Ortley Beach Lot Turned Into Sandy Memorial

An Ortley Beach man has turned the vacant lot where his home once stood into a memorial garden, a tribute to his parents who lived with him for many years on Coolidge Avenue, the Bergen Record reported Friday.

"This is my home," he told the newspaper, explaining the flowers, shrubs and memorial bench he put on the lot.

Mullen, a retired social worker, is considering his options in rebuilding while renting an apartment in mainland Toms River, the newspaper reported.