Critics Urge Christie to Veto Pier Development Bill

In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, a recurring theme emerged from officials at virtually every level of government: Rebuild the Jersey Shore -- but better and smarter.

But a bill (S-2680) now sitting on the governor’s desk would allow towns to put new development on piers in high-hazard coastal areas in certain urban locations, a prospect some critics view as falling far short of achieving the goals of post-Sandy rebuilding --especially given the devastation visited upon the state’s coastal areas by the superstorm.

“It’s indicative that we haven’t learned anything from the storm,’’ said Tim Dillingham, executive director of the American Littoral Society. “It doesn’t show any common sense at all.’’

Perhaps, most importantly, the proposal might jeopardize the rest of the state’s ability to participate in a national flood insurance program, according to two trade associations of floodplain managers.

The legislation easily cleared the Senate with only two negative votes late last month and was just as handily approved by the lower house three days earlier. Sen. Nicholas Sacco (D-Hudson), its sponsor, said the bill would be beneficial to the state in terms of creating jobs and spurring the economy.

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