Dune Project Has Some In Point Beach Asking: Where's The Beach?

Where's the beach?

That's the subject of debate regarding the fate of a dune project in Point Pleasant Beach after some storms hit the area recently.

Some have questioned why much of the beach appeared to be carved out and, literally, gone after consistent rain and wind hit the area over the past week.

Councilman Paul Kanitra, who is opposing Point Pleasant Beach Mayor Steve Reid in the June 4 Republican Primary, asked the federal government to take a look at what's happened in recent days.

"They promised a beach," Kanitra told News12. "We don't have one right now."

Reid, however, believes Kanitra has been playing politics with issue and "making voters believe that I caused it."

The mayor believes Kanitra's words could also potentially harm the local tourism industry just weeks before Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial start of summer.

Reid said "this is a problem, yes" but local officials had a meeting wih Army Corps of Engineers, and they agreed to fix the problem between Washington and New Jersey avenues long before the tourists arrive.

"We're going to be open for business," Reid said, noting that the local community is fighting back after Mother Nature took its toll on the beach. "This is change we haven't really asked for but it's here."

Officials including Kanitra said they've also been in touch with Rep. Chris Smith, R-Ocean, to help fix the issue.

“I have been in touch with the Point Pleasant Beach mayor and Council, as well as the Army Corps which is now doing a thorough assessment," Kanitra aid. "We have been assured that they’ll get right back to construction, and I will be working to ensure that they do not let up and that all appropriate federal support is made available.”

Kanitra said he and other officials have been promised an open line of communication with all appropriate state agencies. "I am reaching out to my former boss, Congressman Chris Smith, and will report back more as I have it," he said.

The US Army Corps of Engineers had announced that the anticipated start month for the beach replenishment project in Point Pleasant Beach was April, and that it would be bringing in equipment along the beach.

Dune grass will be planted in late November with sand fence to be installed prior to planting. Anticipated completion date was early June.