President Obama visited the Brigantine Community Center this afternoon, along with Senator Lautenberg and Governor Christie and Brigantine Mayor; Phil Guenther.
As of this writing, those stranded in Brigantine… and non-resident homeowners… are pleading / demanding that someone in city government share some information… of what’s going on.
The following is drawn from White House pool and staff reports Wednesday. Record staff writer Karen Sudol is the local pool reporter.
2:34 p.m.: The motorcade is loaded up and rolling toward Brigantine.
2:32 p.m.: Obama landed at Atlantic City International Airport following a nearly hour-long helicopter tour of the areas hardest hit by Hurricane Sandy. He stepped out of Marine One and entered an awaiting car
2:56 p.m.: The motorcade arrived at the Brigantine Beach Community Center, which is serving as a shelter for local residents. At the storm’s peak, 200 people were sleeping in the center’s gym. Currently, there are approximately 50 people staying overnight with many others coming throughout the day to eat, charge their electronics and take hot showers.
3:01 p.m.: Obama, Christie and FEMA administrator Fugate enter the community center. It’s a room with 16 tables with eight chairs at each table. All but one of the tables are full of people.
“I want to let you know that your governor is working overtime” to repair damages in the state, Obama said. “The entire country has been watching what’s been happening. Everybody knows how hard Jersey has been hit.”
Obama is expected to make a statement to the pool at another location after this. On the way here from the airport the motorcade went through Atlantic City proper but did not stop. No sign of the Atlantic City mayor or other local officials yet, though we are told some will be present for remarks later.
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We have resservations at La Samana and cannot raise them. Does anyone know if they will be up and running by Nov 3?
this is probably why residents are still being kept out. if his motorcade can get in, then residents should be able to get in too.
uh, no. they are there in an official capacity.
what can a resident do if let in? no power. no sewer. no nothing.
how about the comfort of knowing what your home looks like? starting the clean up process? contacting insurance companies? uh, yeah.
And if someone is hurt in the process? Too many lives have already been lost.
Don’t think so…Listen to what they are telling you, not what you think you ought to be able to do. This is truly an emergency situation and those who didn’t listen before the storm and are dead now didn’t.
I wish all of you who live in Brigantine to be safe and recover quickly.
need to say I called FEMA yesterday. I filled out the report. They told me I DID NOT qualify for help. The smacked me in the face saying that I qualify for a loan… I asked why…They told me because I make 50K and am single with no kids I don’t qualify. The only reason I make this money is because I spent years in school (and am in debt from that). I’m too Middle class…I don’t get assistance but my taxes will help others? How is that?
This stunt by Obama is bull. He is just looking for more votes… I’ll be ok b/c of friends and family but this government is really ridiculous.
Family and good friends always come to the rescue when in a time of need.
Wishing all in Brigantine as well as those in the surrounding towns due to the storm a quick and safe recovery.
Ian, quit whining and suck it up. I too am educated, had school loans, middle class and won’t qualify for FEMA assistance. We’ll work hard and make it back. Think about the elderly and disabled who need the public assistance more than we do. Of course there are those who are capable but will take advantage of the system and that’s life. I assume you didn’t have flood insurance which would help significantly. United we stand and divided we fall.
Does the south end of the island have power? Ocean Drive West?????
Can somone please start a Facebook page and make the mayors daughter the administrator? If I have time today I will.
Sorry I tried to say SATRT THE MAYOR AND CITY OF BRIGANTINE A FACEBOOK PAGE….and make the mayors daughter the Administrator!
PhillyMike, right on. Ian, grow up and be responsible for your life.