One of the areas along the NJ Shore that was hit hard by Hurricane Sandy is Beach Haven West. A small lagoon town in Stafford Township, just outside Long Beach Island, Beach Haven West hurricane Sandy recovery has been challenging due to the severe amount of damage to homes and businesses, many of which are completely destroyed. With so much in the news about the towns with ocean front properties, some of the smaller coastal towns along the bays and rivers seem to have been forgotten during this time of recovery and rebuilding.With a total area of 2.143 square miles, Beach Haven West may be small, but there are almost 4,000 homes in the town. It lies directly due north from the borough of Beach Haven and it is believed the “west” was chosen because the mainland is generally west of LBI. Formerly known as Remson Meadows along the Manahawkin bay front, development of vacation homes and lagoons began in 1950 by two brothers, the Shapiros. The Shapiros sold the properties they did not develop to Lincoln Properties, LLC, who completed the Mill Creek Road Section, added southern lagoons along Newell Avenue and developed the Colony Lakes section by 1986.
Many of the homes in Beach Haven West are summer residences for vacationers from all over the tri-state area and other parts of the country, more of who are becoming year-round residents. The most prevalent style of home built on Beach Haven West is the Cape Cod and lots along the lagoon were all 50 feet in width. As the years passed other styles of homes were built including the colonial, by Lincoln Properties, which featured bedrooms on the first floor and living space on the second floor to optimize the beautiful lagoon views.
Currently, homeowners in Beach Haven West are determining how they are going to rebuild their homes and communities after Hurricane Sandy blew through last year. They are considering elevating, rebuilding or even leaving while they await flood insurance or other funding to elevate and rebuild. Unfortunately, during this uncertain time, the town remains mostly empty. With so much recovery depending on the new FEMA flood elevation maps and release of funding, it’s difficult for homeowners to make decisions about how to proceed.
Stonehenge Building and Development has been continuing their efforts to help rebuild, with projects throughout Stafford Township and LBI. With the recent availability of a new Cape Cod style home design that can fit on the undersized lots common in this area, they are ready to begin rebuilding these areas. For more information on rebuilding in Beach Haven West, Stafford Township or Long Beach Island, contact Stonehenge Building and Development today.