November 7, 2012. Near the beach office. Volunteers working. Blogfinger photo. ©
December 9, 2012. South End. Blogfinger photo ©
Last unfinished section on June 29, 2014, near the Pavilion. Blogfinger photo. ©
On Thursday, July 3, at 11 am, the new Middle Beach Boardwalk will be officially open. Speakers for the event include Governor Chris Christie, State Senator Jennifer Beck, Rep. Chris Smith, and Neptune Twp. Mayor Michael Brantley. Ocean Grove Camp Meeting President Dale Whilden will be the MC.
This is from the official OGCMA press release:
“The Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association (OGCMA) is deeply grateful to Governor Christie, Congressman Smith, Senator Beck and Mayor Brantley, who tirelessly advocated for our community and helped enable the Camp Meeting to undertake this phase of the rebuilding process,” said Dale Whilden, OGCMA President.
As previously reported, the $1,135,570 construction project was funded by a Neptune Township Bond issue which was approved on January 27. OGCMA will repay the township as it receives its FEMA funding, which will be at approximately 90% – the same as neighboring communities.
Whilden added: “We are delighted that this phase of our Sandy recovery efforts will be completed in time for the busy Independence Day weekend, as we welcome visitors back to our beautiful shore.”
In the event of bad weather, the event will be moved indoors to the Youth Temple
LEON REDBONE:
For the most part 612 days after the “Storm” the boardwalk is strollable,
There continues to be items that are being taken care of in town and along the boardwalk and hopefully soon the Grove can actually claim that that annoying phrase pertains to them too, “Stronger than the Storm”.