A $3.3 million Cape May County project to improve drainage and repave Bay Avenue between Sixth and 18th streets (read more) began in February and was originally scheduled to be complete before the summer. But the project was delayed by utility work as New Jersey American Water Company (NJAWC) replaced water mains in advance of the repaving project.
Signs let motorists know about businesses that remain open during a road construction project on Bay Avenue in Ocean City, NJ.The project led to road and lane closings throughout the spring, and work was finally shut down for the summer before the project was finished. Work to finish the project is expected to resume on Sept. 15.
Davis and Hungerford were part of a group of business owners who complained about the impact of the project on their livelihood. That led to a late-spring effort to place electronic signs on Ninth Street reminding motorists that the Bay Avenue businesses were open and directing traffic to use Simpson Avenue for access. Road signs also were placed on Bay Avenue at 15th Street listing open businesses.
"We shouldn't have to yell and scream," Davis said. "It shouldn't come to that."
She said the difficulty of customers reaching her cafe was compounded by a lack of communication from the city and the county on the details of the work.
"We've never been able to get a straight answer," Davis said.
She and Hungerford are tenants of the property at 1050 Bay Avenue as restaurateurs and as upstairs residents. She said they plan to move to Pennsylvania after September to be near a grandson and perhaps to start a new venture.
The property owners, Glen and Lori DerHagopian, could not be reached to see if the building has any new prospective commercial tenants.
"We built a very, very successful business here," Davis said. "The fall is a part of the year that's very viable for us."
Hi, Friends! We want you all to know that we will be closing Bongo permanently on Saturday, September 13th (that will be our last day of business) As most of you know, the road work here on Bay Ave last winter really put a strain on us. Since more work is scheduled for this fall and winter, we have decided to move out of Ocean City. We will be living in Pennsylvania while we look for our next adventure, spending lots of time with family and friends. We want to thank you all for the love and support over the last 3 1/2 years! We had a blast and have made many, many lasting friendships! Hope to see you at our next place!!
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