Brick boy presses Gov. Chris Christie for help rebuilding Superstorm Sandy-ravaged home

FREEHOLD -- New Jersey Governor Chris Christie held a town hall in Freehold Tuesday, once again pressing the need to reduce state pension and health benefit costs, but the meeting was overshadowed by a young boy from a Superstorm Sandy-ravaged town.

Zachary Seemar was 9 years old when Superstorm Sandy destroyed his Brick home, and the family has lived in a cramped camper ever since.

"It's tight in there," 16-year-old Andrew Seemar, Jr., said. "We get on each others nerves."

So after three years, Zachary spoke for his family as the town hall, taking his fight to the governor.

"(Are) you are aware of how difficult Brick's town permits review process is for families like ours, trying to rebuild," he asked Christie. "And if there's anyone at the state level we can go to for assistance?"

The Seemars spent tens of thousands of dollars on requirements to build a new home, but Brick has yet to approve a building permit.

"I'm confused as to why when we paid engineers to adhere to the laws," mom Kathleen Seemar said.

Their neighborhood is a fraction of what it used to be, with vacant homes and vacant lots where homes used to be. It's where friends used to live, and where the red tape of recovery comes at too high a price, too much a battle for some families. So they left.

"We're trying to follow rules and regulations as best we can, but we don't know how much more we can take," Andrew Seemar, Sr., said.

Neighbor Harry Sowell stayed.

"People walked away from their houses," he said. "People are struggling to get grants and permits. I think they would have stayed if they saw a path."

Now, they're all hoping Zachary's question may have paved one.

"We want to get you back in your home and get you back as quickly as possible," Christie said. "We'll work with you to try to help and work with your family."