By Paul Goldfinger
On Wednesday afternoon, April 3, we saw no work being done at the beachfront. I think they are waiting for materials to rebuild the beach offices. Fencing and plywood wind barriers separate the beach from Ocean Avenue on almost the full length of the avenue until you get near the North End. Some new access ramps and stairs have been installed. Many pilings are visible. Large sand dunes are present on the beach and at the North End. We will be hearing an updated report at the Saturday meeting (see below).
On Saturday, April 6, at 9:00 a.m., there will be a Town Meeting at the Youth Temple (across from the Great Auditorium.) The meeting is open to the public. The event will kick off a new ambitious fund raising community effort called The TOGETHER Campaign. The progress and challenges involved in rebuilding the beach front, boardwalk and Great Auditorium roof will be discussed. In attendance will be Neptune officials, press, OGCMA officials and the TOGETHER committee. It will be an open forum, and questions from the audience will be welcome.
South end access to the boardwalk near Broadway. New stairs and ramps are seen. 4/1/13. PG photo.
Looking south near Ocean Ave along the boardwalk route, standing near Main Avenue. The pier is seen behind the crooked lamp. 4/3/13 PG photo
I also have to agree with Realistically Speaking. They “lease” that prime real estate…at the end of the pier.. for what sum?? C’mon Fishing Club Members: tell the truth. What do you pay to lease this exclusive piece of property? Is it really just $1.00?
Last October in a comment on Blogfinger a Fishing Club trustee wrote that the Club had the means to rebuild the pier without added public contributions and would if the CMA would extend their lease for the END of the pier. Saturday’s morning meeting at the Youth Temple provides the opportunity to ask about the future of pier and the Fishing Club lease proposal.
Agree with realistically speaking. There is little argument that the town benefits from rebuilding a gated enclave in a public space. Maybe some thought should be given to whether a new structure, open to all, should go there,
I am quite sure that the CM would be willing to allow the Fishing Club to begin the rebuilding process if the Club was going to fund the pier.
In speaking to people about donating to restoration fund, and the pier is mentioned, the general reaction is reluctance to donate money or supplies or workers to rebuilding a pier where the prime area is gated off for use by a “members only” club. With the critical need for a new boardwalk, and people still without homes in areas, it’s a tough sell.
It’s a shame that the C.M. has ignored all attempts for the Fishing club to start the rebuilding process.In discussion with one of the C.M. people I was told there are more important situations at the present,I expressed my opinion that the Fishing Pier is also historic and should have been a part of the regrowth of the Grove,to have no negotiations for a new lease I felt isn’t doing the right thing.