RT 35 Summer Construction 2015 December 15, 2014 lba_EL_Logo LBA MEMO Marketing Committee Join Us for a Special LBA Meeting Tomorrow Tuesday, December 16 3:30pm The Crabs Claw Upstairs POSITION OF LAVALLETTE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION (“LBA”) REGARDING SUMMER CONSTRUCTION Dear LBA Members, Lavallette Residents & Friends, As a members of the LBA we are gravely concerned about the statements made by the New Jersey Department of Transportation (“NJDOT”) Commissioner Jamie Fox regarding summer construction of Route 35 on the barrier island. In 2013, LBA fought vigorously to convince the NJDOT to discontinue construction in the summer. Given the economic investment that the state and federal governments has made for recovery of the barrier island, LBA felt convinced then, as it does now, that construction during the summer months will destroy businesses, summer rentals and the economic base of our community on the barrier island. The considerations that LBA expressed in 2013 are unchanged. Considering that utility work by New Jersey Natural Gas in the summer of 2013 caused many difficulties for our business community and for the residents and renters who flock to the Jersey Shore during the summer months, construction of the highway itself will be devastating to the recovery. We are hopeful that Governor Chris Christie, who has been so supportive of the Jersey Shore, will continue to recognize the dire circumstances that many businesses, homeowners and landlords are experiencing as a result of the prolonged recovery from Superstorm Sandy. Based on these considerations, summer construction is not negotiable. The Governor and the NJDOT should take the same exact position that it did in 2013 and using the same time schedule to end and resume summer construction. Otherwise, the highway may be finished but businesses and property owners will be bankrupt. On the other hand, LBA agrees that there may be some concessions that will assist the NJDOT contractors in expediting the work. We understand that the initial phases of the project were delayed as a result of installation of gas lines by New Jersey Natural Gas. There may be measures to be taken that will help in reducing that delay. LBA invites the NJDOT to present meaningful suggestions. LBA can assure the NJDOT that it will cooperate to the fullest extent if there are possible measures to be taken to improve the progress of this monumental job. Instead of speculating as to what those measures might be, LBA invites the NJDOT to propose modifications for our consideration. LBA urges NJDOT to take immediate steps to assure coordination of all final utility installations. NJDOT recognizes that utility work has plagued this job hopes that those delays will not continue. LBA hopes to meet with NJDOT representatives. It is critical that to reassure realtors that summer construction will not take place. Most rentals are secured during the months of February and March. Without that assurance, property owners will continue to loose rental income, again negatively affecting the entire economic base of the Barrier Island. LBA is prepared if necessary to launch another campaign to help to preserve our community. LBA continues to feel confident that Governor Christie recognizes these circumstances and will take action to protect the barrier island. Respectfully, Rebecca, My Sisters Jewelry Box Elizabeth, Iceberg Ice Cream Aggie, The Music Man Singing Ice Cream Shoppe 844-365-6952 extension 3 844-Enjoy-Lava marketing@enjoylavallette
Posted on: Tue, 16 Dec 2014 15:58:32 +0000
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