Freeholders Consent to Beesley’s Point Bridge Demolition by Highway Authority

CREST HAVEN – There goes a hard-earned dollar! That’s right, $1 paid Dec. 30, 2008 made Cape May County proud owner of the decrepit Beesley’s Point Bridge linking Cape May and Atlantic counties. On Feb. 26, the county bid the bridge, built in 1928, adieu. The board gave the span its formal demolition decree in the form of a resolution.
The document authorizes execution of an agreement between the county and New Jersey Highway Authority to remove the bridge in Great Egg Harbor Bay.
It notes the authority is undertaking replacement of the southbound Garden State Parkway Bridge spanning Great Egg Harbor Bay and Channel Bridges.
Included in the demolition will be the structure that crosses the bay, the structure that crosses Drag Channel, and a stretch of road along Drag Island, as well as a stretch of road north of Drag Channel.
That demolition and bridge removal will restore wetlands and open waters in Cape May and Atlantic counties.
In another resolution passed the same day by freeholders, support was voiced for issuing permits to the New Jersey Turnpike Authority to replace the existing southbound bridge over Great Egg Harbor Bay and Drag Channel.
“The new bridge will eliminate structure deficiency, address substandard geometry and…maintain coastal evacuation capabilities of the structure,” according to the resolution.
The project will impact about 2.15 acres of tidal wetlands associated with construction of the causeway and new bridge construction, as well as .77 acres of open water.
It also noted that the authority is “proposing mitigation sites to offset the environmental impact.”
In other actions the board:
• Approved contract documents for the demolition of the former Bank of America building at 9516 Second Ave., Stone Harbor to pave the way for a branch library. Advertisement for bids will be received March 27 at 2 p.m. by the Clerk of the Board Elizabeth Bozzelli.
• Approved professional services agreement, not to exceed $16,000 from Jan.1 to April 1, 2013, with Carole M. Mattessich to provide legal services as “economic development facilitator” to coordinate and facilitate field and administrative work involved in the “retention, attraction, growth, promotion, and development of commerce” in the county at the direction of supervising freeholder (Will Morey).
• Appointed Vicki Clark, Cape May County Chamber of Commerce president, to the Workforce Investment Board. Clark will replace T. Pitzraky, whose term expires June 30, 2014.
• Opposed legislation to void all existing contracts and implementing a county-wide purchasing system for custodial services, food services and other services for school districts. While the board advocates shared services, it noted in a resolution “The county does not believe it should be designated as the lead agency to coordinate those contracts since the experience and expertise of county purchasing staff does not necessarily include the nuances applicable to school contracting.” Copies of the document went to First District legislators.
• Amended a contract with Bridgeton-based TJD Architects and Engineers for the County Park and Zoo leopard exhibit in amount of $10,000. The expansion will be for viewing area and seating within the viewing areas, boardwalk extension and related items. As a result, the contract will rise to $24,320.
• Amended its contract with K&R Vending Services, Inc. to permit price increases of certain snack, beverage and frozen food items it sells in county buildings.
• Looking forward to October, the board allowed a lease agreement, for $1, with Lower Township Fire District No. 2, Town Bank, to use a portion of the county airport, adjacent to the Everlon Building, Oct. 15-24. The lease permits the lease of parking and grass area for an Oktoberfest event.
• Appointed Franklin Unkle as member of Cape May County Human Services Advisory Council from March 1, 2013 to Dec. 31, 2015.
• Approved a professional services agreement with Miracles Fitness to provide certified personal trainer services on an as-needed basis (large and small gym orientation for county Health Department Wellness Division for eligible members). Contract runs until Jan. 28, 2014.