Post-Sandy Demolition, Debris Removal Program Delayed

A federal program that allows municipalities with extensive storm damage to take on the task of demolishing damaged homes and removing debris from lots where homes were destroyed has been delayed in New Jersey.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency's Private Property Debris Removal, or PPDR, program has been the chosen method of several local municipalities to clear destroyed neighborhoods of debris and homes beyond repair.

But the state has stepped in and notified municipalities that it will come out with its own guidelines - perhaps beyond federal standards - of tearing down homes that may contain asbestos, thus delaying the program statewide.

On Thursday, Mantoloking put off the award of a bid to a contractor that was set to begin the work soon in the borough, which was heavily damaged by Superstorm Sandy.

"We got notification from the governor's office this week to hold off on all demo contracts," said Mayor George Nebel, who apologized to residents who came to a special borough council meeting to see the cotract be awarded.

The meeting ended up being adjourned after less than five minutes, with no action taken by the governing body.

"We should get more information on what he wants us to include in these contracts next week," Nebel said, expressing his hope that the contracts will not have to be re-bid, since they already contained specifications on removing asbestos.

Borough officials said the municipality received 32 bids for the demolition and debris removal services, ranging from $1.7 million to $8.8 million.

Brick Township Mayor Stephen C. Acropolis said his office received the same notice from the state this week.

Brick has also elected to participate in the PPDR program.

Acropolis said the township will still participate in the program.

Brick is still in the process of gathering information on how many homeowners will participate in the program and putting its bid together, said Acropolis.

Acropolis said recent information indicates the state may go beyond federal safety standards in handling asbestos removal.

"A lot of the houses built in the 1960s had those asbestos shingles," he said.

Among the worst damaged neighborhoods in Brick is Camp Osborn, which was destroyed by fire during Sandy. The neighborhood, though partially converted to modern, full-time residences, also contained a large number of older bungalow-style homes.