patching...
Update: Please "like" our Point Pleasant Patch Facebook page for links to stories and lots of great extras! »
Welcome back, Patch Blogger!

Point Beach Boardwalk Should Be Fixed by June 5

Progress expected to continue shortly on south end of boardwalk

 

 

Point Beach is hoping for a shipment of boardwalk materials shortly so that progress can continue on rebuilding the boardwalk between New Jersey and Atlantic avenues.

The boardwalk had been damaged in the storm in August that was initially referred to as "Hurricane Irene," although meterologists later said that when Irene hit New Jersey, it was a tropical storm and not a hurricane.

The former boardwalk has been removed and a new foundation has been constructed.

Progess on rebuilding a section towards the south end recently hit a snag when stringers, or the support system for the deck, were rejected as substandard by the contractor and sent back to the mill, said Point Beach Business Administrator Chris Riehl.

"Better to be done correctly than quickly!" Riehl wrote in an email. She said Diamond Construction, Brick, the primary contractor, hoped to have new materials delivered by today.

Originally, Diamond had hoped to have the job done by Memorial Day weekend, but has to have it done by June 5, Riehl said.

"If they are not finished by June 5th, the contractor will have to pay daily damages to the Borough," Riehl said. "The contractor is very well aware of the completion date."

Riehl had said the hope was that a shipment of new stringers would arrive on Tuesday. Late Tuesday afternoon, there did not appear to be a shipment of new stringers at the boardwalk and there was still no work being done.

Because the boardwalk was damaged in a significant storm, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is going to reimburse the town for part of the cost, Riehl said.

The contract award is $179,600, and FEMA is going to reimburse the town for partial funding "on 40 percent of 315 linear feet at a 75/25% basis, so the town should receive around $56,000," Riehl said.

The concession stand at the south end of the boardwalk, at the end of New Jersey Avenue, will be run by Surf Taco, with a grand opening expected later this month. Surf Taco opened the bathhouse and bathrooms during Memorial Day weekend.

Related Topics: Boardwalk, Budget, Damage, FEMA, Irene, Point Beach, Point Pleasant Beach, Reimbursement, Repair, and Risden's

JohnnyT

6:52 pm on Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Just more cost pushed on to the residents. We have to keep on paying for the boardwalk. It is ridiculous they are the ones who are actually making all the money. Yet they get to pay less and less and we pay more and more.

Reply

Ruth Liss

7:40 pm on Tuesday, May 29, 2012

JohnnyT, I know it's hard to believe that the town is responsible for maintaining the 18 foot wide easement that runs the entire length of the boardwalk in PPB. What a disgrace the boardwalk is with all of the boards either coming loose or nails popping up all over the place creating a hazardous environment. A lawsuit just waiting to happen if you ask me. They should just give it to someone who would maintain it properly.

Reply

JohnnyT

9:46 pm on Tuesday, May 29, 2012

If the town gets slapped with a lawsuit then they close the boardwalk down. Do not enter hazardous environment.

Reply

Buddy

8:11 am on Wednesday, May 30, 2012

This is another example of the recalcitrant behavior of the mayor waiting 8+ months to have the southern most section of the BW repaired after Irene destroyed it. I wonder why he waited until almost Memorial Day to authorize the necessary repairs? We all know he only cares about his beloved constituency in D4 but the indifference to the residents of D3 who want to use NJ Ave. to access the Boardwalk is appalling. Nice job Mayor Barrella.

BTW @ Johnny T, it is the southern end of the BW where there are no commercial business that was destroyed. Check your facts next time Bennie.........and move out of town if you don't like the historical charm of PPB.

Reply

John57

2:00 pm on Tuesday, June 5, 2012

No different than a damaged road with businesses on it. It's still responsibility of the town. Any delay is due to the the fact that it isn't Barella's district 4

Reply

Quaghogdigger

8:02 am on Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Well it's June 6, and I hope the Town sticks to its guns with the late penalties....They are at least a few days away from completion. A weeks worth of penalties, could about pay for a special for the summer. I will be watching to see whats assessed on the final bill, or was it just tough talk for the papers.

Reply

Leave a comment

 

The Point Pleasant Patch
Valentine's Shopping Guide

See the full guide!

Patch Picks