Township Officials Extend Superstorm Sandy Rebuilding Policy For Another Five Years

by Patricia A. Miller

Lacey residents with Sandy-damaged homes on non-conforming lots will be able to rebuild without a variance, according to a resolution passed by Township Committee members at a recent meeting.

Officials originally authorized the policy at the Dec. 13, 2012 caucus meeting, little more than a month after Sandy slammed into the Jersey coast. The policy was
due to expire in December.

But township Director of Community Development John Curtin asked township officials in a June 4 memo to extend the policy for another five years.
 
"I recommend the Committee consider extending its "Sandy Policy" authorization for an additional five years to give all of our residents ample opportunity to rebuild without the added burden of requiring a variance for an undersized lot," Curtin said.

Sandy-struck homes can be rebuilt on undersized lots as long as the new home meets the bulk requirements for height, front, side and rear yard setbacks, he said in the memo.

"Although many homeowners have been able to utilize this police and begin to rebuild, there are many more who have not been able to secure the funding yet,"
Curtin said.