Removal of Debris Piles in Long Branch Expected to Begin This Weekend

The removal of the three debris piles that sit in the vacant lot at the corner of Morris Avenue and Ocean Boulevard in Long Branch should begin this weekend.

Borough Administrator Howard Woolley said the process of grinding up and hauling away the large pile of brush will be the first action taken.

The Long Branch Council awarded a contract to Atlantic Tree Materials and Grinding Company last month to handle the removal of the brush for $204,500.

The next step will be the removal of the wood and bulk debris piles, Woolley said.

Woolley said bids for the project will be received by the city on Dec. 13. The council will hold an emergency meeting Dec. 14 to award the bid.

City expects more FEMA money

Woolley said the $1,055,475 the city received from FEMA for Hurricane-related cleanup costs on Nov. 30 is the first of several payments.

"We anticipate getting more," Woolley said. "It will probably be closer to $5 million."

The council made an emergency appropriation of $5 million at its last meeting.

"This is not including damages," Woolley said. "This is just the overtime for DPW and police, hauling costs and other cleanup costs."