One Year Later: Superstorm Sandy & the Jersey Shore

Yesterday, I shared a recap of my experience with Superstorm Sandy on Staten Island. I would be amiss if I didn't mention the effects on the Jersey shore. I have spent countless days since I was a child at Seaside Heights and in Ocean Grove, NJ. Summertime would not be the same without relaxing at the beach and enjoying arcades.

Seaside Heights/ Seaside Park, NJ

In April, I showed the recovery in Seaside Heights. Little did I know in September much of the rebuilding would be undone by a great fire. It pains me to see recovery burned up. It is also frustrating that the fire was at least partially caused by the rush to rebuild. The hydrant system was not rebuilt, according to ABC 7 Eyewitness News, even though its a wooden boardwalk. In addition, the electrical wires were not checked, according to NJ.com, especially in the area of the boardwalk which survived Sandy.

This area of the boardwalk survived Sandy, but was consumed by fire.

This carousel and its arcade started to come back after Sandy, but was destroyed by fire.

One Year Later: Superstorm Sandy on Staten Island

Today marks the 1 year anniversary of Superstorm Sandy striking the northeast.

As many of my readers know, Sandy was something I experienced personally, as a native Staten Islander, who still lives on the island. I shared my experiences on this blog.

I just put together this montage of video I shot as the tidal wave came in and the next morning. At the time, I was nervous about sharing because of my voice. Now I realize it shows the terror of the water and what was overcome.

Even though this is a shoe blog, I see shoes as a lens to the world. I have no desire to downplay the horrific effects of this terrible storm. However, shoes comforted the feet of those evacuating, those escaping, and the long hard work of rebuilding.

When I first blogged on Sandy, winds were starting to whip, and waves were rising. But they were only a omen of what was to come.

Before the storm got bad, I visited Midland Beach to see the waves and the wind.

These rain boots got messy at Midland Beach.

A few days later, I shared before and after pictures

My car before and after it was spun around and floated down the street. Also note the cars on top of each other across the street.

Wear Comfortable Shoes to Rebuild Seaside Heights, NJ

Today marks the 6 month anniversary or Superstorm Sandy made landfall in the northeast.  People have volunteered their time, donated supplies, and opened there wallets. In all $174 million has been donated, according to The Chronicle of Philanthropy, as reported by CNBC. Yet, rebuilding continues.

As a current coastal Staten Island resident, I have shared how Superstorm Sandy affected my local area. Recently, I was able to see the damage along the Jersey shore in areas I regularly visit like Seaside Heights and Ocean Grove.

While, Seaside Heights is often associated with "Jersey Shore" and wild partying, it actually a pretty beach with lots of family fun, likes rides and arcades.

I went twice 3 weeks apart and the progress was visible. The first time, was the St. Patty's Day Parade and the streets and bars were jammed with people in green. It was nice to see people coming back and the arcades re-opening. Three weeks later, right before Easter it was much calmer but more was open. Surprisingly, instead of having Easter baskets galore to win, the holiday was skipped over.

The boardwalk and the rides were destroyed. The building were flooded and contents needed to be thrown out Areas are roped off and marked with no trespassing signs. However, construction is ongoing and the boardwalk is slowly taking shape again.

Since pictures often tell a story better than words, I will be sharing my Seaside Height pictures, which show both the devastation and the recovery.

Early March 2013

The boardwalk was been destroyed and was in the process of being rebuilt. The post visible are the supports for the new boardwalk. Many famous places for food, like the lemonade stand (left), remain closed.

The boardwalk rebuilding with the destroyed Casino Pier in the background. Casino Pier had many rides, including the roller coaster which fell into the ocean and was shown in many newspapers. What is left of the roller coaster is visible in the background.

In the sand, you can see debris that needs to be cleaned out. Many cats have called Seaside Heights home and luckily they survived and are being fed now.

Happy 3rd Birthday Day Through the Sole!

On this day in 1952, Elizabeth the II was proclaimed the Queen of England. In economic news, the NASDAQ, the world's first electronic market, opened for trading.

In shoe news, on this day in 2010, Through the Sole: A Shoe Blog was founded.

I want to thank all my readers, my friends, and family for their continued support. 

In the past year, I have written about a variety of topics, including the history of the stiletto, Madonna's new shoe line, and Kate Middleton judging a shoe contest.

The first post of the third year was on Linsanity, which kicked off a sneaker theme, such as how to shop for sneakers, and new sneakers made of a woven material. 

This year, I also looked at using shoes for a cause. Although shoes are often thought of as frivolous, they are a necessity. In Detroit, they are using recycled material to protect the feet of the homeless.

Through the Sole took on a more personal tone as I wrote about my experiences living through Superstorm Sandy, and documenting my experience through the lens of shoes. For the first time I share pictures of myself and my neighborhood in order to illustrate the devastation and the help we have recieved. 

Wear Comfortable Shoes for the Long Superstorm Sandy Recovery

Over 3 months have passed since Superstorm Sandy hit the New York-New Jersey area. From my viewpoint in coastal Staten Island, I have seen the outpouring of support and am grateful to everyone who volunteered and who donated time, goods, and money. Much progress has been made but unfortunately, more work is needed. Recovery is still taking place.

In my last blog post, I discussed living through the storm and showed pictures from before and during the storm. 

As the waters began to recede, I made my way out into the surrounding blocks to see the damage.  Houses were off their foundations, cars were left scattered blocks from where their owners parked them, wind ripped off roofs and siding, and there was mud and debris almost everywhere.

  

The first time I tried to venture out, water was still thigh-high.

These pictures were taken in the first days after the storm. Some water remained along with extensive damage to homes and cars.

Right after the storm, there were calls for help. Government action took a long time and the Sandy Recovery bill in Congress was not passed until January. Most of that money has yet to be used.

One neighbor posted this sign asking Obama and FEMA for help.

With so many people needing places to live and basic necessities, the generosity of strangers was much called upon and greatly appreciated. 

I went to a help center at Miller Field in New Dorp, Staten Island, and saw young children asking for necessities like underwear. Luckily, a stranger handed them a new package. Food and other supplies were also given. Insurance companies were also on hand, although in my family's experience they did more to cause aggravation and stress than to help.

These pictures show the aid being given out at Miller Field.