Superstorm Sandy Wrecked His Home, Now Union Beach Wants To Take It Away With Eminent Domain

A WRAT listener in Union Beach is trying to save his family home after it was destroyed by Superstorm Sandy.  He could use your help.  Sign this petition to help this Union Beach man save his home.

Jon has been a listener to 95.9 The Rat for decades and he's been a Facebook friend of mine personally for quite a while now.  His family home was demolished by Superstorm Sandy.  It wasn't just any home that was crushed by that storm.

Jon's home was pretty much the actual picture that summed up that tragic storm.  Jon's family lived in a historic house in Union Beach.  Interestingly, tt was built in the 1850's and had survived every hurricane since.  However Sandy ripped the home in half.  Half of the house was washed away forever, the photo of the other half, seen here again, was one of two pictures that became synonymous with the storm.

This picture of this damaged family home in Union Beach was Jon's family home.  There were two photos that went viral after Superstorm Sandy hit.  This, and the photo of the roller coaster in the middle of the ocean.  The national and international media spread this image over the whole world.

Well, Jon and his wife have spent the time since Sandy not living in that house.  And yet, just as he and his family were ready to begin breaking ground on a new home to replace the historic home that was crushed... he got a message from Union Beach that the town was using eminent domain issues to offer and purchase the property to create a parking lot.  "Offer" may not be the correct word to genuinely portray what eminent domain feels like to a land owner. Sometimes words like, "take" or "claim" are better words.

If you want to step up for Jon Zois and his family please consider to help this Union Beach man save his home by signing this petition. Perhaps it will stop the forced sale of this property to the town so that Jon and his family can rebuild.  It's been a long time, but the rebuilding from Superstorm Sandy is not finished.

There are several favorite places in Monmouth County to enjoy a romantic night out. I gave a lot of thought about putting together a perfect list of those restaurants that would be considered great places to go for a Valentine’s Day celebration.

I thought about my personal favorites, and the favorites of my friends, co-workers, foodie lovers, and neighbors.

I usually do Valentine’s Day at home if it falls on a weekday. I’m not really big into exchanging V Day gifts and cards, but I am definitely into romance with my man.

If you have someone special to share your life with, you shouldn’t celebrate just one day out of the year. You should celebrate each other with a night out as many times as your wallet will allow.

I know quite a few people who are planning to take their beloved out on or near February 14th to enjoy an extra special date night.

I like places where you can have a conversation with little to no distraction. I don't mind a little background chatter or background music.

Personally, I like places that are quaint, as well as places that take you back in time with specific old world period décor.

There are a several of restaurants that meet my criteria. It’s more than a handful, but enough for all of us to keep in rotation for at least a year before more new restaurants pop up.

If you’re on the hunt for a romantic eatery this Valentine’s Day, this list might be just what you need.

This fine dining restaurant is the perfect place for a romantic dinner. We were just here a few months ago for my birthday.

No jacket required, just bring your appetite and your love of good food.

This converted farmhouse is cozy and has a few charming areas with hideaway seating for 2. Better call soon to reserve your table. The food and service will not disappoint.

Undici, with it's romantic Tuscan inspired decor is the perfect setting for a Valentine's celebration. Classic Tuscan flavors and the largest wine collection in the Garden state.

I would start our meal with the perfectly grilled Spanish octopus, made with fresh fennel, blood orange, tangerine, and Sicilian cured olives. I haven't decided on an entree yet, but I decided that we'd finish the meal with the chocolate tart made with a polenta crust and fresh cream.

This place should be on your list of considerations for a romantic meal complete with great service, fabulous wine, and  beautifully crafted cocktails.

This casual-chic restaurant is one of my all time Monmouth County favorites.

If you listen to my radio show or follow my food posts on the WRAT website, you already knew that.

Amazing Portuguese and Spanish cuisine can be found at this Long Branch restaurant. The service and the food are exceptional. The cocktails are fabulous, and the ambience sets the tone for a romantic evening with the one you love.

My husband Bruce says to order the skirt steak, it's one of the best he's ever had. I say anything you order will be delicious.

Amelia's By The Sea, formerly Bareli's by the Sea, is located inside the Grand Victorian Hotel across from the Atlantic Ocean in Spring Lake, New Jersey.

They are the perfect blend of old-school Italian and contemporary continental cuisine. 

My friends, Tom & David have dined here with their lovely ladies many times and absolutely adore the food, service and ambience. Highly recommended for a romantic evening. Check the website for for hours. I believe this time of year they are only open Saturday and Sunday. BYOB until May 1st 2024.

Nothing says romance better than sharing a meal at this French Brasserie. This also made my 2023 Most Romantic Restaurants List.

Fabulous French food with a really cool vibe. The cocktails, service and well crafted European dishes make for a perfect romantic evening.

With it's beautiful rustic decor, Il Nido has an organic menu that changes with the seasons. Romance and expertly crafted dishes and cocktails make this place perfect for a night of romance.

The Wagyu short ribs with braised beans, pancetta, and escarole have my mouth watering.  I love that they listen to their customers responses to the food and service to keep customers coming back time and time again.

618 made the list of "The 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in America" for 2023, according to OpenTable.

I would have put them on the list too. I love the romantic decor as well as the menu selections, incredible bartenders, and attentive servers.

Life gets better the minute you step through the doors of 618. A few days before Valentine's Day on February 8th, 2024, they're holding a Valentine's Day Cocktail class from 6:30 to 8:30. Click Here for more info.

Many sushi lovers I know have dined here several times. I love this place!!  It's gorgeous and the bartenders are masters of their craft.

Focus on the fabulous food and the person you're with, and all will be well in your world.

One the first floor, there's a huge saltwater fish tank that has me mesmerized every time I visit the bar for happy hour.

If you're into Hibachi, take a walk up to the 2nd floor.

If you're not doing sushi for the main meal, order the Volcano Steak or the Chilean Sea Bass.