Chester Twp Mayor Asks For Resident's Help

Dear Chester Township Residents,

Those of us without power continue to remain frustrated with the poor response of JCP&L. While Sandy remains the storm of a lifetime JCP&L's inability to respond to our needs with accurate and timely information is simply incomprehensible. I will need all of your help by writing/emailing the NJ Bureau of Public Utility (BPU) and expressing our frustration with JCP&L. This is the single most important action we can take to insure that we will not have to live through a situation like this again. Remember to emphasize that it should not be us the ratepayers who should bear the burden for JCP&L's lack of maintenance and antiquated systems but their shareholders who have been receiving the profits.

Chester Township Emergency Management began preparation for Sandy days before the storm. We structured our communications to be redundant using email, twitter, township newsletter and web site, and local media including the Mendham-Chester Patch, Observer Tribune and WRJN. Unfortunately our web server went down early in the storm so our email and website update became sporadic. The single best real time update was twitter and the flyers that were posted around town. To receive our twitter feed simply text to 40404 and in the body of the text enter 'follow @chestertownship'.

There will be plenty of time for analysis after power is restored however I have been in constant daily contact with JCP&L and have spoken with their President Don Lynch on a number of occasions. I have also participated in the daily and sometimes twice daily call with the Governor and his cabinet as well as calls with our state and federal representatives. Please be assured that they are working to have our power restored. All of the information I have received has been relayed to our community via twitter and the township newsletter and on our website.

Moving forward Chester Township has suspended all permitting and inspection fees for damage as a direct result of hurricane Sandy. It is extremely important that you have any repairs made inspected to assure that they are done correctly. Not having inspections performed may limit or eliminate your homeowner insurance protection as well as putting your safety at risk.

Chester Township will also be picking up sticks and branches less than 4" in diameter that you place at the roadside. Our DPW will also accept branches and limbs at their Furnace Road location during normal working hours and starting this Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. (for the next 4 weeks).

I recognize the concern and frustration we all have. I also appreciate all of the kindness many have shown for each other by opening their homes to their neighbors. Township hall remains open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily and will be open this weekend from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wi-Fi is available as is coffee, light and warmth.

I will be happy to answer any questions you may have and can be reached at mayorbill@chestertownship.org please include your telephone number as it much quicker and more timely for me to call rather than email.

Mayor Bill

908-879-5100 x 823