STONE HARBOR – In a split vote, Stone Harbor Borough Council introduced an ordinance change July 16. It would allow pilings work related to bulkhead construction or repair during July and August when other construction work is restricted.
The split vote on council reflected a conflict between two of the governing body’s accomplishments of the last several months.
Council adopted an ordinance which restricts noisy construction activity during July and August when many of the borough’s visitors and second homeowners take summer vacations.
Council also adopted rules for bulkhead heights, along with a graduated timetable for implementation. The change in bulkhead regulations was seen as a primary action to defend against the increases in flooding due to rising seas and more frequent, major storms.
The disagreement among council was one in which some see the urgency of bulkhead construction as paramount. Those individuals also argue that piling work for bulkhead construction is less disruptive and shorter in duration than similar work for home construction.
Those opposed to any exceptions to the construction restrictions argue that two months in the summer would not significantly alter progress on bulkhead replacements. They also point to the bulkhead work as more disruptive than their opponents admit.
The ordinance will come up for possible adoption Aug. 20, when a public hearing will be held.
