Mayor Jay Gillian: 'Essential That We Move Forward to Protect South End'

Dear Friends: Yesterday, the administration attended a preconstruction meeting for the south end beach replenishment project.  Although complete specifics are not available yet, I am able to confirm and expand on some of the previously released information. Please remember many of the dates provided may change as a result of poor weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Mobilization for the project will begin in early April with operations to begin on May 1. Piping will be placed on the beach prior to the May 1 starting date.  The first “landing area” for the pumps will be at 41st Street. Pumping will begin at 34th Street and work south to 41st, then south to 49th.  The second landing area will be at 55th Street.  Pumping from this landing area will start at 49th Street, pump south to 55th, and then continue south to the State Park.  Both landing areas will be mobilized at the beginning of the project to expedite completion, with ramps placed over the pipes in the area of the street ends. The project calls for a maximum of 1,000 feet of beach to be closed at any one time. The closed area will move south as the project progresses. Completed beaches will be opened to the public as the project moves south.  Beach access crossovers will be rebuilt immediately following pumping completion, and at no time will two consecutive beach access paths be closed.  The pumping project is projected to be completed by August 12.  Remember this date is tentative. This project is very important to Ocean City, and although the timing is not what any of us would prefer, it is essential that we move forward to protect the south end.  I would like to remind everyone that the city has no cost share on this project. As we progress toward the start of the project, we will continue to share information. We are planning meetings with the Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Realtors, we will have representatives of the Army Corps of Engineers attend a City Council meeting, and we will provide updated information on the city website as it becomes available. Thank you for your cooperation during this project. Warm regards, Jay A. Gillian Mayor