Bayshore Sandy Survivor News: Public Safety Center Opens, Pre-FIRM Homebuyers Flood Insurance Reduction, What's So Funny About Wind Turbines?

National Association of Realtors Notice
Effective May 1, 2014, all buyers of older properties (“pre-FIRM”) will see a premium rate reduction under the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014. Instead of jumping to “full cost” for flood insurance, buyers will assume the seller’s Oct-2013 rate for a pre-FIRM property. http://www.realtor.org/publications/washington-report/national-flood-insurance-program-rules-begin-may-1

NJ has distributed less than 25 percent of Sandy aid
Though the federal government allocated more than $1.8 billion in Hurricane Sandy disaster relief aid for New Jersey more than a year ago, less that a quarter has been distributed to cash-strapped residents struggling to rebuild. http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/05/nj_sandy_aid.html

EDITORIAL: Redouble efforts to speed Sandy aid
Talk about a disconnect between government and the people. http://www.app.com/article/20140506/NJOPINION01/305060038/EDITORIAL-Redouble-efforts-speed-Sandy-aid

FEMA offers guidance on post-Sandy repairs
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has produced materials to give technical guidance to homebuilders and property owners planning post-Sandy construction or repairs in coastal areas. http://ind.gmnews.com/news/2014-05-08/Front_Page/FEMA_offers_guidance_on_postSandy_repairs.html

Lieutenant Governor Guadagno: Public Safety Center will save money, lives | Local and state officials cut the ribbon for the new Public Safety Center, where technological upgrades, expansive space and state-of-the-art equipment, including 52 new consoles, will triple the volume of calls that dispatchers can take. http://ind.gmnews.com/news/2014-05-08/Front_Page/Lt_Gov_Public_Safety_Center_will_save_money_lives.html

WBUR TV: Post-Sandy Rebuilding Picks Up On Jersey Shore | But that good news comes with a catch for people unable to live in their homes during construction. http://hereandnow.wbur.org/2014/05/05/jersey-shore-rebuilding

State: Monmouth County Company Scammed Consumers After Hurricane Sandy | Stephen’s Landscaping, d/b/a “Stephen’s Garden Center,” allegedly charged exorbitant prices for generators, and selling gasoline without being a licensed motor fuel retailer. http://manalapan.patch.com/groups/police-and-fire/p/state-long-branch-company-scammed-consumers-after-hurricane-sandy-marlboro-coltsneck71364

AS THE TURBINE TURNS...
1) (UK Sunday Post) Special report: The true cost of our wind farms
A lesson on wind power from our friends across the pond that NJ should heed. http://www.sundaypost.com/news-views/uk/special-report-the-true-cost-of-our-wind-farms-1.350021
2) What's so funny about wind turbines? | Germany's renewable policies/subsidies mocked on what looks like Germany's "Daily Show" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-e2U2cYcPro#t=32
3) IRISH HEALTH OFFICIAL WARNS OF 'WIND TURBINE SYNDROME'
The Irish Department of Health's deputy chief medical officer has warned that people who live near wind turbines risk having their health and psychological well being compromised. http://www.breitbart.com/Breitbart-London/2014/03/04/Irish-Health-Dept-Warns-of-Wind-Turbine-Dangers

May 10 walk in Sea Girt to support military dogs, soldiers
An opening ceremony will begin at 9:45 a.m. Demonstrations will be given by military and police dogs, and awards will be presented to dogs in various categories, including most patriotic costume, biggest, smallest, farthest traveled and most unique. http://ind.gmnews.com/news/2014-05-08/Bulletin_Board/May_10_walk_to_support_military_dogs_soldiers.html

The real boardwalks of New Jersey: The ultimate guide | What's your favorite boardwalk, and why? Post your comments at the bottom of the article. http://www.nj.com/inside-jersey/index.ssf/2014/05/the_boardwalks_of_new_jersey.html

TWITTER ACTION
Distress Helpline (@distressline) tweeted at 4:44 PM on Mon, May 05, 2014: #Sandy impacted several states, with many people still struggling over a yr later. Need support? Call DDH at 1-800-985-5990 and Press “1”

Middletown police warn of IRS scam
Police on Monday warned township residents about a scam involving fraudulent calls by people who pretend to be employees of the Internal Revenue Service, telling would-be victims that they owe money. http://www.app.com/article/20140505/NJNEWS14/305050065/1004/NEWS01&source=rss?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

Sandy-damaged town halls: fix or rebuild?
Can the town halls be fixed, or do they need to be torn down? Should they be elevated, or moved, and how much is all this going to cost? http://www.app.com/viewart/20140505/NJNEWS33/305050035/Sandy-damaged-town-halls-fix-rebuild-