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Colts Neck praises first responders, calls for JCP&L town hall after July storm
Summary
Officials thanked DPW and volunteer emergency crews for storm response, reported about 60 trees cleared and major outages; the mayor criticized JCP&L restoration priorities and said the township will request a town hall meeting with the utility to improve prioritization and communications.
Township officials commended public works and volunteer emergency services for extended work during a July storm and said they will press utility JCP&L for better restoration prioritization and communication.
Mayor Viola provided an update on storm operations and restoration priorities, saying officials contacted OEM and the governor's office and that the township received many calls about power outages. "Residents claimed that they read on social media that since Colts Neck, you serve via private wells, we are priority for restoration. That is not true," the mayor said, adding, "That is 100% false."
Officials reported DPW removed roughly 60 trees and that first aid stations were opened but used rarely. A committee member said the town should conduct an after-action debrief and publish clearer, town-facing communications (website and social media) for road closures and service updates. Another committee member said the township will ask JCP&L to hold a town meeting in Colts Neck to explain prioritization decisions and improve transparency.
Committee members and residents repeatedly praised DPW crews, volunteer firefighters and first-aid volunteers for their work during the event and requested a formal after-action report to guide improvements in emergency communications and operations.
The committee directed staff and liaisons to seek an after-action review and to schedule a town meeting with JCP&L representatives.
