A handful of Margate homeowners are still fighting back against those proposed dunes. They don’t want those expensive, potentially ineffective, sand dunes along their shores.
The battle continues even as contracts get awarded for work that could begin in January 2017. The messy project would continue through the busy summer months.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded the dune building project to Cranford, NJ-based Weeks Marine. They will build, replace, and/or repair the dune systems in Margate, Longport and parts of Ventnor. Atlantic City might see some additional sand replenishment too. Large portions of beach in front of the former REVEL, now TEN, have seen dramatic erosion over the past few years.
Many in Margate say beach-front bulkheads already do a great job protecting against storms. It’s the back-bay protection that needs help. Storm surge from the bayside of Margate is far more harmful and destructive.
Citing Atlantic City’s view & breeze-killing dune system, Downbeach residents fear the man-made dunes will not only spoil the beach experience, but could hurt Real Estate values too. Some are afraid the dunes will cause long-term puddling. This could potentially spread a mosquito-borne disease like the Zika virus.
The Margate dune case will get another day in court on Dec. 13.
The post Margate, Ventnor & Atlantic City Ready for Dune Work. Maybe. appeared first on Downbeach BUZZ.