Residents Can Return to Homes in Point Beach

Residents, business owners and operators of properties owned and leased in Point Beach are now allowed to go back to their properties.

The town lifted the mandatory evacuation order east of the NJ Transit train tracks at 4 p.m. Wednesday.

However, police and government officials are urging extreme caution.

"Residents and business owners and operators are strongly urged to exercise extreme caution," a prepared statement says. "In many cases, structures in Point Pleasant Beach may not be in a safe condition and the permission to access those properties should not be construed in any way as a representation of the condition of the property."

"Also, as of the time of this announcement, there is no electrical service in the town and no definitive time when it is expected to resume.

"Residents and business owners and operators are strongly encouraged to confer with and retain, if necessary, experts in the areas of engineering, construction and utilities prior to entering their properties.

"Residents and business owners and operators should be aware that they enter their properties at their own risk and accept all responsibility for all known and  unknown consequences. Risks associated with entering properties include, but are not limited to, injuries and death because of structural damage, drowning, fire, explosion, electrocution and accidents of any kind.

The 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. curfew and alcohol ban remain in effect until further notice. Violators will be subject to summons and arrest under a strict enforcement policy."

Mayor Vincent Barrella said on Wednesday that the oceanfront area has been severely damaged, that the entire length of boardwalk is either damaged or completely destroyed and that while Martell's Tiki Bar is still there, its pier is gone.