|
Schneider argues
both the pier and the reconstruction of the boardwalk are perfect
projects for the federal stimulus program being debated in
Washington, D.C.
The $13 million boardwalk project in particular, with final plans,
an appropriate state construction permit and a pledge from the
dockworkers union to be on the job as soon as the money comes, is
considered "shovel-ready," which is what President-elect Barack
Obama hasdescribed as ripe for approval.
Another attractive aspect of the city's pier proposal is it complies
with alternative forms of transportation, which Obama officials also
have indicated could receive a high priority in federal assistance
programs, Schneider said.
The next step, said Councilman Anthony Giordano, is to bring the
pier project to the same preparedness level as the boardwalk
project.
Giordano was an employee at the famous Long Branch pier in 1987,
when it burned in a devastating fire that symbolized the end of the
city's seasonal economy as well as the loss of the regional
landmark.
"I think we made a great deal of progress," said Schneider, who has
been working with Rep. Frank J. Pallone Jr., D-N.J., to generate
support for the projects. Pallone was instrumental in getting a $3
million federal commitment for use in planning for the pier's
reconstruction.
"The plan for the pier is extraordinarily ambitious, based on what
it can deliver to the city," said Schneider. "We're talking about a
large structure with ferry service. It would be very difficult to
finance."
Schneider, Giordano and other city officials met with design experts
from the Thompson Design Firm in Boston, along with Ralph J. Basile,
a principal in Basile, Baumann, Proust and Associates of Annapolis,
Md., the city's advisers on financing redevelopment projects.
"There is no reason why we can't be at the front of the line," said
Giordano. "Probably in 18 months, we will be ready to put a shovel
into the ground or, should I say, a shovel into the sand?"
Giordano and Council President Michael DeStefano expressed
enthusiasm for putting the pier project on a front burner, and
Schneider said he was confident of "four out of five" council votes.
Councilman Brian Unger has generally positioned himself as the
"opposition" member of the governing body, but he said during a
break in the city council meeting Tuesday night that he had no
intention of opposing the pier.
"I think we made a great deal of progress," said Schneider, who has
been working with Rep. Frank J. Pallone Jr., D-N.J., to generate
support for the projects. Pallone was instrumental in getting a $3
million federal commitment for use in planning for the pier's
reconstruction.
"The plan for the pier is extraordinarily ambitious, based on what
it can deliver to the city," said Schneider. "We're talking about a
large structure with ferry service. It would be very difficult to
finance."
Schneider, Giordano and other city officials met with design experts
from the Thompson Design Firm in Boston, along with Ralph J. Basile,
a principal in Basile, Baumann, Proust and Associates of Annapolis,
Md., the city's advisers on financing redevelopment projects.
"There is no reason why we can't be at the front of the line," said
Giordano. "Probably in 18 months, we will be ready to put a shovel
into the ground or, should I say, a shovel into the sand?"
Giordano and Council President Michael DeStefano expressed
enthusiasm for putting the pier project on a front burner, and
Schneider said he was confident of "four out of five" council votes.
Councilman Brian Unger has generally positioned himself as the
"opposition" member of the governing body, but he said during a
break in the city council meeting Tuesday night that he had no
intention of opposing the pier.
|
Long
Branch, New Jersey
