Route 35 roadwork behind schedule: Point Beach Councilman

Snowy weather has bogged down the massive reconstruction effort of Route 35 from Bay Head to the Berkeley Township portion of the barrier island, according to Point Pleasant Beach Councilman Stephen Reid.

Reid said the three contractors involved with rebuilding the state highway after Hurricane Sandy's devastation are obligated to have the road repaired before tourism season resumes.

However, a delay of rebuilding one of the main thoroughfares to Seaside Heights could divert tourists to Point Pleasant Beach, officials said.

Point Pleasant officials commented that 2013's parking revenues of $1.9 million were even with 2012's, which was before Hurricane Sandy struck in October of that year.  Problems with the rebuilding of Seaside Heights in 2013 after the storm had tourists looking for other options, officials said.

"The people in Seaside didn't get it done and they paid the price," Mayor Vincent Barrella said about how Seaside's problems may have helped Point Pleasant Beach.