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Bridge between 2 Jersey Shore towns deemed unsafe, closed indefinitely

The Townsend Inlet Bridge

The Townsend Inlet Bridge between Sea Isle and Avalon has been closed indefinitely after underwater inspections deemed it unsafe. The bridge is shown on Sunday, Sept. 4, 2016. ( )

By Rajeev Dhir | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

on April 04, 2017 at 9:49 AM, updated April 04, 2017 at 11:43 AM

AVALON — The Cape May County bridge linking Avalon and Sea Isle City has been shut down indefinitely for emergency repairs after an underwater inspection deemed the span unsafe, officials said.

An underwater inspection of bridge pilings found structural damage 20 feet below the water.

The dive team found a crack and movement in one piling that appeared to be very recent, along with heavy deterioration in another three-pile cluster that supports one of the piers on the Avalon side of the bridge.

https://www.nj.com/cape-may-county/index.ssf/2017/04/townsends_inlet_bridge_shut_down_for_indefinitely.html?ath=9c46bfc08d76232bb5a5e00eeaf0bfa2#cmpid=nsltr_stryheadline

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Summer Jobs Season Approaching at Shore

artchick_jerseyshore_theridgewoodblog

photo by ArtChick

The approach of Memorial Day means it’s summer jobs season at the New Jersey shore.

OCEAN CITY, N.J. (AP) — With Memorial Day soon approaching, it’s summer jobs season at the New Jersey shore.

Business owners tell The Philadelphia Inquirer (https://bit.ly/2oNZd6i) fewer international students have been applying for the seasonal positions in recent years, opening the door for more locals to get in on the action.

Businesses in Ocean City such as Gillian’s Wonderland Pier and numerous eateries hire hundreds of workers between the ages of 14 and 21 to start around mid-June. Most get paid a little more than minimum wage.

Above all, the business owners say, intelligence and an outgoing attitude is a must.

John Kavchok, personnel director for the Wonderland Pier, said most summer employees work six days a week and start at $8.50 an hour. Among the fringe benefits are a 25 percent discount on pizza and free rides.

Speaking of rides — ride operators must be 16 or older under state law, and Kavchok said the pier chooses employees for those jobs who are responsible and attentive.

https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/new-jersey/articles/2017-04-02/summer-jobs-season-approaching-at-shore

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Four Years after Super Storm Sandy Governor Christie Reviews Progress

Sandy theridgewoodblog.net
October 30,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, On Friday, Governor Christie discussed the progress our state has made four years after Sandy as his administration continues to work with homeowners, business owners, and communities to rebuild and safeguard against future storms. He also conducted a small business tour in Seaside Heights, a community heavily impacted by Sandy.It is no doubt that so much more needs to be done and some homeowners are still struggling four years later trying to cut through the
the red tape .
The Governor outlined investments in rebuilding our infrastructure, getting families back in their homes and protecting our shores after Sandy including:
  • Nearly $2.5 billion in utility infrastructure hardening & resilience investments
  • More than $2 billion in FEMA public assistance directed towards recovery projects
  • Five large-scale NJ Transit projects designed to better safeguard critical components of our transportation grid
  • $7 million to fund Retail Fuel Station program to allow gas stations expedited access to back-up power during an energy emergency
  • Coordinated effort with Army Corps of Engineers to build 11 new coastal and flood protection projects statewide
  • More than $1.6 billion in federal housing assistance to help Sandy-impacted families
  • Majority of 7,600 homeowners participating in Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, Elevation and Mitigation program are back in their homes
  • Expanded Blue Aces program, allowing residents in flood-prone areas to sell homes damaged by Superstorm Sandy
  • $207 million dedicated to support economic revitalization in Sandy-affected communities through the Stronger NJ business programs.

The Christie administration is committed to finishing the job on Sandy recovery, revitalization and resilience efforts.

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Ranking Jersey Shore towns for crimes, traffic fines, and other trouble

ArtChick_jersey_shore_theridgewoodblog

By Ted Sherman | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
on August 04, 2016 at 8:15 AM, updated August 04, 2016 at 11:58 AM

POINT PLEASANT BEACH — Last month, Seaside Heights — still trying to repair a reputation colored by the antics of the cast of ‘Jersey Shore’ on MTV — moved to ban loud music on its beach.

Officials called it part of a continuing effort to reinforce their appeal as a family friendly place.

In Wildwood, elected officials have threatened greater enforcement effortstargeting noisy parties and underage drinking they say has gotten out of hand.

And don’t speed or park illegally in Point Pleasant Beach. You will almost certainly get ticketed.

The Jersey Shore — the real one, not the reality TV version — is an economic engine for the state, bringing in visitors, business and millions of tourism dollars every summer. But several communities say they are getting fed up with some of the bad behavior that often comes with the perception of being party towns, and are taking steps to change that image.

“We’re not targeting that ‘Jersey Shore’ crowd anymore,” said Christopher Vaz, borough administrator of Seaside Heights, where the likes of Snooki and JWowwand a cast of characters — in a summer house well-stocked with hair gel, suntan oil and alcohol — once brought no small amount of national and oft-times embarrassing publicity to the small Ocean County beach town.

“This is not a fist-pumping atmosphere anymore,” Vaz said

 

https://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2016/08/rowdy_on_the_beach_jersey_shore_towns_seeking_more.html?ath=9c46bfc08d76232bb5a5e00eeaf0bfa2#cmpid=nsltr_strybutton

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Montclair State University Biology Department to conduct study of Clinging Jellyfish for NJ Department of Environmental Protection

DANGEROUS CLINGING JELLYFISH , JERSEY SHORE

Study aims to determine prevalence of tiny jellyfish with potent sting.

June 30,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

The Jersey Shore NJ, The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has authorized a study in partnership with Montclair State University to determine the distribution and prevalence of clinging jellyfish, a dime-to-quarter sized and invasive jellyfish that packs a powerful sting that has been reported mostly in the Shrewsbury River in recent weeks.

The jellyfish, not a New Jersey Native but a native to the Pacific Ocean, is very difficult to spot in the water. A sting can produce severe pain and other localized symptoms and, in some cases can result in the need for hospitalization.

Multiple specimens have been observed and collected in the Shrewsbury River, while a single clinging jellyfish has been confirmed in the Manasquan River. The studies will be conducted in these waterways, as well as northern portions of Barnegat Bay – where the jellyfish has not, as yet, been observed.

Fortunately no clinging jellyfish have been found on coastal beaches, nor are they anticipated, as they prefer to cling to vegetation found in sheltered bay and estuarine waters.

“The DEP, working in partnership with Montclair State University, will initially focus on areas where clinging jellyfish have been observed and reported, as well as other bay and river locations where they could conceivably thrive,” DEP Commissioner Martin said. “While the marine environment is one of change, we hope this important study will help us increase our understanding of the presence of clinging jellyfish in these areas and to ultimately better inform the public.” (DEP press release June 23, 2016)

The DEP has authorized a 30-day study, beginning on June 23, 2016, that will involve systematic trawling of the water to collect any jellyfish that may be present, as well deployment of artificial sea grass mats to see if they attract clinging jellyfish, and genetic analysis. The DEP will release its findings to the public after the study is concluded.

Depending on the results of the initial study, the DEP will evaluate whether to authorize a second phase of work.

“Given that this species has not been recorded in New Jersey, we need to understand the distribution and life history to establish a baseline,” said Dr. Paul Bologna, an associate professor of biology at Montclair. “This will support the development of public education and management strategies.” (DEP press release June 23, 2016)

Areas of focus for the study will include locations that have submerged vegetation, creek mouths and marinas. Any specimens that are collected will be sent to a laboratory for positive identification.

The clinging jellyfish (Gonionemus vertens), is not known to inhabit ocean beaches or other sandy areas, but tends to attach itself to submerged aquatic vegetation and algae in back bays and rivers, areas not heavily used for swimming.

According to the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, the clinging jellyfish has a red, orange or violet cross across its middle. Each jellyfish can trail 60 to 90 tentacles that uncoil like sharp threads and emit painful neurotoxins. Clinging jellyfish primarily feed on zooplankton.

Both the adult (medusa) and polyp stages of the clinging jellyfish are capable of stinging, a mechanism they use to stun prey and to defend against predators.

DEP encourages the public to exercise common sense and caution in areas where the jellyfish have been discovered for recreation. Anyone wading through these areas, especially near aquatic vegetation should take precautions, such as wearing waders to protect themselves.

If stung by a clinging jellyfish:

Apply white vinegar to the affected area to immobilize any remaining stinging cells.
Rinse the area with salt water and remove any remaining tentacle materials using gloves or a thick towel.
A hot compress can then be applied to alleviate pain.
If symptoms persist or pain increases instead of subsiding, seek prompt medical attention.

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MORE DANGEROUS CLINGING JELLYFISH FOUND ALONG THE JERSEY SHORE

DANGEROUS CLINGING JELLYFISH , JERSEY SHORE

Wednesday, June 15, 2016 04:07PM
MONMOUTH BEACH, New Jersey (WABC) —
Monmouth Beach is alerting residents that potentially dangerous clinging jellyfish have been found in the Shrewsbury River.

Three dime-sized clinging jellyfish were found in the river on Wednesday, officials said.

In addition, a Middletown man swimming in the Shrewsbury River was hospitalized after being stung by one.

This news comes on the heels of a report last week that a fisherman recently caught the tiny jellyfish in the Barnegat Bay just south of Point Pleasant Inlet.

The discovery of this tiny jellyfish in the waters of New Jersey has come as quite a surprise.

The clinging jellyfish usually inhabits the Pacific Ocean.

https://abc7ny.com/science/more-dangerous-clinging-jellyfish-found-along-the-jersey-shore/1387031/

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NJT Starts Summer Savings Travel Packages

artchick_jerseyshore_theridgewoodblog
June 2,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, With Memorial Day marking the “unofficial” start of the summer recreational season, this weekend is a great time for customers to take advantage of NJ TRANSIT’s discounted travel packages to destinations including the Jersey Shore, Six Flags, Monmouth Park and Liberty Science Center:

Beach Packages:  Save up to $5.00 on admission to one of five beaches— Long Branch, Asbury Park, Ocean Grove, Bradley Beach and Belmar—by purchasing round-trip train fare and a discounted beach pass for one price at NJ TRANSIT ticket vending machines (choose “Beach/Monmouth Park Packages” and select “Beach Package”) or at ticket windows.  Customers can purchase the package at all NJ TRANSIT rail stations, excluding stations on the Atlantic City Rail Line.  Beach Packages go on sale on the following four Fridays:  May 27, June 3, 10 and 17 at 7 a.m. and are valid throughout the weekend and on holidays.  Beach Packages will be available daily starting Saturday, June 18 and continuing through Labor Day, Monday, September 5.

Six Flags Great Adventure and Safari or Hurricane Harbor:  Save up to $30 by purchasing round-trip bus transportation and park admission together.  NJ TRANSIT provides express bus service to Six Flags from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York and Newark Penn Station.

Monmouth Park:  Board a train anywhere on NJ TRANSIT’s rail system, excluding Atlantic City Rail Line stations, and save $5.50 when you travel to Monmouth Park Racetrack.  Simply purchase a package to Monmouth Park from NJ TRANSIT ticket vending machines (choose “Beach/Monmouth Park Packages” and select “Monmouth Park”) or at ticket windows, and receive round-trip transportation, Grandstand Admission and an official track program for $3.50 plus the regular cost of a round-trip rail ticket.

Liberty Science Center:  Beginning June 1, save $5 per person for up to four general admission, combo ticket and/or all-access passes when you travel on  NJ TRANSIT and show your ticket, pass or fare receipt at Liberty Science Center.  General admission passes include live science demonstrations, hands-on labs, and a variety of daily activities.  Combo and all-access passes provide options for films and premium exhibits.

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Jersey Shore tourism; nobody’s in charge

artchick_jerseyshore_theridgewoodblog

 

The Shore is heading into the summer without its biggest marketing arm. The Jersey Shore Convention & Visitors Bureau has no funding, no executive director and no website, leaving the promotion of the Shore’s tourism industry to Monmouth and Ocean counties – and individual towns and businesses. Michael L. Diamond, Asbury Park Press Read more

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Committee to look at rules for public access to NJ beaches

artchick_jerseyshore_theridgewoodblog

JANUARY 25, 2016, 1:10 PM    LAST UPDATED: MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2016, 1:12 PM
ASSOCIATED PRESS

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — Environmentalists and business leaders will try to agree on what New Jersey’s beach access regulations should look like.

State Sen. Bob Smith, a Middlesex County Democrat, appointed a committee Monday to study the state’s coastal access rules and recommend ways to make them better.

The issue has been fought over for years. Some shore towns use the lack of parking and restrooms to discourage outsiders from using their beaches.

“It’s always been a gnarly problem,” Smith said.

The right to access river shorelines in heavily developed urban areas is also part of the discussion.

The group will include representatives of the American Littoral Society, NY/NJ Baykeeper, the New Jersey State Chamber of Commerce, and the state Business and Industry Association. The recommendations will be presented to the Legislature by April 25.

The committee arises from longstanding complaints from environmental and beach access groups that the state’s regulations do not do enough to protect the public’s right to reach New Jersey’s waterfronts. They favor previous rules generated by the administration of former Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine that imposed uniform access requirements along the shoreline, including access points every quarter-mile.

When Republican Chris Christie succeeded Corzine, the DEP rewrote the rules to give communities more latitude in granting beach access, letting each community decide for itself what level is appropriate.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/committee-to-look-at-rules-for-public-access-to-nj-beaches-1.1498825

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Many shore safeguards fared well during blizzard, experts encouraged

snooki_jersey_shore_theridgewoodblog

photo by ArtChick

January 24, 2016, 6:53 PM    LAST UPDATED: MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2016, 7:15 AM
BY MATTHEW MCGRATH AND KIM LUEDDEKE
STAFF WRITERS  |
THE RECORD

The blizzard of 2016 was the most powerful storm to sock New Jersey since Superstorm Sandy destroyed swaths of the shoreline and knocked out power to tens of thousands for weeks on end. And like Sandy, this storm also caused floods and knocked out power, but the strength of the storm was exponentially less, though flooding along Jersey’s southern shores was worse.

What the blizzard did — most experts, activists and officials agreed — was highlight the effectiveness of resiliency projects built since Superstorm Sandy — and draw attention to where weaknesses still exist.

Since Sandy, beaches in some coastal municipalities have been widened, barriers have been built and municipal officials say they have more and better resources to deal with storm impacts.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/many-shore-safeguards-fared-well-during-blizzard-experts-encouraged-1.1498408

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38th Legislative District debate : There is a Realty Tv Show Plot In here ?

dipisacappolald38

At debate, Assembly candidates focus on issues, avoid discussing controversy

The first and only debate among Assembly candidates in the key 38th Legislative District focused on the issues and mostly skirted the ruckus that has surrounded the race. John C. Ensslin, The Record

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NJ TRANSIT’S SUMMER SHORE TRAIN SERVICE TO THE WAVES IS THE WAY TO GO

ArtChick_jersey_shore_theridgewoodblog

Enhanced North Jersey Coast Line express weekend service to beach towns

July 6,2015

NEWARK, NJ — NJ TRANSIT is making it convenient and affordable to get to summer shore destinations with the return of express weekend rail service from Penn Station New York and northern New Jersey cities to shore communities along the North Jersey Coast Line this Sunday, June 21.

Enhanced Saturday, Sunday and holiday rail service on the North Jersey Coast Line will operate from June 21 through September 12 and utilize the agency’s dual-powered locomotives to provide a one-seat ride.

“This one-seat ride rail service from New York is a sound investment that not only gives visitors and residents easier access to some of our most popular beaches and boardwalks, it also helps take cars off the roadway and boosts tourism and the economy in our shore communities,” said Transportation Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Chairman Jamie Fox.

“Our Shore service provides a safe and reliable way to get people where they need to be to enjoy time in the sun and expands transit options for travelers along the state’s costal region,” said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Veronique “Ronnie” Hakim.  “NJ TRANSIT is grateful for the continued support of the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA) without whom funding for this service would not be possible.”

Four round-trip express trains will operate between Penn Station New York and Bay Head.  This service also features hourly train service between Bay Head and Long Branch from approximately 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.  Two of the round-trips will be geared to beach travelers, with an additional two round-trips providing service during the early morning and late night timeframes.

The express service will serve Penn Station New York, Secaucus Junction, Newark Penn Station, Elizabeth, Rahway, Aberdeen-Matawan, Red Bank, Long Branch, Asbury Park, and then all station stops to Bay Head, without the need of a transfer in Long Branch.  A travel time savings of approximately 25 minutes is expected from the normal travel time between New York and trains such as Belmar, Manasquan and Point Pleasant.

Seating will be limited aboard the express service.  Customers are strongly encouraged to purchase round-trip tickets or discounted beach packages to Long Branch, Asbury Park, Ocean Grove, Bradley Beach and Belmar (a savings of $6.50) prior to the start of their trip.  NJ TRANSIT beach packages are available at some ticket windows and ticket vending machines.  More information on beach packages is available on njtransit.com/summer.

Customers can also purchase NJ TRANSIT tickets using MyTix mobile ticketing.

Express trains will supplement NJ TRANSIT’s regular hourly rail shuttle service between Long Branch and Bay Head, and will operate using the statewide transportation agency’s new ALP-45 dual-powered locomotives.   These specialized trains will operate in electric mode between New York and Long Branch and will switch to diesel operation for travel between Long Branch and Bay Head – allowing for the one-seat ride.

The announcement follows the May 11, 2015 endorsement of the service by the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA), which authorized a $273,000 allocation through the federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) to fund the new service.

Detailed schedules are available on njtransit.com.

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Jersey Shore’s Portuguese man o’ wars

Portuguese man o' wars

You will not find these at Graydon

Posted: Jul 02, 2015 10:42 PM EDTUpdated: Jul 03, 2015 8:40 AM EDT
By SHARON CROWLEY, Fox 5 News Reporter

MYFOXNY.COM –

More Portuguese man o’ wars have turned up on New Jersey’s beaches. Dozens of the potentially dangerous jellyfish-like creatures have washed up on several Jersey Shore beaches in recent weeks. The first sighting was in Harvey Cedars on Long Beach Island.

Jersey shore vacationers are keeping a watchful eye out while swimming in the ocean this summer. Some have said they are worried because of the man-of-wars.

A man o’ war can pack a highly toxic and painful sting that in some rare cases can be life-threatening. It has tentacles that can grow as long as 30 feet.

Jenkinson’s Aquarium marine biologist Trystin Figell says the Portuguese man o’ war is not typically found in this area. He says they have a gas-filled swim bladder, so they rely on the wind and currents. So they likely arrived along New Jersey’s coastline with the Gulf Stream. They are usually found in warmer waters, like off Florida’s coast.

Dr. Robert Glatter, of Lenox Hill’s emergency room, says if you get stung don’t remove the stinger with your hand use another object and put warm water on the area.

Most reactions while painful are not deadly. Those susceptible to severe allergic reactions are at higher health risk if stung. Dr. Glatter says that if you have trouble breathing, feel like you may pass out, your throat starts to close, or your tongue swells then you need to seek immediate medical help.

https://www.myfoxny.com/story/29467280/portuguese-man-of-wars-jersey-shore