CBS 2 Exclusive: Ocean Beach Residents Rebuilding After Superstorm Sandy Told To Stop

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Imagine being hit hard by Superstorm Sandy and then being told you have to stop construction on your home.

As CBS 2's Christine Sloan exclusively reported, that's what dozens of homeowners were told in one Jersey Shore community.

Almost two years after Sandy, nearly 20 percent of the 500 or so homes in Ocean Beach are still under construction.

But in just five days, all construction outside has to stop because of a quality of life regulation.

"We've been told that we'll be allowed to work on the inside of the dwelling only. Not allowed to cut outside, have tools outside," said contractor Matthew Rack.

Last year, construction was allowed on certain days during the week because so many residents were devastated by Sandy. But now, the association that oversees homes that sit in the community of Ocean Beach 3 is enforcing pre-Sandy rules, Sloan reported.

Some residents said it's unfair.

"They'll never get it done. How are they going to rent if there is nowhere to go. Let them work through the summer," said Ocean Beach resident Louie De Vino.

While many are working hard to beat the deadline, others said they need a break this summer because, after all, the Jersey Shore is about rest and relaxation.

"During the summer there is kids walking up and down the streets. They get these huge construction trucks and they fly up these streets," said Ocean Beach resident Joe Hegarty.

CBS 2 reached out to the association, but calls were not returned.

Many shore towns have laxed their rules on construction. In Mantoloking, more than 500 homes were either destroyed or damaged in Sandy.

"We were hit hard. The borough of Mantoloking is still some what of a construction zone," said Christopher Niebling, with the Office of Emergency.

Back in Ocean Beach, the construction deadline is the topic of conversation on the sand. Some are hoping the tide turns and the association gives them more time to rebuild.

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