If you’ve spent a winter anywhere near the Atlantic Ocean shoreline, you know how hard Mother Nature treats it. Two major storms hit the Margate area back in 1944 and 1962, destroying the boardwalks and piers along the Jersey Shore. Hurricane Sandy in 2012 lead to the Margate Dunes Project a few years later. In 2008, Ventnor rebuilt their boardwalk and pier. Ventnor opted out. So, why build a Margate boardwalk now? Extra safety and the hope for additional beach access for all jump for starters.
Margate Boardwalk
Pros to Building a Margate Boardwalk
If we use the Ventnor pier and boardwalk as a reference point, the public can access 75% of it for free. Anyone wanting to fish off of it just pays a small fee. They also included better lighting, security cameras, a small office space, and public restrooms. Their boardwalk runs all the way north to Atlantic City. Unfortunately, it cuts off abruptly to the south at Margate. Part of the funding for the boardwalk and pier came from tax dollars.
Margate could also benefit from building a boardwalk. The private Anglers Club of Absecon Island lays claim to the pier. You must be a member to fish off of it. However, there are talks about allowing public access to a landlocked portion of the pier in the future. With the placement of dunes along Margate beaches, access to the beach itself became more difficult, particularly for those with physical limitations. A boardwalk grants everyone easier, safer access, including bicycle riders, pedestrians, runners, skaters, and, perhaps most importantly, emergency vehicles. Plus, installing a Margate boardwalk may invite businesses to set up shop along it. More businesses bring in more tourists and more tourist dollars. That means more money in city coffers from taxes.
Boardwalk Referendum on Nov 3rd Ballot
Back in August, the City Commission in Margate unanimously agreed to place a referendum on the November 3rd ballot in regards to the Margate Boardwalk. (Check here for polling places in Atlantic County). The referendum will not automatically give the “go ahead” for building the boardwalk. Instead, this referendum will show the City whether or not its citizens are interested in investing in a boardwalk. If a majority of residents show their interest by votings “yes” on the referendum, the City may then take the necessary steps to determine how much it would cost to build the boardwalk and where to find the money to pay for it. So, make your opinion know by casting your vote at the ballot box next Tuesday, November 3rd.
Sherri Lilienfeld, Apex Prime Realty, Your Source for Jersey Shore Real Estate