Delays Deal Blow to Fisherman's Cove Project

A to the Fisherman's Cove area in Manasquan has suffered an administrative setback.

Borough engineer Charles Rooney of T&M Associates reported to the Manasquan Mayor and Council on Monday evening that while permits from both the Army Corps of Engineers and the State Department of Environmental Protection are now in hand, bids for the project will not go out until October 6.

The DEP will be the lead agency on the $1.5 million project, which includes steel bulkheading and stone revetment to stabilize the shoreline along the south end of Third Avenue near the Manasquan Inlet.

While the borough originally hoped to begin work on the project this fall, it now seems unlikely that construction will begin before January 2012.

The state requires a 20-day bid period. Once an acceptable bid has been received, the DEP must draft a letter of intent to distribute for review by the state attorney general.

Rooney explained that the review will likely take 2 to 3 months to move through Trenton.

Delays in the start of the project put in jeopardy the renovation's timeline. Members of the governing body were unanimous in their concern over the work extending into the 2012 summer season since any construction in the beachfront area is likely to create traffic and other logistical problems.

While the possibility of another winter of severe weather looms, Rooney explained that much of the work can be done through the winter months. An end date preceding Memorial Day Weekend may also be stipulated in the bid.

Since the DEP is the lead agency on the project it would be up to them to decide whether or not they would include an incentive or penalty for completion of the project by a specified date.

The DEP has offered to hold a public meeting in the borough where residents may ask questions about the project.