Click here to see the wording of this Article as it appears on your ballot.
What it means: In 2016, an investigation into the integrity of the Town-owned portion of the sea wall (“Bicentennial Sea Wall”) concluded that that portion of the wall was in structural failure and in need of emergency stabilization. In 2017, the emergency stabilization was carried out by the placement of rocks on the ocean side of the wall to help protect the wall from storms. In 2018, voters approved the expenditure for the design of the repair/replacement of the wall. Storms have continued to erode the wall and as sea water has made its way over the jersey barriers; the parking lot has also seen erosion. The Town has placed concrete barriers to protect the remaining portions of the wall and the resident parking. This Article requests the funds to contract for the reconstruction of the wall.
Because this is a bond Article, by state law it must receive a 3/5ths majority vote (60%).
Those in favor say: The Town-owned portion of the wall was constructed in the 1950’s and is 2 feet shorter than the State-owned portion of the wall. Because the wall is shorter, it allows more storm and tide surge to flood streets leading to the beach.The supporting structure of the wall is failing. The temporary emergency stabilization done in 2017 was not intended to be a permanent fix. With each storm, there is further erosion and ignoring this issue could lead to the eventual loss of the park and the associated parking lot.
Those against say: With current interest rates, the cost of a 25 year note or bond would exceed $5,000,000. During the same period, repairs would be needed to maintain the wall. More discussion is needed to determine if this project should be done now, considering the other flooding projects that also need attention.
Fiscal Impact: The 2023 estimated tax rate impact is $0.072 per $1,00 valuation. The bond is expected to be for a period up to 25-years.