Politics & Government

Food & Water for Somerset Hills Area; Power Co. in Bernardsville

Town still without power as of shortly before 1 p.m., but mayor says work is being done.

Bernardsville Mayor Lee Honecker said shortly before 1 p.m. on Sunday that he estimated at least 30 power company trucks were seen working in the borough, and access had been created for borough homes blocked by wires and trees.

At that time, Honecker said that all of the borough remained without power. But he said that JCP&L workers had been seen at the Bernardsville power station.

"We are grateful they're here now," Honecker said of the power company. The mayor asked that residents not interfere with workers who are doing their job.

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He said that workers also had been removing wires and electrical equipment from streets, including at a subdivision blocked by "It's my understanding that access was provided."

Borough officials, including the mayor, had reported to Patch over the last few days

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Honecker said that on a statewide conference call at about 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jersey Central Power & Light President Donald Lynch said he was aware of the situation. Contractors reportedly were in the borough on Sunday.

JCP&L spokesman Ron Morano said earlier on Saturday afternoon that the power company was talking to the borough about restoring and repairing the damage caused by Sandy.

But Morano added that Hurricane Sandy had been responsible for more damage than ever before in JCP&L's turf.

Honecker said he would send out a public service announcement to residents on Sunday afternoon.

Bernardsville police website again posting updates

The Bernardsville police website again was back online and posting updates on Sunday afternoon.

As of about 3 p.m., the website said that emergency food and water still was being distributed in Bernardsville for Somerset Hills area residents.

The Somerset County Office of Emergency Management and FEMA were distributing both at the Bernardsville Public Library at 1 Anderson Hill Road and at 25 Olcott Avenue, in Bernardsville.

Bernardsville certified emergency personnel will be distributing the supplies between 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday and from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday at both locations while supplies last.

Potable water available for filling your own containers continues to be available at the library and at the Bernardsville Middle School on Seney Drive, the website said.


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