Work progresses near the wisdom bench. Were they wise enough to evacuate? March 20. 2013 (first day of spring). PG photo
By Paul Goldfinger, Editor Blogfinger.net
The OG Camp Meeting Assoc. is determined to have the community involved in the process of restoring the ocean front. So last night, several CMA officials met for the third time with leaders of OG organizations including Home Owners, Chamber of Commerce, Ocean Grove United, Beautification Project and the Fishing Club. The purpose of the transparency offensive is to keep the town informed with the latest news of Phase One and to elicit all sorts of cooperation including sharing ideas, moving benches, raising money, and spreading the word.
Ralph del Campo, interim CMA administrator, chaired the meeting. He said that he was interviewed on New Jersey television (NJ 12) today where he announced that “our target” is in sight and, even though money is a large issue, “we are taking a step of faith and moving ahead.” All the CMA officers present, including President Dale Whilden, revealed an optimistic view of the situation. They spoke about the volunteers who have saved the project many thousands of dollars including the Calvary relief group and the American Fence Company of Whitehall, Pennsylvania whose workers continue to help even after installing the snow fences (currently named “sand fences.”)
Bill Bailey, the Director of Operations, reported on the news from the trenches. The sinking of 30 foot pilings 25 feet into the sand at the South End has gone well, although they had a scare when they ran into some old concrete holding tanks. That problem was surmounted, and the pilings are “almost done.” Building materials will be delivered in a couple of weeks for the beach offices .
Reclaimed wood from the storm is being put to use building ramps and stairs to the beach and boardwalk. Railings are being restored at the South End, and some of those were donated by the Borough of Sea Girt. The composite materials being used to surface the boardwalk will be the latest technology which reduces slipperiness and are made from recycled plastic.
Sand removal and relocation continues to be a challenge. Recently 23 loads of sand were taken from the grassy areas and placed on the growing mountains at the north end. All that sand will eventually be sifted and brought back onto the beach. The Army Corps of Engineers surveyed the sand situation two weeks ago and they will be engaged in doing whatever is needed for the beach replenishment.
Dr Whilden pointed out that there are always issues that occur which are not visible. For example, the work on the Great Auditorium roof seems to be standing still, but there is only one company which can manufacture the stainless steel roofing which needs to be coated with zinc. But manufacturing that material cannot begin until May.
Mr. Bailey was candid when he admitted “feeling the pressure” as spring arrives and the target date looms closer for reopening the OG beach. “We are on a tight schedule.” he said. But he had a smile on his face and he seemed ready and able to keep the promise of a Memorial Day target. He pointed out that some area towns had “over-promised” their completion dates and underestimated their costs. Ocean Grove’s phased strategy is proving to be more realistic, and so we have a good chance of actually reaching the goal.
Stay tuned to Blogfinger….
SARAH VAUGHAN:
Does anyone have an understanding how the Army Corp of Engineers will work this time? Have they started on any beach along the coastline? I recall in the late 1990’s when the BIG rebuilding of our beach took place they worked their way up the shore line. My Dad would sit on a South End boardwalk bench and watch them hall sand in from miles away.
If you think about it, Parallam beams and pressure-treated boards aren’t exactly historic, either.
Mary Beth: The concern about whether composites can compromise the historic designation was raised at the meeting. No one was sure of the answer. Thank you for settling this issue.
Note: A small area of OG boardwalk was done with composite as a trial. That lasted 20 years according to Mr. Bailey.
Many people loved the wooden boardwalk and had hoped that the boardwalk would be replaced with like material, but the composite boards hold up better to the ravaging forces of Mother Nature when she lashes out at us. Some people are probably asking “Can a National Historic District have a composite boardwalk and still retain its historic status?” The answer is yes. Part of the National Historic mandate is preservation, and as we all know, certain structures are permitted to use modern materials to replicate certain features of their homes, and that is what is happening with the boardwalk.
I know there are “boardwalk purists” in town that would prefer wood, but composite has many advantages: we won’t experience the buckling of some areas of the boardwalk, particularly those areas close to North End, there will be no splinters, and it can withstand much stronger wave velocity than wood. It also, for the most part, does not break up into jagged pieces if a composite board is ripped from its moorings by the water.
The composite boards also serve a larger economic purpose. We have a great deal of small businesses, hotels and bed and breakfasts in Ocean Grove, most of whom depend on the summer season to make enough money to get through the year. Not having a boardwalk, either now or after a future storm, will turn away potential customers who may never return. Too many livelihoods depend on this boardwalk. Residents pay higher taxes than those in non-beachfront neighborhoods so they can live near the beach, the boardwalk, walkability to Asbury Park and other amenities, and they deserve a boardwalk. Now through the hard work of all these organizations, a Memorial Day with a boardwalk is expected! Kudos to the Camp Meeting and all their partners for their diligence and dedication to this project!
Marjorie: There is so much that could be discussed, but you are right to focus on that Sea Girt contribution. At some point the CMA should chronicle all the people, places, officials, local governments, businesses, Grovers who have been volunteering to help. The over-riding message here is that a community is coming together to bring our town back, and we are getting help from outsiders.
For people to quibble over small points and to miss the big picture is unfortunate. Ultimately the joy of rebuilding will be the theme with legs. Mr. delCampo said it last night: “Good things come out of a bad situation.”
Sorry to hear that the Boardwalk will be that composite material – I was always proud that OG kept the wooden boardwalk, but it was bound to happen eventually. I love that Sea Girt made a ‘contribution’!!