Curt Kelly: Damage from Superstorm Sandy still lingers in the Delaware Bay

When Superstorm Sandy hit New Jersey the night of Oct 29, 2012 most of the damage occurred along the coast north of Atlantic City. But Curt Kelly whose town faces the Delaware Bay in Reeds Beach N.J. there were some homes damaged. 

He told NewsWorks that areas like his are often overlooked by public officials and the media. His main message is there are many more people who suffered from Superstorm Sandy but don’t live near a boardwalk. 

Kelly took part in one of five forums sponsored by NewsWorks to develop a smarter plan for rebuilding the Jersey shore. Ready for Next Time? Rethinking the Shore After Sandy forums were held in Philadelphia, Cape May Court House, Mays Landing, LBI and Tuckerton. 

At each event, local residents gave their reactions to three different strategies to create a sustainable shore living. The first approach was rebuild the shore the way it was with some extra protections like dunes. The second approach called for making controversial steps of creating no build zones in high risk areas. The third approach calls for an all out retreat from the barrier islands. 

In the coming weeks, we’ll present a report that outlines where there is clear agreement and direction. Check back to NewsWorks.org/NJ soon.