(02/14/06) LONG BEACH ? The most recent New Jersey snowstorm has left many homes in Long Beach dangerously exposed to the forces of Mother Nature.

The storm eroded away a large chunk of the buffer zone separating beach houses from the sea. One homeowner says he awoke early in the morning to find water splashing up against his house. Department of Public Works employees are now bringing in truckloads of sand to replenish the eroded areas.

Long Beach Township officials are waiting for a $55 million replenishment project to get the green light. However, the Department of Environmental Protection won?t approve the project until homeowners sign over their easements. That will allow general public usage of the beach, which could pave the way for a boardwalk or businesses. The parks works commissioner says the sooner homeowners sign over their easements, the sooner work can get started to make their houses safe.