A plan for the the repopulation of the northern barrier islands in Toms River has been approved clearing the way for residents to permanently return starting Monday.

Damage in Normandy Beach from Hurricane Sandy
Damage in Normandy Beach from Hurricane Sandy (David Matthau, Townsquare Media)
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“I just spoke with the Governor’s office and I was told that he will be lifting the State of Emergency for homes in Toms River that are located in between Brick and Lavallette, such as Ocean Beach, Chadwick, Monterey, Normandy, etc,"said Toms River Thomas Kelaher in a statement on the official Toms River website.

“We also had a meeting with the four utility companies on the barrier island, and they have assured us that all of the utilities will be ready for use on Monday,” Kelaher added.

Earlier, Brick Township announced the Monday repopulation of its barrier islands.

Kellaher says residents should expect to see "heavy police presence" and security cameras.

The Mayor, who has been criticized for being too slow in allowing residents to return says the plan meets his goal of allowing "residents back into their homes as quickly and as safely as possible."

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