Photos by Nanette LoBiondo Galloway and Steve Jasiecki/Margate Mayor Michael Becker thanks everyone involved in the Amherst Avenue Promenade and Bulkhead project.
By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
MARGATE – Spectators are in for a treat watching vibrant sunsets from the newly elevated promenade in Margate’s Marina District. Dignitaries from local and state government gathered for a ribbon cutting ceremony to dedicate the promenade and what’s on the other side – a brand new bulkhead that will protect the city from flooding for decades to come.
The promenade was completed Friday when Atlantic City Electric installed electric meters.
The $2.1 million project was funded in part by taxpayers, but three private developers made contributions to not only improve their own properties but public property as well. The promenade was designed by Arthur W. Ponzio and built by Fred M. Schiavone Construction, Inc.
From left, Commissioners Maury Blumberg and John Amodeo, and Mayor Michael Becker.
Commissioner John Amodeo, who oversaw the development of the project, said the bulkhead that was originally built in 1928 was failing and “well past its lifespan,” which caused the city to close off parking areas and put up barriers in recent years.
“I lived this job for three and a half years, and was here until 8 p.m. some nights,” he said. “The improvements to the Marina District are consistent with our 2016 Master Plan.”
The project started in November 2016, and received the go-ahead in March 2017.
Amodeo said 875 feet of the 1,250 foot bulkhead were replaced at no cost to the city by Jim Leeds, Sean Gormley and Luciano Lamberti, who are each in different stages of developing their bayfront properties. Built with Brazilian hardwoods that had to be shipped from South America caused the project to be delayed a few months. It was supposed to be completed in spring, but shipments were delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Mayor Michael Becker cuts the ribbon on the new promenade.
The project also included angled parking and changing Amherst Avenue to a one-way street, from Washington to Coolidge Avenue.
“Commissioner Maury Blumberg promoted the bike lane, which improved safety for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists,” Amodeo said.
Amherst Avenue promenade.
Blumberg said he was proud to be a part of the project’s development.
“Fifty years ago as a kid, we had docks where we would play and gather splinters on our feet,” he said, thanking City Administrator Richard Deaney and Chief Financial Officer Lisa McLaughlin for “working diligently to make sure we had the funding to do this.”
He also said Amodeo “single-handedly” took on the project to “make sure it was done and done right. His work doesn’t go unnoticed,” Blumberg said.
School board member Jim Swift said the promenade, made of ipe wood and stainless steel railings, is a “fabulous” addition to the bay area.
“It lets locals and visitors enjoy our natural resources and the natural beauty of the area,” he said.
Mayor Michael Becker greets engineer Ed Dennis Jr. and his family.
He said he would like to see the area become a little more active, with chessboard tables along the promenade.
Janet McCarron, who operates Playgroups Plus preschool, said it reminds her of Mallory Square in Key West, Florida, with people coming out in the evening to take pictures of the sunsets.
“I walk it every night. It will be a great way to bring people out to walk, if nothing else.”
Mayor Michael Becker said the bulkhead was raised to a higher elevation.
“It’s more than just a promenade,” he said. “It has higher bulkheads to protect us from floods and the traffic pattern on Amherst Avenue has improved safety for everyone.”
He thanked everyone involved in seeing the bulkhead replacement and promenade to completion, including city engineer Ed Dennis Jr. of Remington & Vernick Engineers, Inc., who worked alongside Ponzio to bring about positive change in the restaurant and marina district.
“It just proves that when we all work together, good things happen,” Becker said.
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