Pier kiosk designed by William McLees Architecture.
By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
VENTNOR – The plan all along was to sell fresh brewed coffee, to early morning fishers and boardwalk strollers. The Board of Commissioners Dec. 15 awarded a contract to build a new kiosk hut on the Ventnor Fishing Pier.
A small kiosk building will be erected to improve security on the pier and give the pier master a place to work, freeing up space in the restroom building erected two years ago for a concession stand.
“We always wanted a concession stand, but it was not financially feasible at the time,” Commissioner Tim Kriebel said. “Since the new building was erected, we have identified a weakness – the pier master is too far away from the second gate.”
The design by William McLees Architecture of Somers Point has changed several times over the last two years due to the location and footprint, and discussions with the pier master revealed changing the location would improve security, Kriebel said.
The pier master’s job is to ensure everyone who enters the fishing area beyond the second gate is licensed to be there and has paid a daily, weekly or seasonal fee.
“The gate has always been an eyesore. It looks like a security fence instead of a landmark,” Kriebel said. “People were letting their friends in without paying.”
The project includes replacing the gate, adding an 8- by 8-foot kiosk for the pier master and installing security cameras to improve security at night, he said.
The existing pier master’s office located next to the restrooms, which is a bit larger and has a pass-through window, would be upgraded with countertops, storage cabinets and running water, and put out to lease to offer visitors coffee in the morning, snacks in the afternoon, and ice cream at night.
Kriebel said the shoulder season has expanded since the pandemic brought more people to town for longer stays, and the boardwalk is more heavily traveled year-round, so adding the refreshment stand will be a welcome addition to the pier.
“We will allow the bidder to have an annual contract which could allow the stand to be open longer than the regular pier season,” Kriebel said.
He expects the concession to be “revenue neutral” or add a “little bit” to the city’s operating budget.
“It’s adding another iconic feature to the Ventnor Fishing Pier,” he said.
The project is being funded through a previously approved bond ordinance.
The commission awarded low-bidder Capri Construction Co., Inc. of Vineland a $312,240 contract to build the pier master kiosk following a second round of bidding.
The first round of bidding due Sept. 23 produced just one bid from JPC Group totaling $549,700 and exceeded the engineer’s estimate of the cost. That bid was rejected and the project was readvertised.
The second round of bids received on Nov. 18 produced six bids ranging from JPC’s high of $549,700 to Capri’s low bid amount. Kriebel said five of the quotes were very close and approximately $200,000 less than the highest bid.
Also on the drawing table is a new bandstand to replace the deteriorating gazebo at the beachfront park on Newport Avenue where the city hosts free summer concerts and seasonal festivals.
Kriebel said the city is hoping to have the new bandstand erected by the start of the summer season.
Both projects are being designed to match the aesthetics of other recently erected public buildings designed by McLees Architecture, Kriebel said.
In other business, the commissioners approved the Funky Pickle Ventnor Classic and Music Festival to be held at the Suffolk Avenue recreation complex July 28-30, 2023.
According to event organizers, Friday night will feature a concert and pickleball play. Tournament play, music and other activities will be held all day Saturday, and Sunday will be reserved as a rain date.
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