Homeless Camp Forced To Relocate

By Stephanie Faughnan

TOMS RIVER – The homeless encampment located near high-tension wires moved after JCP&L’s parent company erected “no trespassing” signs on the part of the property it owns.

Chris Hoenig, a First Energy/JCP&L spokesperson, confi rmed that the signs were placed there on July 28. The homeless encampment was initially located on property partially owned by the municipality and First Energy. One of the main access roads to the camp is on land owned by Ocean County and Toms River Township.

“Safety is a JCP&L priority, and we remind the public to keep away from powerlines and energized electrical equipment and at least 30 feet away from all JCP&L infrastructure for their own safety and protection,” Hoenig told Jersey Shore Online.com.

To facilitate the placement of the “no trespassing” signs on their property, JCP&L received a police escort.

Police Chief Mitch Little said that the company has also requested assistance from township police regarding the enforcement of no trespassing laws.

Minister Steve Brigham of Destiny’s Bridge and the organizer of the encampment revealed that 15 men and women continue to reside in the makeshift