Sand dunes will rise along Jersey Shore, Christie vows

Gov. Chris Christie is vowing to move ahead with beach restoration projects along the Jersey Shore.

To provide protection from future storms, he said Thursday that he will mandate dune systems be built even though some beachfront property owners are reluctant to sign easements for the projects.

“Don’t worry about it. We’re going to get it done. I have legal tools at my disposal, which I can use, and I will use all of them,” Christie said. “We will build these dunes with their objection or without their objection.”

Some residents have opposed establishing the protective dunes because their view of the ocean is blocked. That argument will not be enough to sway the governor.

“I am not going to permit a few recalcitrant homeowners to prevent a system that will protect the businesses and people of our Shore going forward,” he said.

The governor the biggest complaint from Shore residents is that the recovery from Sandy isn’t going as fast as they’d like.

It could take until July for homeowners to get federal grant money to rebuild and elevate their homes because those projects need state and federal environmental approvals, he said.

Christie met Thursday with business owners in Long Branch to discuss their concerns.

An ad campaign set to launch before Memorial Day will get the word out that the New Jersey Shore is ready for visitors, the governor assured them.