Dredging to Halt Five Months for Winter Fluke

AVALON – At the borough council meeting Sept. 24, Business Administrator Scott Wahl announced that the borough had the necessary permits in hand for a major dredging project in the back bay. Municipal Engineer Thomas Thornton of Hatch Mott MacDonald presented a tentative schedule that had work commencing Oct. 22.
The project will dredge waterways along the back bay areas of Avalon and, through an agreement with Middle Township, will also include Sterbeck Harbor in Avalon Manor. Requests for bids will begin Sept. 28 and a firm schedule will be released after a contract is awarded.
The borough’s ability to meet the information requirements of the Army Corps of Engineers quickly has significant benefits for the project. Receiving the needed permits early in what could have been a more protracted process means that the project will have the maximum available time for dredging in the fall/early winter period.
Dredging will be a 24 hours a day, seven days a week effort from start to Dec. 31.
Jan. 1 marks the beginning of winter flounder season. Dredging can resume after May 31 when that season ends. Once an award is made to a successful bidder, slip owners will receive additional information.
Noise Complaints
Council began its work session with a discussion of potential amendments to police regulations regarding noise. When police respond to a noise complaint, most commonly in the summer months, they have the authority to issue a summons if circumstances warrant.
The proposal under discussion would amend the ordinance to add additional penalties for individuals who, despite having received a summons, still fail to control the noise within an hour. Discussions centered on the appropriateness of the one-hour timeframe and the circumstances when the penalties would potentially apply. No resolution amending the ordinance has yet been introduced.
Opposition to Senate Bill
After discussion at the previous council meeting, a formal resolution was introduced “strongly opposing” a state senate bill that would require shore towns that accept government assistance for beach replenishment to have free beaches.
The resolution opposes the bill which the borough claims would reduce the revenues available to the beach utility that pays to maintain the beaches and thereby shift a greater burden to the taxpayers. Opposition was based as well on fears that such a move would shift more control over beach replenishment efforts to the state.
Continued Hotel Opposition
The public comment period saw two individuals continue to voice opposition to the plans for a boutique hotel at 21st Street. Even though it is probable that the council will not have an official role to play in any application for zoning exceptions if such a project materializes, residents continue to use the council meetings as a place to voice opposition.
The developer, who has held a meeting with residents to explain the potential project, has not yet filed formal plans.
Council President Charles Covington has previously explained if an application is filed for zoning variances, the most appropriate place for residents to take objections is to the Planning-Zoning Board.
To contact Vince Conti, email vconti@cmcherald.com.