As Temperatures Fall, Marlboro Officials Worry About Senior Communities

Update: Greenbriar has power as of late Sunday night!

There are around 500 homes in the Greenbriar senior development in Marlboro Township. Many residents have little means of getting information from the township, after Hurricane Sandy knocked out their power and most importantly, heat.

Marlboro officials began to worry on Saturday, as temperatures dropped into the low 30's.

JCP&L told Mayor Jon Hornik that Greenbriar would be restored on Saturday, but Hornik said he didn't see it happen. The township attempted to secure a generator for the community clubhouse, with no such luck.

"I have been disappointed by JCP&L time and time again," Hornik said.

Hornik and the Marlboro Recreation Center staff began setting up cots for people to sleep over. But the flow of information remained a problem.

So Deputy Mayor Larry Rosen mobilized as many Teen Advisory Committee members as he could wrangle in a 20 minute span. Around 40 teenagers and their parents showed up to Greenbriar.

They were briefed by Police Chief Bruce Hall, armed with a map and phone numbers, and set to knocking on every door in the development.

"We had to do something, we couldn't leave them there," Hornik said.

Within an hour of the last door knock, Greenbriar residents began to seek shelter at the Recreation Center. They drove themselves or were shuttled in by township buses, and finally residents were warm.

Setting Up Temporary Shelter

The Marlboro Recreation Center has been buzzing with activity. On Saturday night, the building was one of two locations offering a free movie to residents looking to get warm and recharge.

"I don't even care what the movie is," one resident said. "I'm chilled to the bone."

But with Greenbriar residents coming in to spend the night, the staff was stretched thin. 

While residents poured in, the Rec staff was busy preparing hot meals for those staying for the night. Volunteers set up over 30 beds, and the Marlboro Police Department checked residents into the shelter.

Members of first aid squads were there to check blood pressure and keep lists of medication. 

As of Sunday at 1:30 p.m., the center is still open as a warming and charging station, and Greenbriar residents are still without power.

"I am told it will be a few hours," Hornik said. Then again, the mayor had been told that before.

If you feel unsafe in your home without heat, please all the non-emergency police line at 732-536-0100. If you have an emergency, please call 9-1-1.