Hundreds of Area Residents Seek Help With Flood Issues At Meeting

Over the course of two hours, hundreds of people filtered in and out of the Cranford Community Center, hoping to get some answers about the township's flooding issues and how to obtain assistance from FEMA to begin repairing their flood-damaged homes.

Staff members from the office of Rep. Leonard Lance, R-Hunterdon County, and representatives from FEMA were on hand Wednesday night for what was intended to be a "mobile office" session during which residents could visit and ask questions. But as community members from Cranford and nearby municipalities began to crowd into the community center, the atmosphere turned to confusion and frustration for both organizers and residents.

The evening began with a brief informational session conducted by FEMA's public information officers and a representative from the Small Business Administration. Local officials including Mayor Dan Aschenbach, Police Chief Eric Mason and Township Engineer Richard Marsden were also present to assist residents and answer questions.

"We didn't realize this many people were going to show up," FEMA Community Relations Representative Pamela Stevenson said.
Stevenson said this was the first major meeting that was held since caused widespread flooding throughout the Northeast more than a week ago.

"People have a lot of questions about the FEMA registration process," Stevenson added.

She pointed out that for many residents, the situation of temporary housing is a concerns, as many flood victims are still living in shelters or with friends and relatives.

During the meeting, residents were given information packets and information on how to register to financial assistance through FEMA. Earlier this week, a was issued for Union County, making it possible for those whose homes and business were damaged by Hurricane Irene to obtain FEMA funding.