The following article appeared in the Asbury Park Press:

    Federal and local officials pledged Tuesday to help the residents of Mariners Cove, whose homes were badly damaged in Sunday’s storm.

    Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J, and several municipal officials visited the residents Tuesday to assess the impact of the storm and to hear their stories. They were greeted by frustrated homeowners who expressed concern about their ability to afford the clean up of their homes, worry that they would have a hard time selling those homes in the future, and fear that Hurricane Irene could case further damage this weekend.

    “Nobody’s going to buy this house. … And tomorrow, this could happen again,” said Marcio Mescia, who lives at 98 Mariners Cove in the Moors Landing development.

    Nine homes on the street suffered damage by flooding from the Manasquan River during Sunday’s storm. Residents evacuated from their homes returned to find cars destroyed, flooring ruined and childrens’ toys washed away.

    To make matters worse, the damage is not covered for homeowners because they do not have flood insurance, residents said. Mescia said he could not buy such insurance because, he said he was told, he does not live in a flood zone.

    The first floor of his home, said Mescia, was a “100 percent loss.”

    Howell officials said Tuesday that they plan to seek state aid for the damage caused by Sunday’s storm, which townshipwide was estimated at about $2.8 million. They hope Smith will lend his support with this effort, said Deputy Mayor William Gotto.

    For his part, Smith said he would seek an emergency designation from the county, which would help bring aid dollars to the area. His office has also called the Federal Emergency Management Agency to get it involved, he said.

    Smith also said Tuesday that he would try to work with homeowners’ mortgage companies to get some kind of forbearance, as residents try to get back on their feet.

    Meanwhile, neighbors and local businesses had begun their own aid efforts Tuesday for the residents of Mariners Cove.

    Four local businesses — Terrace Bagels, Fredo’s Italian Restaurant and the Elton-Adelphia Road Dunkin Donuts in Freehold Township, and Not Just Bagels in Howell — donated food throughout the day for the residents. Neighbors are also encouraging people to send in donations, particularly gift cards to home improvement stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot, said one of the organizers, Tracey Slomack.

    Officials said Tuesday that homes were also damaged elsewhere in town, including one on Wyckoff Mills Road that had extensive damage. Some local bridges also were flooded, Councilman Robert Nicastro said.

    “Howell was the worst (impacted), by far, in my district,” said Smith.

    To view the entire APP article: click on:

http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011308240032