Empty Lots Still Remain Two Years after Sandy

Sandy struck us two years ago this week and the damage caused by her wrath is still being felt in a big way.

It's a long road to recovery from such a powerful and devastating storm, and there are so many who are still suffering the effects.

The video above shows a drive along the beachfront in the Ortley Beach section of Toms River recently (video by Brian Donohue | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com posted on October 21, 2014).

One of those people still suffering is Bill Mullen, who is still waiting for federal grant money to start construction on his lot at 18 Coolidge Avenue in Ortley Beach, according to nydailynews.com.

Like many parts of the Jersey Shore, rebuilding along Coolidge Ave. has moved very slowly, with only three homes finished in the last year.

A year ago, 23 lots remained empty. Seven homes were still upright but uninhabitable. Only five had been rebuilt, and in the past 12 months, just three homes have been rebuilt, raising the total to eight.

Six homes are under still construction, two are vacant shells and a total of 16 lots remain empty.

If you are among those still struggling and want to make your voice heard, consider visiting Occupy Sandy Relief NJ's facebook page and sharing your story.