Point Beach Boardwalk Should Be Fixed by June 5

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 "" 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.