Sandy Hits Cedar Grove Hard

Cedar Grove Mayor Peter Tanella said Tuesday 90 percent of homes and businesses in the township are without power.

“The entire downtown district is without power and all shops are closed, except for Super Foodtown which is running on a backup generator,” he said.

Waterview Center nursing home in Cedar Grove suffered storm-related damage and people are being evacuated and moved to another facility, said Tanella.

He is urging residents to stay inside and avoid the roads which still have fallen trees and downed wires throughout the township.

The fire department is traveling throughout Cedar Grove to assess the damage, he said.

“The DPW (Department of Public Works) and private contractors and the engineering department are going around town cutting and removing downed trees,” said Tanella. “Each neighborhood has its own set of problems.”

Even the police department is running on a backup generator, he added.

The Cedar Grove Ambulance and Rescue Squad has been opened as a warming station, said Tanella. They have heat and water and residents are welcome to get warm, take a shower and be in a safe environment.

If for some reason the building closed, Tanella says to call Cedar Grove Police’s non-emergency number at (973) 239-4100 and they will open the doors shortly.

“Overall Cedar Grove fared pretty well,” said Tanella.

Verona-Cedar Grove Patch is looking for your storm photos and stories. Send us pictures of downed trees, wires and damage so we can let your neighbors know.

Email your photos to Associate Editor Eric Goodman at eric.goodman@patch.com or Associate Regional Editor Jack Durschlag at jack.durschlag@patch.com along with caption information and we'll post it.