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Monmouth University Experts Available to Discuss Superstorm Sandy: One Year Later

Environmental Policy Expert – Tony MacDonald

Director, Urban Coast Institute

MacDonald offers the following insight on Superstorm Sandy’s impact on New Jersey environmental policy and sustainable coastal development one year later:

  • There needs to be a strategy that focuses on “recovery for the future” not just a return to the past. There needs to be greater focus on long-term investment in infrastructure (natural and built) that will enable communities to reduce vulnerability and risk to rising sea levels and more intense coastal storms.
  • In order to support resilient communities it will take a whole community approach, which links and integrates New Jersey’s municipal land use planning, coastal zone management, flood plain management and hazard mitigation planning.
  • Local communities cannot make a full transition to resilience and sustainability without taking a regional approach with increased support from state and federal agencies and increased incentives that take into account the ecological, economic, and political challenges, which transcend the capacity of coastal communities.

E-mail – amacdona@monmouth.edu

Telephone – 732-263-5392

Urban Coast Institute website

Political Expert – Patrick Murray

Director, Monmouth University Polling Institute

Murray offers the following insights on Superstorm Sandy’s impact on New Jersey one year later:

  • Variations in recovery status for different groups of residents affected by the storm
  • The continuing impact on residents who remain displaced from their home
  • Public satisfaction and attitudes about the recovery effort
  • Residents’ experiences navigating federal and state assistance programs, as well as private insurance

Email – pdmurray@monmouth.edu

Telephone – 732-263-5858

Polling Institute website

Recent Superstorm Sandy Poll: “Fewer Jerseyans Hit The Shore This Year

Real Estate Business Expert – Peter S. Reinhart, Esq.

Director, Kislak Real Estate Institute

Reinhart offers the following insight on Superstorm Sandy’s impact on the real estate market and business one year later:

  • The New Jersey real estate market was hit particularly hard by Superstorm Sandy. The summer tourist season took its toll not only on the businesses that cater to tourists, but the summer rental market saw a sharp drop in rentals as wary tourists were hesitant to book their summer family vacation this year.
  • In some communities particularly close to the bay and ocean, homeowners are working on rebuilding their homes. Many are still waiting for the final decisions on how high to rebuild their homes and on final insurance payments. In addition, some homeowners are evaluating whether they can afford to stay close to the shore as flood insurance premiums are expected to increase sharply.
  • The October 29 program this year will examine not just what has happened since Sandy struck, but how the State and towns are looking at building a more resilient community able to withstand another major event and look to a more sustainable future.

E-mail – preinhar@monmouth.edu

Telephone – 732-571-3660

Kislak Real Estate Institute

Marine Science Expert – Jim Nickels

Marine Scientist, Urban Coast Institute

Nickels offers the following insight on Superstorm Sandy’s impact on marine life, oceans, and watersheds one year later:

  • Coastal Lakes – Our coastal lakes and surrounding area’s sustained large effects from Sandy – while much work has been done much more is needed.
  • Debris Mapping, Cleanup and Dredging – Efforts are still underway to map and remove marine debris in local waterways. Dredging efforts are now underway to remove sand that has washed in to local waterways.
  • Water Quality Pre- and Post-Storm – Sandy caused the disruption of municipal sewer plants and the release of contaminates from flooded properties. Fortunately most of the impacts were short lived, but the shellfish industry struggled for several months after.

E-mail – jnickels@monmouth.edu

Telephone – 732-263-5686

Trauma Expert – Dr. Christine Hatchard

Professor of Psychology and Director of the Clinical Psychology Research Center at Monmouth University

Hatchard offers the following insight on Superstorm Sandy’s impact on affected residents and mental health issues related to the storm one year later:

  • As the anniversary of Superstorm Sandy approaches, distressing thoughts and feelings (i.e. anniversary reactions) may resurface for affected residents
  • Directly following a tragedy, commiseration among affected residents can assist in healing, however support and empathy tends to wane over time which can negatively impact the mental health of those residents still struggling
  • All residents in affected areas may still be more sensitive to the reoccurrence of natural disasters, destruction or similar events (e.g. heightened sadness and anxiety following the boardwalk fire in Seaside Heights, NJ on Sept. 12)
  • Affected residents who had unresolved trauma prior to Superstorm Sandy are more vulnerable to distressing feelings, however those who have healed from previous trauma may actually be more resilient

E-mail – chatchar@monmouth.edu

Telephone – 732-571-4496

EVENT ADVISORY: Superstorm Sandy One Year Later: Looking to the Future

This day-long conference taking place on October 29 at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, NJ on the one-year anniversary of the worst natural disaster ever to hit New Jersey, will address three critical questions about the Sandy recovery process: What have we accomplished? What have we learned? What do we still need to do?

There is no cost to attend, but registration is required.