Seaside Heights racing to build boardwalk by May
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<p>The PIAA AA semifinal match up between the Wyomissing Spartans and Imhotep Panthers was held Saturday at the Benjamin L. Johnson Memorial Stadium. The home team lost 35-13. (Bas Slabbers/for NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>Spartans running back Justin Causa scored on a 16-yard touchdown in the third quarter to boost Wyomissing's lead to 28-13. (Bas Slabbers/for NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>The Panthers defense makes a stop. (Bas Slabbers/for NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>Khalil Steward, a senior wide receiver, corrals a reception despite Scott McAvoy's coverage. (Bas Slabbers/for NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>On Saturday, at a packed Benjamin Johnston Memorial Stadium, Kadmiel Kelome and the Imhotep Panthers battled against the Wyomissing Spartans in the state semifinal game. (Bas Slabbers/for NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>David Williams ran for more than 140 yards in a losing effort. (Bas Slabbers/for NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>Another touchdown. (Bas Slabbers/for NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>Imhotep's Nyeem Thrones attempts to stop Wyomissing's from catching a pass Joe Cacchione. (Bas Slabbers/for NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>Four Panthers look on as the Spartans celebrate another touchdown. (Bas Slabbers/for NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>Spartans quarterback Corey Unger unleashed several long passes, including this 46-yard TD to Gerald Burns (outside the frame). (Bas Slabbers/for NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>Imhotep David Williams and fullback Shahyodd Chavis celebrate Williams' 50-yard touchdown in the second quarter, the extra point for which gave the Panthers their lone lead of the day. (Bas Slabbers/for NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>Anzalone had a 58-yard rush. (Bas Slabbers/for NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>Chatmon, a linebacker, faced a rugged Anzalone throughout a game in which the standout registered nearly 150 rushing yards and also played on defense. (Bas Slabbers/for NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>Wyomissing's Alex Anzalone is tackled by Imhotep's Brandon Chatmon. (Bas Slabbers/for NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>Imhotep's talented running back Nasir Bonner is a sophomore and expected to be a key contributor to the upstart team's future success. (Bas Slabbers/for NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>It took four Spartans to tackle Imhotep's DeAndre Scott, who scored a touchdown in the game. (Bas Slabbers/for NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>A youngster tries to get in on the action as the Wyomissing Spartans huddle up before the start of the PIAA state semifinal game against Imhotep. (Bas Slabbers/for NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>Imhotep running back David Williams will now decide between Ohio State University, Arizona State University, the University of South Carolina and the University of Miami. (Bas Slabbers/for NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>Supporters applaud as the players leave the field for the last time of the 2012 season. (Bas Slabbers/for NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>Some players cried out of disappointment when Crosby addressed the team postgame. He told them to keep their eyes up and be proud of their season. (Bas Slabbers/for NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>Coach Albie Crosby tells his Imhotep Panthers that he is proud of them, and lauded their opponents. (Bas Slabbers/for NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>The Wyomissing Spartans celebrate their 35-13 victory over the Imhotep Panthers at Benjamin Johnston Memorial Stadium in Northwest Philadelphia. (Bas Slabbers/for NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>Each team had a star running back with bigtime college prospects. Imhotep's David Williams, who has yet to decide between four D-1 offers, shakes hands with Alex Anzalone, who will attend the University of Notre Dame. (Bas Slabbers/for NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>The Imhotep Panthers cheerleaders support one another in defeat. (Bas Slabbers/for NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>There was sadness among the Panthers as their dreams of a state championship were dashed by Wyomissing on Saturday. (Bas Slabbers/for NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>Imhotep coaches react as time runs off the scoreboard and out of their season. (Bas Slabbers/for NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>In the Imhotep bleachers, fans tried to rally the undefeated Panthers to a 15-0 record and into the state-championship game against Aliquippa. (Bas Slabbers/for NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>The Imhotep Panthers had a dominant, undefeated season. As they stretched during halftime, they faced the unfamiliar feeling of trailing on the scoreboard. (Bas Slabbers/for NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>Some Wyomissing supporters, who traveled by car and bus from the Reading area for the Saturday afternoon game in Germantown, dressed in holiday gear. (Bas Slabbers/for NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>Wyomissing kicker Jonah Bowman warms up before the game. (Bas Slabbers/for NewsWorks)</p>
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Supporters cheer as their team gets on the field. (Bas Slabbers/for NewsWorks)
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<p>Wyomissing fans lined the walkway from the locker room to the Benjamin Johnston Memorial Stadium field prior to the game. (Bas Slabbers/for NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>In the Wyomissing locker room before the game, Connor Reedy, team captain and Notre Dame recruit Alex Anzalone and Scott McAvoy sit quietly as noise from a raucous Imhotep room fills the air. (Bas Slabbers/for NewsWorks)</p>
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<p>After the game, Wyomissing's star RB/LB Alex Anzalone said he was proud of his team and was looking forward to next week's state-championship game versus Aliquippa. (Bas Slabbers/for NewsWorks)</p>
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<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Residents and business owners, like Ronald Bernknopf, who runs the Colony Motel, are eager to return to Seaside Heights. ( Jana Shea /for NewsWorks )<span id="_mce_caret" data-mce-bogus="1"><span style="font-family: helvetica;" data-mce-bogus="1"></span></span></span></p>
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A stockpile of damaged kitchen appliances. ( Jana Shea /for NewsWorks )
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Sandy left a gaping hole in the side of a home in nearby Ortley Beach. ( Jana Shea /for NewsWorks )
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<p>Life has its ups and downs and "the storm was Seaside's darkest hour," said Borough attorney, George Gilmore. ( Jana Shea /for NewsWorks )</p>
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Neighboring Ortley Beach was hit hard by Superstorm Sandy. ( Jana Shea /for NewsWorks )
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This is not the joy ride tourists have in mind. ( Jana Shea /for NewsWorks )
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Seaside Heights has fast tracked its recovery and plans to reopen the boardwalk in May 2013. ( Jana Shea /for NewsWorks )
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<p>Sand will have to be sifted to remove debris to ensure the beach is safe for residents and tourists. The beach will also need to be replenshied. ( Jana Shea /for NewsWorks )</p>
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The Beach Bar Grill will be demolished and rebuilt. ( Jana Shea /for NewsWorks )
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A couple defies warnings to stay off the beach to get a better look at the storm ravaged boardwalk. ( Jana Shea /for NewsWorks )
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What is left of Seaside Heights' famous boardwalk.( Jana Shea /for NewsWorks )
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Wind damage from Superstorm Sandy. ( Jana Shea /for NewsWorks )
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Seaside Heights' Fun Town Pier is in shambles post-Sandy. ( Jana Shea /for NewsWorks )
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Humans aren't the only ones suffering in Sandy's aftermath. ( Jana Shea /for NewsWorks )
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Inside homes, water levels exceeded two feet, destroying electrical appliances and leaving behind mold. ( Jana Shea /for NewsWorks )
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<p>John Bongiovanni and his wife, Carol did not evacuate during the storm because last year's Hurricane Irene had been a false alarm. ( Jana Shea /for NewsWorks )</p>
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Jay Mazzei remained in town through the storm. He said he only grew worried when he watched Sandy rip the roof off the Fremont Arms across the street from his home. ( Jana Shea /for NewsWorks )
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Flood damage is not just a mess, but a health hazard because of mold. ( Jana Shea /for NewsWorks )
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Utility workers from KDM Powerline Construction in Gilbert, Louisiana help to restore electricity. ( Jana Shea /for NewsWorks )
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Seaside Heights' main drags are empty except for contractors and the occasional Mack Truck carting away more debris.( Jana Shea /for NewsWorks )
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Steel security doors were no match for Sandy. ( Jana Shea /for NewsWorks )
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Two of the many volunteers who are helping to restore the shore take a look out at the monumental task ahead of them. ( Jana Shea /for NewsWorks )
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Tattered and battered, Seaside Heights "has a future, there's no doubt about it," said Councilman Anthony Vaz. ( Jana Shea /for NewsWorks )
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<p>Bob Stewart, owner of Carousel Arcade plans to rebuild as fast as possible. The<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"> life-long resident and local firefighter, has a crew of volunteers helping to demolish and clear the remains of his arcade. "I have a lot of friends here," he acknowledged. </span>( Jana Shea /for NewsWorks )</p>
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Most of the town is coated in a thick layer of sand. ( Jana Shea /for NewsWorks )
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Inspectors survey the damages at Fun Town Pier. ( Jana Shea /for NewsWorks )
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The north end of Seaside Heights' boardwalk is now gone, a small memorial left behind.( Jana Shea /for NewsWorks )
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On the edge of town, the remnants of people's lives forms a mountain of debris. ( Jana Shea /for NewsWorks )
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<p>"Our goal is to get you back as soon as possible," stated Seaside Heights Mayor, William Akers. ( Jana Shea /for NewsWorks )</p>
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Sandy left Seaside Height's Jetstar roller coaster in the Atlantic Ocean. ( Jana Shea /for NewsWorks )
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Volunteers work to ensure the Carousel Arcade will be back in business by Memorial Day. ( Jana Shea /for NewsWorks )
Six weeks after the ravages of Superstorm Sandy, the goal for Seaside Heights is to be open for business by Memorial Day. But the barrier island borough is still uninhabitable, its famous boardwalk exists only in memory. The enormous reconstruction effort, now in its beginning stages, is being fast-tracked in hopes of being ready for tourists.
“We’re pushing hard for May 1,” stated Seaside Heights Mayor, William Akers at a borough council meeting Wednesday evening.
One part of that process involves restoring natural gas service. On Thursday, December 13, Seaside Heights will be closed for one day to all but emergency personnel as New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG) representatives pressurize the system and check for any issues.
Focus on the boardwalk
A rapid recovery holds an even greater significance as Seaside Heights will celebrate it centennial year in 2013.
Much of the talk about rebuilding revolves around Seaside’s boardwalk. The reason is a matter of economics, explained Akers. Seaside Heights brings in 75 percent of its revenue from tourism, which draws an estimated 350,000 to 400,000 visitors. Without a boardwalk, there is no financial security.
Bob Stewart, owner of the decimated Carousel Arcade on the boardwalk’s Fun Town Pier said he is working hard to be open again by Memorial Day. “We have two speeds here, fast and faster,” he said. Time is of the essence when it comes to bringing back business. “It’s our only source of income,” exclaimed Ronald Bernknopf, owner of the Colony Motel.
Others, like resident Jay Mazzei, who owns three rental properties in addition to his home, said the timeline is unrealistic. He said he expects reconstruction to take at least a year. Because of the damage, Mazzei says September might be the earliest he can rent out his units.
Repopulation
Visitation is still limited to daytime hours for for Seaside’s property owners. Akers said the hope is for residents to return for good sometime in January.
“The Governor has to sign off on any plan of repopulation. I really want that understood. Because until he says yes, it doesn’t matter what I say. He’s the Big Guy.” Akers stated.
In the meantime, access to the town as been increased by two hours. With the exception of December 13, when entry will be off-limits, the new curfew for residents and contractors is now 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Next steps
Today, giant piles of rubbish line Seaside’s curbs and Mack trucks carting debris cruise along its main drags. Utility workers, some from as far away as Louisiana, are working to restore electricity. State inspectors have assessed damages to every property and insurance adjusters are beginning to calculate the costs. Permit applications for repair work will be issued by the borough this week.
NJNG has estimated that all sections of the Seaside peninsula will be re-pressurized and have rebuilt meters by December 31.
The water supply has already been restored on the south end of town. Blocks to the north are also regaining service. Akers said he expects water and gas services will be fully restored by the end of the month.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the N.J. Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will issue an advisory on base flood elevation standards by mid-month. Those whose property is in the lower lying flood plane areas, like Hiering Avenue, may need to have their buildings raised.
If a property has sustained damages 50 percent or more of its value, owners will not be permitted to rebuild unless it meets the new elevation standards. Those properties with less damage won’t have to comply with the recommendations, but owners will find it difficult to obtain flood insurance.
Seaside Heights Council is recommending, but not mandating, that owners get a certificate to prove that mold has been removed from the properties.
Phases of reconstruction
Akers said that the boardwalk reconstruction will come in two phases. Phase One began last week when Council began hearing bid proposals.
Phase two will be the actual rebuilding of the boardwalk, which will be the same length and cost around $13 million. “We’re going to have it ready to go and start building the first week in January,” Akers stated.
Multiple projects will go on at the same time to speed the process. Debris removal and sand sifting will need to occur before building can begin and Seaside’s beach can be replenished. Akers says replenishment could amount to a million and a half cubic yards of sand.
Bringing back a protective barrier, whether it be sand dunes or sea wall, will definitely be part of the reconstruction’s second phase, Akers promised. Phase Two will also see opportunity to make improvements to the boardwalk, such as more attractive lighting and benches.
Beach tags to remains $5
Recently, Belmar hiked its beach tag rates from $7 to $ 8 in order to defray costs involved in rebuilding its damaged boardwalk. Seaside has no intention to raise its beach rates, Akers assured residents.
Akers says he recognizes Seaside Heights is unique in its distinction as a working class beach town and wants to keep its daily beach rate affordable at $5. “I’m proud of it being a blue collar town,” he asserted.
Councilman Anthony Vaz said selling memorial inscriptions on the boardwalk is one way the borough may raise funds.
Residents express appreciation
Seaside residents are quick to express heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of aid received from organizations and individual donors.
John Bongiovanni and his wife, Carol returned Wednesday to their Fremont Arms condo for an insurance assessment. Bongiovanni said that applying for FEMA aid involves a lot of steps, but the response has been fast. “I’m pretty pleased,” he commented. Not only is the couple and their pet dog displaced from their home, but Carol, who worked at the local A & P supermarket, is now out of a job. It’s the first time she has ever had to apply for unemployment. Now staying in Absecon, they recently applied for a Small Business Administration disaster loan.
Mazzei, who is staying in Bayville, said he is deeply touched by the generosity of out-of-towners like a team of volunteers from North Carolina, who are helping with clean up, and the Taiwan-based Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation. The organization recently handed out $600 Visa gift cards to those displaced by Sandy.
Folks from Seaside are also quick to praise each other. Diane and John Martinez were publicly thanked for providing daily hot meals through Our Lady of Perpetual Help’s Quonset Hut.
Resident after resident came forward during Wednesday’s meeting to personally express their thanks to Seaside’s first responders, police, council members and the mayor for their tireless work during the storm and its aftermath.
‘This town is our family’
Despite steel resolve and the stereotypical tough attitude so often attributed to New Jersey natives, emotions are tender. Councilwoman Arline Ottoson broke down in tears during her remarks. “Eighty-two years I’ve lived in this town. I’m so proud of the people in it.” Folks in attendance struggled to keep their own eyes dry.
Akers said through good days and bad in the recovery process, the thing he is most thankful for is that Seaside Heights suffered no loss of life as a result of Sandy. “When we open up again, we’ll all be here together. It doesn’t get any better than that,” he said. “This town is our family.”
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