From Middletown Alerts:
A Flood Risk Open House will be hosted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency on Feb. 20, 2015, from 4pm to 8pm at Henry Hudson Regional High School located at 1 Grand Tour.
Representatives FEMA Region II, the state Department of Environmental Protection and Monmouth County Emergency Management will be available to discuss updates to the flood hazard maps, known as Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). They will also answer questions about flood risk and insurance questions. No appointments are necessary.
Residents are encouraged to bring their elevation certificates and/or flood insurance policies to the event to find out how they may be affected by the new flood maps. Information on disaster-related recovery efforts and outstanding insurance claims will not be discussed at the event. Read more
Showing posts with label FEMA flood maps. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FEMA flood maps. Show all posts
Saturday, February 7, 2015
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Pallone Announces FEMA to Study N. Middletown Levee System’s Impact on Flood Insurance Rates
Washington, DC – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced today that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will study the levee system in North Middletown, New Jersey and its impact on flood hazard maps in response to his request. Pallone has been working with local elected officials and community members in order to address increased flood insurance premiums in the area.
Residents of North Middletown are facing significantly increased National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) premiums due to a combination of the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 and a current depiction of risk that doesn’t recognize the existence and effectiveness of a significant flood protection system in the area. The two features of this system are a levee segment along Pews Creek and an interior drainage device, or pumping station.
North Middletown avoided flooding during Superstorm Sandy and other extreme weather events, which indicates that the existing flood control system is effective. FEMA has indicated that the study should be completed in 2015 and the results of the study should factor into new Flood Insurance Rate Maps that are currently being revised in Monmouth County.
“I’m pleased FEMA is moving forward with this critical study of the true flood risks in North Middletown,” Pallone said. “Residents in this area are facing significant increases in their flood insurance premiums but the flood control infrastructure that protects them is not being properly factored into these rates.”
Pallone is also a cosponsor of the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act, which has been introduced to address the increased flood insurance premiums that have resulted from the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act. The Senate voted 86-13 on Monday to move forward with the Senate version of the legislation, which has been sponsored by Senator Bob Menendez. This bill will protect millions of homeowners from facing huge flood insurance premium rate hikes and require FEMA to complete an affordability study, propose real solutions to address affordability issues, and certify that their mapping process is accurate before any flood insurance premiums can be raised in the future.
Friday, July 19, 2013
Time for Repeal
The following is from Congressman Rush Holt's newsletter
Since June, the daily headlines have frequently contained dramatic revelations about the executive branch’s radical domestic surveillance programs, which now rival, and possibly exceed, the violations of rights we saw in the 1960s and 1970s. These are not, as President Obama claims, “modest encroachments” on our civil liberties; they are the kind of dragnet surveillance operations that treat every citizen as a suspect. Our Founders wrote our Constitution to help prevent this from happening.
If enforcing authorities can investigate each and every person and keep looking until they find something amiss it turns the presumption of innocence upside down and creates a less secure society. Two presidents and successive Congresses—with the acquiescence of the courts—have undermined those protections by passing laws that have I vehemently opposed and am committed to overturning.
Soon, I will introduce legislation that would repeal the laws that brought us our current ‘surveillance state’: the Patriot Act and the FISA Amendments Act. My bill would restore the probable cause-based warrant requirement for any surveillance against an American citizen. And it would, for the first time, provide genuine legal protections for national security whistleblowers.
If we hope to restore and preserve the republic that Alexander Hamilton, Patrick Henry, and other founders risked their lives to create, we must end the industrial-scale surveillance and perpetual war mentality that has been foisted on the American people in the name of “national security.” You can read a recent Op-Ed I wrote about this important issue here.
Getting the Data Right
Last week, I joined Senator Menendez in applauding the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for releasing updated “work maps” for Middlesex County. The new maps will reduce the amount of acreage designated in high-flooding risk V-zones by approximately 80 percent. This will ensure that Middlesex County residents will no longer be subject to higher insurance rates based on faulty data.
Updated flood maps are still needed for a number of New Jersey counties and I will continue to press FEMA to expedite their release. Additionally, as we continue to rebuild from Hurricane Sandy, we must provide the resources necessary to the Army Corps of Engineers for flood mitigation projects that will provide New Jersey residents with the certainty they need in preparing for future floods.
Unfortunately, this week the House of Representatives approved a spending bill that underfunds the Army Corps, which has a current backlog of projects totaling over $3 billion. The bill also would gut our nation’s investment in clean energy technologies, including a cut of 81 percent to the Department of Energy advanced research projects (ARPA-E), which are already helping reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.
A Front Row Seat
I am looking for both high school and college students who are interested in unpaid internship positions in my office. An internship provides a variety of opportunities to participate in the daily operations of my Congressional office, either in Washington DC or my District Office in West Windsor, New Jersey. Interns are generally juniors in high school or older. In some cases applicants can get credit for their internships from their schools.
The deadline to apply for a fall internship in my office is August 1, 2013. You can learn more about an internship in my office and how to apply on my website here.
Sincerely,
Rush Holt
Member of Congress
Since June, the daily headlines have frequently contained dramatic revelations about the executive branch’s radical domestic surveillance programs, which now rival, and possibly exceed, the violations of rights we saw in the 1960s and 1970s. These are not, as President Obama claims, “modest encroachments” on our civil liberties; they are the kind of dragnet surveillance operations that treat every citizen as a suspect. Our Founders wrote our Constitution to help prevent this from happening.
If enforcing authorities can investigate each and every person and keep looking until they find something amiss it turns the presumption of innocence upside down and creates a less secure society. Two presidents and successive Congresses—with the acquiescence of the courts—have undermined those protections by passing laws that have I vehemently opposed and am committed to overturning.Soon, I will introduce legislation that would repeal the laws that brought us our current ‘surveillance state’: the Patriot Act and the FISA Amendments Act. My bill would restore the probable cause-based warrant requirement for any surveillance against an American citizen. And it would, for the first time, provide genuine legal protections for national security whistleblowers.
If we hope to restore and preserve the republic that Alexander Hamilton, Patrick Henry, and other founders risked their lives to create, we must end the industrial-scale surveillance and perpetual war mentality that has been foisted on the American people in the name of “national security.” You can read a recent Op-Ed I wrote about this important issue here.
Getting the Data Right
Last week, I joined Senator Menendez in applauding the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for releasing updated “work maps” for Middlesex County. The new maps will reduce the amount of acreage designated in high-flooding risk V-zones by approximately 80 percent. This will ensure that Middlesex County residents will no longer be subject to higher insurance rates based on faulty data.
Updated flood maps are still needed for a number of New Jersey counties and I will continue to press FEMA to expedite their release. Additionally, as we continue to rebuild from Hurricane Sandy, we must provide the resources necessary to the Army Corps of Engineers for flood mitigation projects that will provide New Jersey residents with the certainty they need in preparing for future floods.
Unfortunately, this week the House of Representatives approved a spending bill that underfunds the Army Corps, which has a current backlog of projects totaling over $3 billion. The bill also would gut our nation’s investment in clean energy technologies, including a cut of 81 percent to the Department of Energy advanced research projects (ARPA-E), which are already helping reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.
A Front Row Seat
I am looking for both high school and college students who are interested in unpaid internship positions in my office. An internship provides a variety of opportunities to participate in the daily operations of my Congressional office, either in Washington DC or my District Office in West Windsor, New Jersey. Interns are generally juniors in high school or older. In some cases applicants can get credit for their internships from their schools.
The deadline to apply for a fall internship in my office is August 1, 2013. You can learn more about an internship in my office and how to apply on my website here.
Sincerely,
Rush Holt
Member of Congress
Friday, February 1, 2013
Rebuilding to a Higher Standard
The following is from Congressman Rush Holt's newsletter:
Do you know how high your house should be elevated to minimize your risk of flooding?
The federal government tries to help homeowners answer that question by issuing base flood elevation maps – but recent storms have revealed in catastrophic fashion that, in many areas of New Jersey, past recommendations were simply too low.
In December, FEMA updated its base flood elevation maps with new advisory recommendations for many towns in Central New Jersey.
Building higher means higher costs, but federal resources may be available to help with the additional expense. National Flood Insurance Program policyholders in high-risk areas, also known as special flood hazard areas, may be eligible for up to $30,000 to help pay the costs of meeting the requirements of their community's floodplain ordinance.
The money can be used to raise your home to the flood elevation level adopted by your local government or to move your home out of harm’s way. The Increased Cost of Compliance coverage can also be used to tear down and remove flood-damaged buildings.
For more information on ICC coverage, call your insurance company or agent, or call the NFIP toll-free at 800-427-4661. Information may also be found online.
A Good Day Too Long in Coming
Hurricane Sandy wasn’t the only devastating storm to strike our area in recent years. In 2011, Hurricane Irene caused deadly floods that damaged many homes and public facilities throughout Central New Jersey, including the Milltown Post Office. The post office was forced to close, and the postal service was forced to move its most basic services into a trailer in the parking lot.
The trailer was better than nothing; it provided a place to pick up and drop off mail. Yet as Milltown residents have learned all too well in the past year or so, a post office is much more than just that. A full-functioning post office also sells stamps and packaging and money orders. But far beyond these quotidian services, it provides a focal point of a town – a place where everyone intersects; a place where people say hi, catch up, and build a sense of community.
We worked for more than a year, through many bureaucratic delays and false starts, with USPS and Milltown officials to ensure that full postal service be restored to the community. I was honored to join many of those same officials on Monday for a ribbon-cutting for the repaired and reopened postal facility. It was a very good day that had been far too long in coming.
A Mark of a Civilized Society
The humane treatment of animals is a mark of a civilized society. Pets, wildlife, livestock, and endangered species enhance our lives and deserve humane treatment.
The Humane Society of the United States of America has released its annual Humane Scorecard of 2012, and it recognizes my attention to these issues with a 100+ percent vote rating on animal rights issues. I was the only member of the New Jersey House delegation to be recognized with their highest possible rating this year.
The full scorecard is available online.
Sincerely,
Rush Holt
Member of Congress
Do you know how high your house should be elevated to minimize your risk of flooding?
The federal government tries to help homeowners answer that question by issuing base flood elevation maps – but recent storms have revealed in catastrophic fashion that, in many areas of New Jersey, past recommendations were simply too low.
In December, FEMA updated its base flood elevation maps with new advisory recommendations for many towns in Central New Jersey.
Building higher means higher costs, but federal resources may be available to help with the additional expense. National Flood Insurance Program policyholders in high-risk areas, also known as special flood hazard areas, may be eligible for up to $30,000 to help pay the costs of meeting the requirements of their community's floodplain ordinance.
The money can be used to raise your home to the flood elevation level adopted by your local government or to move your home out of harm’s way. The Increased Cost of Compliance coverage can also be used to tear down and remove flood-damaged buildings.
For more information on ICC coverage, call your insurance company or agent, or call the NFIP toll-free at 800-427-4661. Information may also be found online.
A Good Day Too Long in Coming
Hurricane Sandy wasn’t the only devastating storm to strike our area in recent years. In 2011, Hurricane Irene caused deadly floods that damaged many homes and public facilities throughout Central New Jersey, including the Milltown Post Office. The post office was forced to close, and the postal service was forced to move its most basic services into a trailer in the parking lot.
The trailer was better than nothing; it provided a place to pick up and drop off mail. Yet as Milltown residents have learned all too well in the past year or so, a post office is much more than just that. A full-functioning post office also sells stamps and packaging and money orders. But far beyond these quotidian services, it provides a focal point of a town – a place where everyone intersects; a place where people say hi, catch up, and build a sense of community.
We worked for more than a year, through many bureaucratic delays and false starts, with USPS and Milltown officials to ensure that full postal service be restored to the community. I was honored to join many of those same officials on Monday for a ribbon-cutting for the repaired and reopened postal facility. It was a very good day that had been far too long in coming.
A Mark of a Civilized Society
The humane treatment of animals is a mark of a civilized society. Pets, wildlife, livestock, and endangered species enhance our lives and deserve humane treatment.
The Humane Society of the United States of America has released its annual Humane Scorecard of 2012, and it recognizes my attention to these issues with a 100+ percent vote rating on animal rights issues. I was the only member of the New Jersey House delegation to be recognized with their highest possible rating this year.
The full scorecard is available online.
Sincerely,
Rush Holt
Member of Congress
Friday, January 18, 2013
Mtown News Flash 1-18-13
2013 Mayor's Open Office Hours Begin Jan. 19
Mayor Gerard P. Scharfenberger generally holds open office hours the first and third Saturday of each month from 10 am to noon at Town Hall, 1 Kings Highway. Visitors are seen on a first-come basis. Residents can also contact the Mayor's Office at 732-615-2024 during regular business hours or through the township’s website at www.middletownnj.org
As part of Middletown’s annual Organization Day, Committeeman Gerard P. Scharfenberger was selected to serve as Mayor and Committeewoman Stephanie C. Murray as Deputy Mayor for 2013. Read more
Free Seminar: Sandy’s Impact on Your Federal Taxes – Jan 21st
H&R Block will be conducting an informational seminar on Super Storm Sandy and its impact on your federal taxes on Monday, January 21st from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at Middletown Arts Center on Church Street next to the Middletown Train Station. The seminar is open to the public and free of charge.
Sandy Recovery
Croydon Hall Relief Center Hours
The main distribution center for the town at the Croydon Hall Gym. Croydon Hall Relief Center (900 Leonardville Road in Middletown) is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10am-2pm. Clean-up supplies, non-perishable food items, clothing and personal essentials are being distributed to residents as they recover from Superstorm Sandy. The Center is closed January 21 in observance of Martin Luther King’s Birthday
Like Us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/croydonhallreliefcenter
Americorps Is Here to Help
www.facebook.com/AmericorpsReliefMonmouthCounty
Americorps is now stationed at the Croydon Hall Relief Center. If you need assistance with storm clean up, they are available to help. They offer free labor and clean up assistance, gut outs and other tasks related to storm damage. They have individuals who are trained in mold removal, sheetrock installation and spackling. Please contact Americorp directly at 609.508.2500, americorpsmonmothcounty@gmail.com or visit them at Croydon Hall.
Middletown Disaster Relief Fund
The Mayor and Township Committee has established the Middletown Disaster Relief fund to directly assist the hardest hit residents of our Bayshore. Please visit the website for information on how to apply and donate www.middletownrelief.com.
Seasonal Job Opportunities
Applications Accepted Beginning Feb 2
Looking for a fun job this summer? Come work for Middletown Township! The Recreation Department Recreation is looking for enthusiastic and motivated candidates for our Summer Recreation Program. Lifeguarding positions are also available for our beaches – applicants must be a certified lifeguard from an accredited agency. The Public Works Department is seeking candidates to work in Maintenance – Parks, Roads, Buildings and Automotive.
Applications will be accepted beginning Saturday, February 2 from 10 am to 12 pm at the Croydon Hall Senior Center, 900 Leonardville Rd. After that day, return recreation applications to the Recreation Office, 900 Leoanardville Rd, Leonardo and maintenance applications to Public Works, 52 Kanes Lane, Middletown. Download applications from www.middletownnj.org. Go to Forms and Resources then Parks and Recreation to access application
2013 Ski/Snowboard Trips Now Open!
Like to Ski? Interested in learning how to Snowboard? Join the Middletown Township Department of Recreation on a trip to Camelback Mountain Resort (Tannersville, PA).
Trips are open to all Middletown residents, any age! Children under 13 years of age must have a parent/guardian present. Parent/Guardian not required to ski. Helmets are required for anyone under 18 years of age. If you do not own one, you must rent one.
All trips leave from the Town Hall parking lot (1 Kings Highway, Middletown) at 6:00am SHARP. The lifts open at 8:30am. All participants are REQUIRED to check in with a Recreation Department staff member in the CBK Lodge between 12:00pm – 1:00pm. All participants are required to be on the bus ready to leave at 4:00pm SHARP. The expected return time is 6:30pm. Any participant failing to follow these procedures will not be permitted on future trips with the Department of Recreation.
Registration has begun and will be on going until filled. All trips are first come, first served. Sign up for one or both trips. If needed, a waiting list will be generated. Registration can be done via mail or in person at the Croydon Hall Administrative Office, Mon-Fri 9am-3pm. Visit www.middletownnj.org, go Recreation, then special events to download registration form.
Bray Avenue Bridge in Port Monmouth Closed
Monmouth County’s bridge on Bray Avenue over Pews Creek Port Monmouth is closed in the interest of public safety. While only the bridge is closed, traffic between Main Street and Thompson Avenue is being detoured. Bray Avenue will be open to local traffic only. The bridge is closed to vehicle traffic until further notice. Pedestrian access will continue. Detour signs have been posted. Prior to the closure, Monmouth County had been in the process of preparing plans and specification for the replacement of the 60-year old bridge. Read more
Seeking Employers for Youth Job Fair
Middletown's 22nd annual Youth Job Fair will be held Wednesday, April 10th from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at High School North, located at 33 Tindall Road. The event. which is organized by Middletown Community Affairs Council, will bring together Middletown youth and employers to explore the possibility of full-time and part time job placement at no cost to the student or employers. Employers interested in participating can contact Mitch Gotesky at 732- 915-2445 or John Giordano at 732-996-7495.
Sandy Recovery Information Tips and FAQs
FEMA Advisory Base Flood Elevations
Superstorm Sandy Information
FEMA Assistance - Register By January 30, 2013
www.disasterassistance.gov/
Find assistance, request assistance and track applications
Survivors of Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey have until January 30, 2013 to register for disaster assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Small Business Association.
FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC)
Henry Hudson Trail Activity Center
945 Highway 36, Leonardo, NJ 07737
RESOLVE TO EXPLORE THE ARTS IN THE NEW YEAR AT THE MAC
Class registration for Winter through Spring 2013 is now open at the Middletown Arts Center (MAC), located on 36 Church Street in Middletown, NJ. The institution is encouraging adults and children of all ages and abilities to make 2013 the year to explore the arts. This past fall left many families with little or no time to spend together, but the Middletown Arts Center invites the public to visit its 23,000 square-foot arts facility for some much needed rest, relaxation and entertainment.
The Middletown Arts Center’s arts programming allows members and non-members to discover their inner artist, musician or dancer and also offers children unique activities to explore their imagination and express themselves. The classes offered for children include Doodle Dude’s cartooning and animation, musical theatre fun, puppetry, fashion design, guitar, dance classes for boys and girls, kiddie rock concerts and music lessons with Miss Sherri and much more. There are also exercise classes available for adults looking to carve out some time to de-stress in the New Year. Classes include Tai Chi, Zumba, Yoga, Hula Hooping, authentic Argentine tango, Irish-step, tap and ballroom dance.
For individuals and families in need of financial assistance due to Sandy, please contact Maggie O’Brien, the Middletown Art Center’s Executive Director, at 732-706-4100 and she will discuss opportunities for discounted programming. MAC members also receive discounts on classes and camps throughout the year.
Join the Middletown Arts Center Team The Middletown Arts Center is currently looking for artists and educators to join its team. Individuals who are interested can contact Maggie O’Brien at 732-706-4100. The MAC is currently looking to expand its programing by offering classes in adult crafts such as jewelry, beading, fiber and photography, as well as children’s classes in film making, animation, advanced art, drawing and arts and crafts.
Visit www.middletownarts.org for more information. The MAC can also be found on Facebook at Middletown Arts Center and Twitter @MiddletownArts.
Save the Date
Jan 30 - FEMA Registration Deadline
Feb 2 – Season Job Applications Accepted
Feb 9 - Ski/Snowboard Trip
Feb 23 - Ski/Snowboard Trip
Feb 23 – Poricy Park Summer Camp Open House – 2-4p
March 23 – Eggstravaganza
Oct 25 - Halloween Hullabaloo
1st & 3rd Saturday Monthly – Mayor’s Office Hours – 10 am to noon, Town Hall.
Mayor Gerard P. Scharfenberger generally holds open office hours the first and third Saturday of each month from 10 am to noon at Town Hall, 1 Kings Highway. Visitors are seen on a first-come basis. Residents can also contact the Mayor's Office at 732-615-2024 during regular business hours or through the township’s website at www.middletownnj.org
As part of Middletown’s annual Organization Day, Committeeman Gerard P. Scharfenberger was selected to serve as Mayor and Committeewoman Stephanie C. Murray as Deputy Mayor for 2013. Read more
Free Seminar: Sandy’s Impact on Your Federal Taxes – Jan 21st
H&R Block will be conducting an informational seminar on Super Storm Sandy and its impact on your federal taxes on Monday, January 21st from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at Middletown Arts Center on Church Street next to the Middletown Train Station. The seminar is open to the public and free of charge.
Sandy Recovery
Croydon Hall Relief Center Hours
The main distribution center for the town at the Croydon Hall Gym. Croydon Hall Relief Center (900 Leonardville Road in Middletown) is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10am-2pm. Clean-up supplies, non-perishable food items, clothing and personal essentials are being distributed to residents as they recover from Superstorm Sandy. The Center is closed January 21 in observance of Martin Luther King’s Birthday
Like Us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/croydonhallreliefcenter
Americorps Is Here to Help
www.facebook.com/AmericorpsReliefMonmouthCounty
Americorps is now stationed at the Croydon Hall Relief Center. If you need assistance with storm clean up, they are available to help. They offer free labor and clean up assistance, gut outs and other tasks related to storm damage. They have individuals who are trained in mold removal, sheetrock installation and spackling. Please contact Americorp directly at 609.508.2500, americorpsmonmothcounty@gmail.com or visit them at Croydon Hall.
Middletown Disaster Relief Fund
The Mayor and Township Committee has established the Middletown Disaster Relief fund to directly assist the hardest hit residents of our Bayshore. Please visit the website for information on how to apply and donate www.middletownrelief.com.
Seasonal Job Opportunities
Applications Accepted Beginning Feb 2
Looking for a fun job this summer? Come work for Middletown Township! The Recreation Department Recreation is looking for enthusiastic and motivated candidates for our Summer Recreation Program. Lifeguarding positions are also available for our beaches – applicants must be a certified lifeguard from an accredited agency. The Public Works Department is seeking candidates to work in Maintenance – Parks, Roads, Buildings and Automotive.
Applications will be accepted beginning Saturday, February 2 from 10 am to 12 pm at the Croydon Hall Senior Center, 900 Leonardville Rd. After that day, return recreation applications to the Recreation Office, 900 Leoanardville Rd, Leonardo and maintenance applications to Public Works, 52 Kanes Lane, Middletown. Download applications from www.middletownnj.org. Go to Forms and Resources then Parks and Recreation to access application
2013 Ski/Snowboard Trips Now Open!
Like to Ski? Interested in learning how to Snowboard? Join the Middletown Township Department of Recreation on a trip to Camelback Mountain Resort (Tannersville, PA).
Trips are open to all Middletown residents, any age! Children under 13 years of age must have a parent/guardian present. Parent/Guardian not required to ski. Helmets are required for anyone under 18 years of age. If you do not own one, you must rent one.
All trips leave from the Town Hall parking lot (1 Kings Highway, Middletown) at 6:00am SHARP. The lifts open at 8:30am. All participants are REQUIRED to check in with a Recreation Department staff member in the CBK Lodge between 12:00pm – 1:00pm. All participants are required to be on the bus ready to leave at 4:00pm SHARP. The expected return time is 6:30pm. Any participant failing to follow these procedures will not be permitted on future trips with the Department of Recreation.
Registration has begun and will be on going until filled. All trips are first come, first served. Sign up for one or both trips. If needed, a waiting list will be generated. Registration can be done via mail or in person at the Croydon Hall Administrative Office, Mon-Fri 9am-3pm. Visit www.middletownnj.org, go Recreation, then special events to download registration form.
Bray Avenue Bridge in Port Monmouth Closed
Monmouth County’s bridge on Bray Avenue over Pews Creek Port Monmouth is closed in the interest of public safety. While only the bridge is closed, traffic between Main Street and Thompson Avenue is being detoured. Bray Avenue will be open to local traffic only. The bridge is closed to vehicle traffic until further notice. Pedestrian access will continue. Detour signs have been posted. Prior to the closure, Monmouth County had been in the process of preparing plans and specification for the replacement of the 60-year old bridge. Read more
Seeking Employers for Youth Job Fair
Middletown's 22nd annual Youth Job Fair will be held Wednesday, April 10th from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at High School North, located at 33 Tindall Road. The event. which is organized by Middletown Community Affairs Council, will bring together Middletown youth and employers to explore the possibility of full-time and part time job placement at no cost to the student or employers. Employers interested in participating can contact Mitch Gotesky at 732- 915-2445 or John Giordano at 732-996-7495.
Sandy Recovery Information Tips and FAQs
FEMA Advisory Base Flood Elevations
Superstorm Sandy Information
FEMA Assistance - Register By January 30, 2013
www.disasterassistance.gov/
Find assistance, request assistance and track applications
Survivors of Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey have until January 30, 2013 to register for disaster assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Small Business Association.
FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC)
Henry Hudson Trail Activity Center
945 Highway 36, Leonardo, NJ 07737
RESOLVE TO EXPLORE THE ARTS IN THE NEW YEAR AT THE MAC
Class registration for Winter through Spring 2013 is now open at the Middletown Arts Center (MAC), located on 36 Church Street in Middletown, NJ. The institution is encouraging adults and children of all ages and abilities to make 2013 the year to explore the arts. This past fall left many families with little or no time to spend together, but the Middletown Arts Center invites the public to visit its 23,000 square-foot arts facility for some much needed rest, relaxation and entertainment.
The Middletown Arts Center’s arts programming allows members and non-members to discover their inner artist, musician or dancer and also offers children unique activities to explore their imagination and express themselves. The classes offered for children include Doodle Dude’s cartooning and animation, musical theatre fun, puppetry, fashion design, guitar, dance classes for boys and girls, kiddie rock concerts and music lessons with Miss Sherri and much more. There are also exercise classes available for adults looking to carve out some time to de-stress in the New Year. Classes include Tai Chi, Zumba, Yoga, Hula Hooping, authentic Argentine tango, Irish-step, tap and ballroom dance.
For individuals and families in need of financial assistance due to Sandy, please contact Maggie O’Brien, the Middletown Art Center’s Executive Director, at 732-706-4100 and she will discuss opportunities for discounted programming. MAC members also receive discounts on classes and camps throughout the year.
Join the Middletown Arts Center Team The Middletown Arts Center is currently looking for artists and educators to join its team. Individuals who are interested can contact Maggie O’Brien at 732-706-4100. The MAC is currently looking to expand its programing by offering classes in adult crafts such as jewelry, beading, fiber and photography, as well as children’s classes in film making, animation, advanced art, drawing and arts and crafts.
Visit www.middletownarts.org for more information. The MAC can also be found on Facebook at Middletown Arts Center and Twitter @MiddletownArts.
Save the Date
Jan 30 - FEMA Registration Deadline
Feb 2 – Season Job Applications Accepted
Feb 9 - Ski/Snowboard Trip
Feb 23 - Ski/Snowboard Trip
Feb 23 – Poricy Park Summer Camp Open House – 2-4p
March 23 – Eggstravaganza
Oct 25 - Halloween Hullabaloo
1st & 3rd Saturday Monthly – Mayor’s Office Hours – 10 am to noon, Town Hall.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
ADVISORY FLOOD ELEVATION MAPS ON THE WEB
TRENTON, N.J. - For Hurricane Sandy survivors who want to rebuild stronger, safer and smarter, knowing their risk of flooding is paramount. Property owners can find the data they need online in new advisory base flood elevation maps published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Advisory maps containing recommended building elevations are available for these counties: Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Cape May, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean and Union. To learn more, visit the following web sites:
· www.region2coastal.com/sandy/abfe to read more about the advisory map program.
· www.region2coastal.com/sandy/table to view recommendations for a specific address in the counties with advisory maps.
· www.region2coastal.com/site-news to subscribe to FEMA news about flood map updates.
· www.region2coastal.com/faqs for frequently asked questions about advisory maps.
Advisory maps show, based on the best available information, how high structures should be elevated to minimize damage from future flood events. The maps show that portions of communities are in new flood zones, which may impact insurance rates and building practices.
· For information on federal flood insurance visit www.floodsmart.gov.You can also call 888-379-9531 or contact your insurance agent.
· FEMA provides flood insurance resources including publications and frequently asked questions online at www.fema.gov/nfip.
Communities are encouraged to adopt advisory base flood elevation maps to reduce future flood risk and to decrease the cost of flood insurance. Property owners should work with local building officials to fully understand all requirements - including advisory maps - to rebuild stronger, safer and smarter.
Contact your local officials if you have questions about advisory base flood elevation maps and how they affect you and your community.
Advisory maps containing recommended building elevations are available for these counties: Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Cape May, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean and Union. To learn more, visit the following web sites:
· www.region2coastal.com/sandy/abfe to read more about the advisory map program.
· www.region2coastal.com/sandy/table to view recommendations for a specific address in the counties with advisory maps.
· www.region2coastal.com/site-news to subscribe to FEMA news about flood map updates.
· www.region2coastal.com/faqs for frequently asked questions about advisory maps.
Advisory maps show, based on the best available information, how high structures should be elevated to minimize damage from future flood events. The maps show that portions of communities are in new flood zones, which may impact insurance rates and building practices.
· For information on federal flood insurance visit www.floodsmart.gov.You can also call 888-379-9531 or contact your insurance agent.
· FEMA provides flood insurance resources including publications and frequently asked questions online at www.fema.gov/nfip.
Communities are encouraged to adopt advisory base flood elevation maps to reduce future flood risk and to decrease the cost of flood insurance. Property owners should work with local building officials to fully understand all requirements - including advisory maps - to rebuild stronger, safer and smarter.
Contact your local officials if you have questions about advisory base flood elevation maps and how they affect you and your community.
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Mtown News Flash 12-21-12
Storm Recovery Information Tips and FAQs
FEMA Advisory Base Flood Elevations
Superstorm Sandy Information
www.disasterassistance.gov/
Find assistance, request assistance and track applications
Survivors of Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey now have until January 30, 2013 to register for disaster assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Small Business Association
FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) REVISED HOURS
Hours: Mon-Sat 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. Closed on Sundays
Chrismas Eve December 24 - 9 am to 1pm
Henry Hudson Trail Activity Center, 945 Highway 36, LEONARDO, NJ 07737
Services: VA, Legal Referrals, Health, Crisis Counseling, Aging, USACE, Web Registration, Insurance, Hazard Mitigation, Housing Assistance, EPA, HHS, ONA, NEFRLS, Federal Other, FEMA Other, State/Local Other, USDA, SBA Home Loan, Information, HUD, National Council on Independent Living, Housing Services, Social and Rehabilitation Services, Volunteer Organization, IRS, HOPE Coalition America, Other, SSA, Teleregistration, DUA, Fax, Copy, Phone useSBA Business Loan.
Middletown Disaster Relief Fund - www.middletownrelief.com
Donations are tax-deductible. 100% of donations go to Middletown families
Christmas, December 25
Municipal Offices are closed on December 25.
Happy Holidays!
FEMA Advisory Base Flood Elevations
Superstorm Sandy Information
www.disasterassistance.gov/
Find assistance, request assistance and track applications
Survivors of Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey now have until January 30, 2013 to register for disaster assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Small Business Association
FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) REVISED HOURS
Hours: Mon-Sat 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. Closed on Sundays
Chrismas Eve December 24 - 9 am to 1pm
Henry Hudson Trail Activity Center, 945 Highway 36, LEONARDO, NJ 07737
Services: VA, Legal Referrals, Health, Crisis Counseling, Aging, USACE, Web Registration, Insurance, Hazard Mitigation, Housing Assistance, EPA, HHS, ONA, NEFRLS, Federal Other, FEMA Other, State/Local Other, USDA, SBA Home Loan, Information, HUD, National Council on Independent Living, Housing Services, Social and Rehabilitation Services, Volunteer Organization, IRS, HOPE Coalition America, Other, SSA, Teleregistration, DUA, Fax, Copy, Phone useSBA Business Loan.
Middletown Disaster Relief Fund - www.middletownrelief.com
Donations are tax-deductible. 100% of donations go to Middletown families
Christmas, December 25
Municipal Offices are closed on December 25.
Happy Holidays!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Amy Handlin the "Paper Tiger"
Jim Grenafege is responding to a letter written by his opponent for the State Assembly seat, incumbent Republican Amy Handlin, which appeared in the Asbury Park Press on July 19th 2009:
An Asbury Park Press editorial, July 19, 2009, “Cut flood risk by fixing levees” focused on Assemblywomen Handlin’s ineffective letter writing effort to get federal and state government agencies to upgrade the levee protection system in the Bayshore area.
June 2008, FEMA held a public meeting for Bayshore residents. Congressman Pallone participated. Ms. Handlin failed to attend. She failed to fulfill her obligation to serve and listen to her constituents. She missed an opportunity to partner with Mr. Pallone -- one of the “regions federal representatives” who could have supported her efforts to improve the levee.
June 2009, Handlin “fired off a letter” to FEMA, the Army Corps of Engineers and other officials in an attempt to “rattle some cages”. She waited over a year --just three months before the maps were to be implemented -- before lamely pulling the trigger on her pen. Letters, even if wrapped around bricks, do not rattle bureaucratic cages.
Handlin says, “An insurance policy is a piece of paper. It doesn’t hold back a flood.” Nor will her letters hold back the September 25 flood of new and higher insurance premiums for municipalities and 4300 affected Bayshore area residents.
Upgrading the levees is critical. Requiring property owners to carry the full financial burden of the premiums associated with the revised flood zone maps is unreasonable and unfair, especially in these economic times.
Primary lien holders – usually banks or mortgage companies -- benefit from insurance coverage; they should help pay. Legislation requiring primary lien holders to subsidize insurance premiums, without passing the cost on to the property owners, is needed. Insurance companies collecting the premiums should be required to dedicate a significant portion of the premiums toward flood control management.
James Grenafege
NJ State Legislative District 13, Candidate
Monday, July 14, 2008
Grenafege and Walsh push for Pallone’s FEMA moratorium
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Publication
JULY 14, 2008
POC: Patricia Walsh
Middletown Democrat for Township Committee
(732) 747-0688
E-mail: awalsh386@aol.com
Grenafege and Walsh push for Pallone’s FEMA moratorium
MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP (MONMOUTH COUNTY, N.J.) — Middletown candidates for Township Committee Patricia Walsh and Jim Grenafege said residents would have welcome relief from the imposition of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood maps with recent legislation introduced by Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr., D- N.J.
“This moratorium is desperately needed by Middletown residents, many of whom face the mandated flood insurance for the first time,” Walsh said. “Time is needed to review the flood maps for their accuracy and give homeowners other forms of relief to deal with the additional financial burden.”
Walsh and Grenafege said Pallone’s legislation would place a temporary hold on the implementation of the flood maps while allowing the community to readdress its flood plain management.
The candidates said it would also provide tax credits and grants for a community and its residents. Walsh said the Community Rating System (CRS) is something Middletown could be taking advantage of in order to decrease flood insurance costs, but isn’t.
“To a great extent, Pallone’s bill is a perfect example of the innovative thinking that the Middletown Township Committee has not provided,” Grenafege said. “Instead, the committee majority takes its typical ‘Shift the Blame to Someone Else’ approach and then do nothing about it except complain.”
Grenafege said, to date, he has not heard anything about Middletown going after grant money or funding.
“The current committee has failed residents by not moving forward with efforts to reduce the cost of flood insurance,” Walsh said. “Recently, the FEMA flood maps were rescinded in Washington, D.C., after the city took action.”
“The Township Committee has relied on resolutions and petitions to address the situation,” Grenafege said. “Instead of taking productive action, the committee passed a bipartisan resolution after several months that didn’t address the issue itself.”
“The petition does nothing more than voice disapproval over the FEMA flood maps. It doesn’t do anything concrete for the homeowners in Middletown,” Grenafege said. “FEMA has recognized this. The committee majority fails to provide ‘thought leadership’ because they prefer to fall in behind and follow a petition approach, which offers no real solutions. At best, the petition offers false hope. I would be looking for more innovative and creative thinking from the Township Committee, along the lines of expanding upon the good work Pallone has already done with his bill.”
Walsh said homeowners are desperate for some type of financial relief. “Pallone’s legislation is a step in that direction,” she concluded.
For Immediate Publication
JULY 14, 2008
POC: Patricia Walsh
Middletown Democrat for Township Committee
(732) 747-0688
E-mail: awalsh386@aol.com
Grenafege and Walsh push for Pallone’s FEMA moratorium
MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP (MONMOUTH COUNTY, N.J.) — Middletown candidates for Township Committee Patricia Walsh and Jim Grenafege said residents would have welcome relief from the imposition of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood maps with recent legislation introduced by Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr., D- N.J.
“This moratorium is desperately needed by Middletown residents, many of whom face the mandated flood insurance for the first time,” Walsh said. “Time is needed to review the flood maps for their accuracy and give homeowners other forms of relief to deal with the additional financial burden.”
Walsh and Grenafege said Pallone’s legislation would place a temporary hold on the implementation of the flood maps while allowing the community to readdress its flood plain management.
The candidates said it would also provide tax credits and grants for a community and its residents. Walsh said the Community Rating System (CRS) is something Middletown could be taking advantage of in order to decrease flood insurance costs, but isn’t.
“To a great extent, Pallone’s bill is a perfect example of the innovative thinking that the Middletown Township Committee has not provided,” Grenafege said. “Instead, the committee majority takes its typical ‘Shift the Blame to Someone Else’ approach and then do nothing about it except complain.”
Grenafege said, to date, he has not heard anything about Middletown going after grant money or funding.
“The current committee has failed residents by not moving forward with efforts to reduce the cost of flood insurance,” Walsh said. “Recently, the FEMA flood maps were rescinded in Washington, D.C., after the city took action.”
“The Township Committee has relied on resolutions and petitions to address the situation,” Grenafege said. “Instead of taking productive action, the committee passed a bipartisan resolution after several months that didn’t address the issue itself.”
“The petition does nothing more than voice disapproval over the FEMA flood maps. It doesn’t do anything concrete for the homeowners in Middletown,” Grenafege said. “FEMA has recognized this. The committee majority fails to provide ‘thought leadership’ because they prefer to fall in behind and follow a petition approach, which offers no real solutions. At best, the petition offers false hope. I would be looking for more innovative and creative thinking from the Township Committee, along the lines of expanding upon the good work Pallone has already done with his bill.”
Walsh said homeowners are desperate for some type of financial relief. “Pallone’s legislation is a step in that direction,” she concluded.
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