"Sea Isle City continues to recover from the devastating effects of Hurricane Sandy...Please be assured that we are doing everything possible to address all of our issues in order to make the city safe for your return," Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio said in a statement Tuesday night.
Desiderio says he along with Business Administrator George Savastano met with Governor Chris Christie to discuss the hurricane's impact on Sea Isle.
The governor has issued an order that all access to the barrier islands be restricted until further notice.
The mayor says City Hall and the police building were flooded and suffered damage.
Sandy severely affected telephone communications and much of the region remains without electricity.
Our police department, public works department, fire department, ambulance corps and City Hall staff have been working around the clock responding to this historic event.
"We understand your desire to be here, and believe me, we want you here...I understand that everyone is concerned about their home. The most important thing to us is that everyone is safe. For that reason, we are taking all precautions in conjunction with our County and State partners to ensure the public's safety before we allow access back onto our island," Desiderio said.
The mayor stated while there was severe beach erosion and some damage to the promenade, there remains a considerable amount of beach and dune.
"I wish I could give everyone an individual report on the status of their property. And while I can't do that, I can say that the vast majority of our homes have weathered this event. Certainly, one of the most devastating impacts was the level of flood waters," Desiderio said.
The mayor says while there are no guarantees, he is hopeful residents will be allowed access back to the island Thursday.
"Please know that we want you back as soon as possible," he stated.
