Flood Zone Buyout Deadline Looms, Mayor Reminds Residents

On July 30, Woodbridge Mayor John McCormac followed up with Woodbridge Flood Zone residents about the fast approaching deadline for buyouts.

McCormac sent out a letter to follow-up with the special buyout meeting, which was held on July 23 for residents located in the Woodbridge flood zone.

About 150 residents turned out to the July 23 meeting in hopes of a way out of their floor-prone homes.

Over $300 million in federal aid is available for the Blue-Acres program following Sandy that should allow for the purchase of as many as 1,300 homes including some in the Woodbridge area. Both Woodbridge and Old Bridge homes are next in line for buyouts.

Those interested in the buyout program have until Aug. 15 to apply for the buyout program. The following is the letter McCormac sent to residents:

“Dear Woodbridge Township Flood Zone Resident: 

I am writing as a follow-up to the July 23, 2013 meeting with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Blue Acres program regarding the residential property buy-out initiative to advise that the deadline for filing an application with the Blue Acres program is Thursday, August 15, 2013. 

Township residents whose homes were damaged or destroyed by Super Storm Sandy, and who wish to be considered for possible home buy-out through the State of New Jersey Blue Acres program, must file an application with the NJDEP by the close of business on Aug. 15, 2013.  You can download and print the Blue Acres application via the Woodbridge Township web page at: www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us (click on the FEMA information link and go to the Blue Acres Program Application) or via the NJDEP web page at:www.state.nj.us/dep.  Additionally, a hard copy of the Blue Acres application form is available at the Mayor’s Office in Town Hall.  The NJDEP – Blue Acres Program will compile the applications and submit a comprehensive portfolio to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); the NJDEP and the Township will let you know individually regarding the next steps in the buy-out process.

I would also remind that in the aftermath of Super Storm Sandy, Woodbridge Township businesses, residents, and concerned citizens contributed funds to assist fellow residents and victims who may have unmet needs as a result of Super Storm Sandy.  The Township entered into an agreement with the United Way of Central Jersey on behalf of the Middlesex County Long Term Recovery Group (MCLTRG) in order to make distribution of the limited funds available via the Woodbridge Community Charity Fund to those Woodbridge Township victims with remaining unmet needs.  The MCLTRG is a voluntary association representing numerous entities involved in post-Super Storm Sandy relief, recovery, rebuilding, and community development efforts and, as such, the MCLTRG has implemented an application process to determine unmet needs and to allot funds for those victims eligible for additional financial assistance for unmet needs.

I would again encourage any Woodbridge Township resident flood victim with unmet needs to contact the MCLTRG to apply for funds from the Woodbridge Community Charity Fund, as well as for any/all programs managed by the MCLTRG – the MCLTRG may be able to provide assistance over and above Woodbridge Township assistance.  Contact the MCLTRG at: 732-390-7074 or info@middlesexltrg.org.

We will continue to keep you informed on any/all information regarding the residential buy-out program and any other services available to Township resident flood victims.

Sincerely,

John E. McCormac”