Most of Asbury boardwalk reopens Fences removed at First, Second avenues; two construction zones to remain

By Asbury Park Sun

After being closed since Hurricane Sandy, most of the Asbury Park boardwalk between Convention Hall and the Casino reopened Monday, March 18.

The city and redeveloper Madison Marquette are coordinating the reopening and removal of fences keeping the public from the boardwalk. Entryways at First and Second avenues were opened on Monday.

There is still some sand and debris on the boardwalk [shown above after it was reopened to the public]. In addition, two remaining sections of the boardwalk — one near the Casino and the other on the south side of Convention Hall — will remain closed for repairs expected to be completed by May 18.

“The access ways leading to the boardwalk at First Avenue and Second Avenue have been opened up, and we’re now moving north to take down the fencing and clean up the debris that’s left,” said Madison Marquette senior vice president Anselm Fusco on Monday.

“We ask people to still be cautious when walking on the boardwalk,” he said.

The removal of the remaining fences preventing access to the boardwalk is expected to be done by the end of the week, Fusco said. The boardwalk north of Convention Hall was relatively undamaged by the hurricane and reopened shortly after the storm.

“The whole middle of the boardwalk is fine,” city manager Terence Reidy told the Sun last week. “Now that the contract is awarded [for repair of the remaining two damaged areas], the two discrete areas of construction will be cordoned off” with the rest of the boardwalk reopened to the public, he said.

Most of the restaurants on the boardwalk have reopened, including McLoone’s Asbury Grille and Supper Club, Stella Marina, Cubacan and Watermark. Langosta Lounge remains closed for repairs.

Mar 18, 2013