Protect Access to Fishing Jetties in Atlantic City

Will Atlantic City leadership keep their word and protect access to fishing spots along our waterfront?

Concerns hit a new high as the new Boardwalk and seawall being built along the inlet, could block easy access to the popular fishing jetties in Atlantic City.

Over 1,100 people have signed a petition that urges elected officials like Atlantic City Mayor Guardian and Council president Marty Small to make sure this happens. Residents are still waiting for 1st ward councilman Aaron Randolph to make a statement about this case.

Promises are nice, but let’s get it in writing. 

 

Noel Feliciano of One Stop Bait & Tackle in Atlantic City is not taking any chances.

He’s collecting signatures at his shop until he gets a plan in writing from the City of Atlantic City.

The mayor has said he hoped to provide a way to access the jetties, popular for getting closer to deep, running waters that attract a wide variety of salt water fish like flounder, stripers and blues.

Some are fearful that once the extended Boardwalk & seawall are completed by summer 2017, access to fishing spots will be tougher to get.

To date, no details have been worked out about how people will get from the Boardwalk behind the seawall, down to the jetties.

The Army Corps of Engineers is building the seawall and boardwalk. They have no current plans to build access to the jetties. Feliciano appreciates Mayor Guardian’s good intentions, but wants the promise in writing.

One Stop Bait & Tackle

416 Atlantic Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401

(609) 348-9450

“Other shore towns cater to fishermen,” said Feliciano. “For some reason, Atlantic City never promotes fishing or crabbing. Families love it. Not everybody gambles”.

The longer, rebuilt Boardwalk is important says Feliciano. But like most in AC, the 45 yr old graduate of AC High School wants the city to offer more than just big box casinos.

Gaming revenue is up by double digits. Most are happy that casinos have stabilized and are raking it in. Very little of that trickles down to neighborhood shops not attached to the casinos.

A recent report developed by Atlantic County says we should take advantage of our outdoors, water, and especially fishing and boating. But almost a year after that study was released, the county still hasn’t hired anyone to carry our those recommendations. The city still foolishly relies on cash from casino gaming. That gravy train is coming to an end.

Stairs built up and over over the seawall could be one way to resolve this issue.

David Callaway: Keep the pressure on all elected officials until it’s in writing. Don’t take anyone’s word. How did they start the project in the first place without input from the community? Our elected officials dropped the ball. If they finish the wall with no access to the jetties, there will never be access to the jetties.