what assistance is needed for a full recovery.

Last month, the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released a report detailing the economic and socio-economic effects of Superstorm Sandy on the fishing industry and fishing-related businesses and infrastructure in New Jersey. The report estimated total uninsured losses of $78 million to $121 million for New Jersey’s fishing industry and coastal communities due to Sandy. The impact on the commercial fishing industry, which contributed $2.4 billion to New Jersey’s gross state product in 2011, is estimated to be $14 million. Pallone’s statement on the report can be viewed here.

The funding package passed by Congress in the wake of Superstorm Sandy included only $5 million for fisheries disaster assistance, far below the initial $150 million passed by the U.S. Senate. Pallone’s bill appropriates $193 million to fully fund the estimated cost to recover storm affected fisheries.

APP: Middletown mayor says state has failed his town

Hmmm.... according to an article in the Asbury Park Press today, Middletown's mayor, Tony Fiore, is a little upset about those forgotten wet-siders over in Belford and Port Monmouth and is blaming the state for a lack of support.

It seems a bit like what I was talking about a few days ago when I posted about the plight of Danae Goodall-Wilson.

Danae is still struggling but according to a couple of correspondences between us and what she has posted on Facebook, she is getting by.

Her and her daughter are going back and forth between their house the houses of friends. They currently have a good supply of food and water and lots of blankets to keep them warm. They are packing up what they can and desperately trying to find somewhere new to live so that they can get back to work and school.

Danea is grateful to all who expressed their concern and offered their help and support.

Middletown's Forgotten Wet-Siders

If you've been watching or listening to news reports since Hurricane Sandy blew through 6 days ago, you have been seeing and hearing a lot about those that seem to have been forgotten by federal and local officials.

I keep seeing reports from NY's Staten Island and Queens of residents complaining that relief agencies have forgotten them in favor of those living in Manhattan. Their loud complaints to local news media covering the devastation in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, brought swift responses of help from the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA. The same federal response however can't be said about relief efforts for those that live in Middletown neighborhoods on the "wet" side of Route 36. They seem to have been forgotten in large part due to the devastation along the Jersey Shore.

(The Goodell-Wilson home on Church St.)

I've been getting requests from a few wet-sider friends asking me if I could post something about their plight, in hopes that someone will listen to them and speed up some relief efforts.

One such person is Danae Goodell-Wilson, she is a single mother of a 14 year old daughter who lives on the wet-side of Church St. in Belford.

(The Goodell-Wislon basement)

Danae and her daughter have been trapped in their home for days because Danae's cars  were under water and won't start. Her house smells like mold and sewage (it's everywhere) and has pretty much become a cave, a shell, where they keep their belongings. She and her daughter don't have much of a choice right now, they don't have any family in the area to stay with and they can't leave and go to a shelter because they have pets. She's in a classic Catch 22 situation.

Danae has file a claim with FEMA but has heard nothing, she tried calling 4 times yesterday to get some information, to find out what the rules are for temporary housing and transportation but was hung up on every time with the excuse that those on the other end of the line were too busy. All they will tell her is that she will receive a letter with some type of decision concerning to her circumstances in two weeks, which is unacceptable.

So, she sits in her house waiting, with no clue as to what to do. Not the township, the federal government or any charities are willing to do anything more at this time, than tell her to leave her pets behind and go to a shelter.

All she wants are some answers to her questions and a little help to figure everything out, but no one seems able to do so at this time. It is extremely frustrating.

Logically, she can't continue to stay in her home for much longer but she is fiercely independent and has no real place to go. Hopefully someone will come to her rescue soon.

My heart goes out to her and all the others in a similar situations as her, over on the wet-side of 36 living along the bayshore.

Letter: Does Middletown Really Need Another 7/11? New Store May Cause Hardships For Others

I wonder why so many Seven Eleven Stores are being proposed for construction every half a mile apart? What is the story behind this?

Right now a new store is proposed at Route 36/Main Street Belford, Middletown, this proposal is going to cause harm to pedestrians, cyclists, handicapped people, littering, fire hazard, noisy environment, traffic congestion, obstruction to movement of emergency vehicles and waves of violations as we have experienced in NJ.  Just recently on the 17^th of September, a Hazlet resident died of a car accident at Route 36/Thompson Ave in Middletown.

In years past, a building gutted by fire next to the proposed store (at the existing Exxon gas station) had all neighboring residents in panic, fearing that the gas station would not ignite. However we were lucky as the best efforts from our fire squad and police were successful in extinguishing the blaze.

Currently, we have three Seven Eleven stores within a short distance (this will be the fourth). By adding another, it will cause devastation to established small family businesses that have been in existence for a long time. If those businesses closed down the unemployment rate will rise and cause unnecessary hardships to these employees and the local business community.

Furthermore, those traveling to New York will be delayed in catching their ferry due to the congestion of the traffic. As a result employees will be late to their jobs with the possibility of losing their jobs or businesses.

The Middletown Planning Board has scheduled a Public Hearing for Wednesday October 3rd, 2012. By allowing another Seven Eleven store to conduct businesses in such a small area, Middletown may need to consider changing its name to Seven Eleven Middletown.

Mahendra Amin
Belford,NJ

Letter: No Trustee Appointments

The following letter was received from Mr. Bob Latsch

A recent article in the Asbury Park Press stated that two appointees will be added to the Middletown Township Public Library's Board of Trustees. Once before the Township Committee absconded with library funds to fill a hole in the township's budget deficit. The voters as usual had nothing to say about this! Why?

Now with two trustee appointments along with the first current appointment, lets the mayor have voting control, control enough to take taxpayer funds as needed. These two appointees will not for the betterment of the Library, no they are there to control for Committee and Mayor not the Library or cardholders.

Trustees such as the last appointee are there at the behest of the mayor to do his bidding, appointments should not be. The right way is to have the library select the trustees then the public vote to accept or not.

The Middletown Public Library is just that, public for all. It is not a bank or cookie jar for the mayor to take from for holes in his budget. The appointed cronies have to go, let the voting public decide on trusteeship.

Bob Latsch

Belford, NJ

Crime Scene Middletown: Belford Drug Bust and other Recent Activity

PREPARED BY DETECTIVE LIEUTENANT STEPHEN DOLLINGER

On April 20, 2011 at approximately 2:00 pm the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Task Force Bayshore Unit and the Middletown Township Police Department executed a search warrant at the basement apartment of # 813 Main Street in Belford. The warrant execution was a result of an ongoing investigation into the sale of illegal narcotics from the apartment.

Police arrested Derek Donato, age 21, and Allison Petrilli, age 19, in connection to the investigation. Donato was charged with Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Prescription Medications), Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Prescription Medications), Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Petrilli was charged with Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana. Police also recovered a scale, Oxycodone pills, Marijuana, packaging baggies and $2000.00 in US currency.

Petrilli was released on a summons pending a court appearance and Donato was held on $15,000.00 set by Judge Richard Thompson.

Detective Daniel Sullivan and Patrolman Richard Fulham of the Middletown Police Department and Patrolman Joseph VanPelt and his K-9 partner DOG of the Holmdel Police Department assisted the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office with the investigation.

Other Recent Activity:

On April 21, 2011 at approximately 2:17 am Patrolman Kevin Gardiner responded to a report of a motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Highway 35 and Cherry Tree Farm Road. The caller reported a vehicle had struck a utility pole.

Patrolman Gardiner conducted an investigation which resulted in the driver, Andrea Perry, age 31, from Tice Avenue in South River, NJ being arrested for Driving While Intoxicated. She was also issued summonses for Reckless Driving and Operating an Unregistered Vehicle. She was transported to Riverview Medical Center for treatment of injuries sustained in the accident and was released pending a court date.

The Middletown Police Department reports the arrests of the following people on warrants:

Kimberly Kitzhoffer, age 23, from Coral Place in New Monmouth, arrested by Patrolman Frank Mazza on April 19, 2011, on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Township Municipal Court. She was released after posting $195.00 bail.

Joseph Colasacco, age 32, from Creek Road in Port Monmouth arrested by Patrolman Jason Caruso on April 19, 2011, on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by Keansburg Municipal Court and a Non-Support warrant issued by the Monmouth County Superior Court. He was held on $5,467.00 bail.

Christopher Gallagher, age 38, from East End Avenue in Belford, arrested by Corporal James Keenan on April 20, 2011 on Contempt of Court warrants issued by the Middletown, Holmdel, Lakewood and Keansburg Municipal Courts. He was held on $5,100.00 bail.

Michelle Caputo, age 25, from Morris Street in Staten Island, NY, arrested by Patrolman Christopher Dee on April 20, 2011 on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Township Municipal Court. She was processed and released after posting $200.00 bail.

Nicholas Sipsis, age 20, from Bray Ave in Middletown arrested by Patrolman Thomas Meckier on April 20, 2011 on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Township Municipal Court. He was released after posting $250.00 bail.

Crime Scene Middletown: MAN ARRESTED FOR MARIJUANA POSSESSION IN PARK

PREPARED BY DETECTIVE LIEUTENANT STEPHEN DOLLINGER


On February 27, 2011 at approximately 10:47 pm Patrolman Albert Scott and Patrolman Richard Fulham were on patrol in the area of Belford Park, located on Main Street in Belford, when they observed a vehicle parked in the parking lot after hours.

The officers checked the vehicle, which was unoccupied at the time, and while doing so detected the strong odor of raw marijuana coming from inside the car through and open window. The officers then positioned themselves where they could observe the vehicle and waited until someone came back to the car.

After a short time the officers observed two subjects return, enter the vehicle and pull out of the parking lot. The officers stopped the vehicle and approached the driver, identified as Timothy Toner, age 23, from Woodland Road in Pittstown, NJ. The officers advised Toner of their observation at which point he voluntarily retrieved a sunglass case which contained marijuana and a marijuana smoking pipe from inside the car and handed it to the officers.

Toner was placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters where he was charged with Possession of under 50 grams of marijuana and Possession of drug paraphernalia. He was processed and released on a summons pending a court appearance.

Crime Scene Middletown: MAN ARRESTED ON DRUG CHARGES AFTER POLICE RESPOND TO A BURGLARY IN PROGRESS CALL

PREPARED BY DETECTIVE LIEUTENANT STEPHEN DOLLINGER

On February 8, 2011 at approximately 3:00pm officers responded to a residence on Main Street in Belford in reference to a report of a possible burglary in progress. Police had received a 9-1-1 call reporting that a male subject was attempting to enter the residence through a rear window.

Upon arrival police located Derek Donato, age 21, inside the residence and ordered him to exit. Donato advised officers that he lived at the residence and had locked himself out of the house and he was forced to gain entry through the window. Donato was asked to produce identification and during the course of the investigation by Patrolman Stephen Greenwood, Lieutenant John Maguire and Sergeant William Colangelo, Donato was arrested for several drug related offenses.

Donato was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia and prescription legend drugs and was taken into custody and transported to police headquarters for processing. He was charged with Possession of prescription legend drugs and Possession of drug paraphernalia. Donato was released on a summons pending a court appearance.

Police confirmed Donato was a resident and was in fact locked out of his house.

Crime Scene Middletown: DISABLED VEHICLE LEADS TO ARRESTS OF FOUR ON DRUG CHARGES

PREPARED BY DETECTIVE LIEUTENANT STEPHEN DOLLINGER

On January 16, 2011 at approximately 5:50 pm Patrolman Robert Mc Nair was on patrol in the area of Campbell Avenue in Belford when he observed a vehicle being operated with a rear flat tire. Officer Mc Nair stopped the vehicle to advise the driver of the tire’s condition.

Upon approaching the vehicle and speaking with the occupants, Officer Mc Nair observed some loose marijuana on the clothing of a rear seat passenger, a seventeen year old juvenile from Willis Avenue in Keansburg. He also observed a Dutch Master cigar, which is commonly used to smoke marijuana, on the seat next to the passenger.

Officer Mc Nair then asked all the occupants to exit the vehicle so that he could conduct a search of the interior. While doing so he located a Winston cigarette box which contained more marijuana. All the occupants were then placed under arrest for Possession of under 5o grams of marijuana.

Arrested along with the seventeen year old passenger were Thomas Parnell, age 19, from Woodside Avenue in Keansburg, Damon Crook, age 19 from Oak Street in Keansburg and another seventeen year old juvenile from Seeley Avenue in Keansburg.