Long Branch Oceanfront Survey To Begin Soon

By Christopher Sheldon

The Long Branch Council has awarded a contract to Pennoni Associates, Inc. to carry out a survey of the city's oceanfront.

Pennoni was awarded a $96,289 contract to survey the oceanfront including the beachfront bluff, which was severely damaged by Hurricane Sandy last year, and helped support the boardwalk, which was also damaged. This survey will help the city pick a design for the bluff.

"In order to design (the boardwalk and bluff) we have to assess the conditions down there now," Long Branch City Administrator Howard Woolley said. "This is the first step in getting this going."

Pennoni will also survey the five arterial roads that extend from Ocean Avenue to Ocean Boulevard to see how much damage they suffered from the storm. The roads include Brighton Avenue, West End Avenue, Cottage Place, South Bath Avenue and North Bath Avenue.

Woolley said several roads were "compromised" as a result of Sandy and that the survey will assess the extent of the damage.

The survey could begin as early as Jan. 13, according to the request for proposals the city sent out in November.

City officials have said once the bluff is fortified, the boardwalk can be rebuilt from Brighton Avenue to Pier Village.

Woolley said the city is still waiting to hear how much money FEMA will pay Long Branch for bluff and boardwalk repairs.

"We hope to hear good news from FEMA soon," Woolley said.