PETERSBURG – Mayor Curtis Corson noted the beaches in Strathmere, particularly in the north end of the island, remain in poor shape due to erosion.
He said Dec. 7 that state funding for a replenishment project is in place and “hopefully there’s going to be federal funding available.”
Township Administrator Jimmy Van Zlike reported that the state Department of Environmental Protection finalized the township’s beach maintenance permit for five years.
“We are no longer operating under an emergency permit,” he said.
Van Zlike also said he had his first meeting with Warwick Group Consultants LLC of Maryland, which Township Committee contracted with for federal lobbying and advocacy services.
He said he familiarized himself with the processes the firm uses “to leverage and achieve the best results for federal funding.”
“I look forward to working with them and integrating them into our internal processes when having capital projects so that they can seek federal dollars for our projects,” Van Zlike said.
On a related issue, Township Committee discussed plans to dredge Strathmere Bay off the Deauville Inn at 201 W. Willard Ave.
Solicitor John Amenhauser said the restaurant’s attorney requested the use of the street end at Willard Avenue so trucks can be filled with dredge materials.
“We entered into a similar agreement back, I think, in 2021, the last time they did this,” Amenhauser said.
He said during the last project, the dredged materials were spread on the beaches but no mention was made of that this time. Amenhauser said he has contacted attorney Dottie McCrosson to determine whether that was an option this time.
Corson said the last time it was done, there was clay and foreign debris such as “dishes and forks and stuff like that” among the materials dumped on the beach.
Noting that the Williams Avenue entrance is compromised, he said he would like to see that done again, saying it amounted to about 40,000 cubic yards of materials.
“I can’t see taking sand off an island when we need sand on the island,” Corson said. “I would like to see it put out, whether it’s at 1400 (Commonwealth Avenue) or they use it to build a ramp on Williams or whatever.”
He speculated that the dredging would not be deeper than the last time, therefore would likely be just sand.
“But even if it was the clay material, it does break down, dry out, fall apart,” Corson said. “Is it going to have foreign material in it? It may. Is there going to be people upset? There may be. But when you don’t have anything, something’s better than nothing.”
EMT retirement
Township Committee honored Daniel Dubbs for his retirement after 27 years of service with the Upper Township Division of EMS.
Deputy Mayor Vic Nappen, who oversees public safety, read a proclamation.
Dubbs began as a part-time EMT on Dec. 28, 1998.
“For 27 years he has demonstrated outstanding dedication and commitment to the health and safety of the residents of Upper Township and surrounding communities,” Nappen said.
Dubbs also was a volunteer with the Upper Township Rescue Squad, where he served as captain under the leadership of former chief Jay Potter.
“He was an invaluable mentor and trainer to the new members of the rescue squad, ensuring that the next generation of EMTs were equipped with the skills, knowledge and commitment to serve the community with excellence,” Nappen said.
– By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff
