10 years after Superstorm Sandy, Sayreville recounts survival and heroism
The Sayreville Historical Society's commemoration of the 10th anniversary of Superstorm Sandy will highlight heart-wrenching accounts of survival and heroism.
"Super Storm Sandy - 10 Years Later: Before - During - After" is scheduled for noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Sayreville Active Adult Center, formerly known as the Sayreville Senior Center, at 423 Main St.
The free event will include a video featuring riveting accounts as well as displays of pictures and artifacts.
"We decided to do this project because we want to remember how everyone came together and thank all those who helped," said Historical Society President Frank Terzino Sr. "We also hope people can use this as a learning experience. The video is a real tear-jerker. Ten years ago, people didn't have a home to go to or a bed to sleep in. They only had the clothes on their backs. What an emotional rollercoaster. It's an amazing video and their stories are a true inspiration to us all."
Relief from the state
Sayreville was among the Central Jersey communities hit especially hard by Sandy when it barreled into the Garden State on Oct. 29, 2012. Some residents found themselves trapped in homes, many which were destroyed.
The state's Blue Acres Buyout Program, administered through the Department of Environmental Protection, purchased homes from willing sellers at pre-Sandy market values, in an effort to move residents out of harm’s way and create natural buffer areas to handle future stormwaters.
Properties purchased under the buyout program are owned by the state, but each municipality is responsible for maintaining those areas.
The buyout program, as of this week, has expended $95.8 million in Middlesex County, according to the DEP.
As of last week, 461 offers were accepted, 460 real estate closings were held and 459 homes have been demolished, the DEP said. This includes 149 buyout offers accepted in Sayreville and 149 real estate closings and demolitions; 171 offers accepted in Woodbridge, 171 closings and 170 demolitions; 111 offers accepted in South River and 110 closings and demolitions; 25 offers accepted in Old Bridge and 25 closings and demolitions; and five offers accepted in East Brunswick and five closings and demolitions, according to the DEP.
More:NJ's largest wastewater pump station completes $90 million repairs after Sandy
Others sought assistance rebuilding.
The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs provided Superstorm Sandy relief to homeowners, whose primary residence was damaged, under its Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, Elevation and Mitigation Program and Low to Moderate Income Homeowner Rebuilding Program.
In Middlesex County, where 77 applicants participated in the programs, $6.4 million in grant funding has been received, which includes 32 applicants in Sayreville receiving $2.6 million, the DCA said.
The RREM and LMI Homeowner Rebuilding programs are no longer accepting applications, but they remain active for the homeowners who are still rebuilding in the programs, the DCA said.
Former officials reflect
Terzino said the Historical Society began working on the project about 10 months ago.
The one-hour video features interviews with residents, as well as former Mayor Kennedy O'Brien, former Assemblyman John Wisniewski, fire officials who served during Sandy and also worked for the borough's Department of Public Works, and local business owners, Terzino said.
He said the society received about 4,000 photos and 400 will be on display.
"There will be therapy dogs at the event, as well as a quiet room, where people can reflect," Terzino added.
Speakers are also scheduled throughout the event and light refreshments will be served, he said.
Terzino thanked his wife, who serves as the Sayreville Historical Society's recording secretary, and Dave Pawski, vice president of the historical society, who co-chaired the society's Sandy subcommittee.
"They, along with other board members and volunteers, worked very hard to put the program together," he said.
Email: sloyer@gannettnj.com
Susan Loyer covers Middlesex County and more for MyCentralJersey.com. To get unlimited access to her work, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Superstorm Sandy: Sayreville NJ recounts survival, heroism
