BERNARDS TOWNSHIP, NJ — Power has been restored to most Bernards Township households nearly a week after a July 3 storm knocked out electricity across the community, though officials say some residents will remain without power through Thursday.
As of Wednesday, 147 Bernards Township customers remained without power, down from 847 outages reported at the time of the storm, Mayor Ana Duarte McCarthy said. Crews continue to work across the impacted areas, with restoration expected to extend through Thursday, July 9.
"I have been in contact with the Governor's office, and the Board of Public Utilities, to discuss the extent of damage across Bernards Township," Duarte McCarthy said. "While progress has been made, there are pockets of town that continue to be compromised."
Duarte McCarthy said she visited Dayton Street on Monday evening, where damage has trapped several households. She said a utility pole fell while crews were making repairs there, further complicating restoration efforts for the families living in the area.
Some residents are also without Optimum service, according to Duarte McCarthy. She said the company's government affairs representative told the township that Optimum is coordinating closely with local utility providers and expects most service to be restored once commercial power is reestablished. However, the representative said, significant network damage remains in several isolated areas that crews are still assessing and repairing.
"We appreciate those of you who are reaching out regarding challenges you and or neighbors are experiencing," Duarte McCarthy said. "The Township Committee will continue to advocate for Bernards Township and hope for continued progress on full restoration of services in the community."
Meanwhile, the township's Department of Public Works is opening the Pill Hill Recycling Center for extended hours this week to accept storm-related brush, as crews continue widespread cleanup following last Friday's severe storm.
DPW crews are continuing to clear trees, brush and limbs fully or partially blocking roadways, work that is expected to be completed on Wednesday. Starting Thursday, crews will shift to cleaning up debris blocking sidewalks and walking paths, along with debris that fell onto roadways and was pushed off to the side.
Officials asked residents for patience, noting DPW is still waiting on JCP&L crews to complete repairs and cleanup at several locations before it is safe to remove tree debris in those areas.
Residents should not drag or bring brush to the street or side of the road, officials said. DPW crews will only pick up tree debris and brush that is in or has fallen into the roadway, and will not collect debris from private property.
To help residents dispose of storm debris directly, Pill Hill Recycling Center will be open extended hours this week for storm-related brush drop-off only:
All residents visiting Pill Hill during the additional hours must show their Pill Hill card to the booth attendant; no punches will be charged for brush drop-off.
Residents with questions can contact the township's Public Works Department.
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