A Message from the Mayor on the State of Lacey

A message from Mayor Mark Dykoff:

We are left speechless when witnessing first hand the incredible power of the weather. I am sure you are all feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, lost and heartbroken over the unknown of what awaits when we all assess our homes and property. Hurricane Sandy has come and gone and no doubt left a mark, it is not a permanent one. Perhaps in our memories, as this storm will certainly be a benchmark one historically. But what is lost can be rebuilt. Sometimes a tragic event, weatherwise or otherwise, can bring out the best in all of us. Our police, emergency responders and public works, who acted so quickly and courageously during Sandy, are the first sign of this. And now all of us, as proud Lacey Township residents and neighbors, can come together and reunite, rebuild and restore our community to the incredible place that it is and will soon be again.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you adversely impacted during this storm. Please continue to be safe.

Lacey residents are encouraged to comply with orders and guidance from the local emergency management and government officials in the aftermath of the storm and to avoid any unnecessary risks. Drivers are advised to stay off of the roads whenever possible and otherwise drive with caution in consideration of the continued threat of downed power lines, trees, branches, and the work of emergency management and utility crews. When necessary, drivers should follow the rules of the road, stay alert and respect the weather elements and the guidance and orders of emergency management and government officials. Unnecessary travel is not recommended.

The Community hall is open and has heat. Also outlets are available to charge electronic devices. The Community Hall will be open till 5 p.m. today, Nov. 1.

Power is still out in the Township. We will have further details after our late aternoon (Nov. 1) conference call with JCP&L. JCP&L is in the town and aggressively working. They are clearing wires from downed trees and poles first. Once the debris is cleared from the roadways, JCP&L will be able to restore power to the areas still out. Those areas that were severely damaged in the storm from wind and water along the waterfront must use caution when having power restored and gas. JCP&L will be determining if it is safe to restore the transformers to those areas. We are restricting access to "residents only" in the waterfront areas. You may be stopped by police personnel and asked for idenification. 

Water has receded from those low lying areas. However, if you are returning to your homes, please be aware that your house may not be habitable. Once power is restored, please be sure it is safe in your home before you turn on the electric. The Township is out assessing homes and making residents aware that their homes could be deemed unsafe. Some roadways in the township along the waterfront have been compromised, please drive carefully.         

Garbage and Recycling has resumed. Recycling will resume on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2012. Garbage will resume on Thursday, Nov. 1, 2012. Pick up will occur on your next regular scheduled day.  For those that have leaves, debris, branches, trees in their yard, as of Monday, Nov. 5, 2012, the Garbage Company will be picking up the vegetative debris at curbside on your regular recycling day. The vegetative debris must be cut into four foot lengths and bundled, weighing no ore than 75 pounds. We cannot take whole trees in the garbage trucks. The Recycling Center is open. The Township cannot come onto private property and remove trees or debris. The special vegetative debris pick up will be until Nov. 16. After that date, residents will have to make their own arrangements. LEAVES CANNOT BE RAKED TO THE CURB AND PLACED IN THE STREET.  LEAVES MUST BE BAGGED AND PLACED AT CURBSIDE. 

House clean outs. For those residents who have lost contents in their home, East of Route 9 only, the garbage company will pick up such household items on Saturdays and Wednesday through Saturday, Nov. 17. Place the items at curbside and the garbage company will be around the area. The items should be packaged in accordance with the normal garbage collection regulations, if possible. This will last through Nov. 17. After that date, the property owner will need to make their own arrangements.

As to spoiled food waste for all homes in Lacey, food waste can go out with normal garbage pickup.

Construction debris cannot go out with garbage pickup or these special garbage pick up. It will not be picked up. Residents will need to make arrangements for dumpsters or to transport it to the County landfill. 

Our Municipal water supply is safe and not compromised. There is no need to boil your water if you are on city water. The pumping stations are working and running on generators. 

Schools in Lacey are closed until Monday.  

The Municipal Offices are open with phone service. Internet and email is now available at the township.

Forked River Baptist Church on Haines Street is open for a charging station. Also at that site Grace Initiatives will have dry, clean clothing for familes in need along with baby items. Also they have availablility of getting food to those who need a hot meal. The Forked River Presbyterian Church has sandwiches for residents until 8 p.m. tonight.

As to FEMA, information is available on their website at http://www.disasterassistance.gov/.  FEMA number is 1-800-621-3362.  There are no FEMA representatives at Town Hall.

New Jersey Hurricane Sandy (DR-4086)

Incident period: Friday, Oct. 26, 2012Major Disaster Declaration declared on Oct. 30, 2012

The following counties under PA-B include direct federal assistance: Atlantic County, Cape May County, Essex County, Hudson County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Ocean County and Union County.