Repopulation of the northern barrier islands in Toms River and Brick begins today.

Damage in Normandy Beach from Hurricane Sandy
Damage in Normandy Beach from Hurricane Sandy (David Matthau, Townsquare Media)
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Toms River Thomas Kelaher announced the plan on Friday in a statement on the official Toms River website.

“I just spoke with the Governor’s office and I was told that he will be lifting the State of Emergency for homes in Toms River that are located in between Brick and Lavallette, such as Ocean Beach, Chadwick, Monterey, Normandy, etc,"said the statement.

The Ortley Beach section remains closed as crews work to restore utilities and repair road damage.
“We also had a meeting with the four utility companies on the barrier island, and they have assured us that all of the utilities will be ready for use on Monday,” Kelaher added. Residents and visitors will be permitted to drive along Route 35.

Kellaher says residents should expect to see "heavy police presence" and security cameras.

The Mayor, who has been criticized for being too slow in allowing residents to return says the plan meets his goal of allowing "residents back into their homes as quickly and as safely as possible."

Brick's Plan

 

Mario Tama, Getty Images
Mario Tama, Getty Images
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Brick Township announced the repopulation of its barrier islands as well. Brick residents will be allowed to return as of 7AM on Monday morning. According to the township’s press release:

1. Access to all streets, except State Highway 35, shall be limited to residents, their contractors, governmental personnel and individuals critical to implementing individual or governmental recovery efforts.

2. There will be unrestricted access on Rt. 35 southbound from Mantoloking Road south into Toms River. All northbound traffic will have to exit Rt. 35 at Herbert Lane/Mantoloking Bridge as Rt. 35 north of the Mantoloking Bridge will remain closed to non-essential personnel and/or Mantoloking residents.

3. A curfew for pedestrians shall be in effect from 6:00 P.M. to 5:00 A.M.

4. Access to the ocean beach shall be limited to emergency personnel and personnel engaged in emergency protective measures and recovery efforts.

5. A speed limit of 25 miles per hour shall be in effect for all streets on the barrier island, within the jurisdiction of Brick Township.

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