From Vince Castronuovo / Concerned Citizens of Margate and Ventnor.
Dear Concerned Neighbors,
Please attend the Margate Commissioners meeting on 8/3/17 at 4 pm. I believe our best argument to present is a legal one.
Below are excerpts (highlights mine) from the US District Court dated 2/3/17 in which Margate Plaintiffs’ opposition to the dunes injunction was denied. You don’t have to read all 48 pages. My Cliff’s Notes version is an attached Word document and presents the most significant pages for us; they are pages 44 through 48.
Judge Bumb’s decision can be used as a basis to support getting a court injunction to insist that the dunes be HALTED.
The (Margate) Plaintiffs’ fears about increased drainage and ponding problems ARE, IN FACT, WELL FOUNDED BASED ON PHOTO DOCUMENTATION taken from 7/24/17 to the present.
On page 46, the court states that should ponding occur, “the problems can be remedied with a monetary damages award–specifically, the cost to construct and implement Mr. Walberg’s proposed drainage system”
In any event, the Defendants have repeatedly and consistently pledged that they will assist Margate in alleviating any increase in drainage problems, ponding, or flooding that occur as a result of the Project’s construction.
“Mr. Watson even testified that the Corps would be willing to put in place temporary solutions to resolve drainage issues, if necessary, such as digging a hole through the dune in an emergency situation”
Folks, a Nor’eastern may be on its way. According to this court decision, the Corps may be required by law to take actions to resolve drainage issues. Could we be seeing a much different type of beach project on Monday?
Enjoy your weekend!
Vince
Dear Ms. Scott,
It has been three days since I heard from you regarding the concerns of Margate residents pertaining to environmentally unsafe and unhealthy beach and water conditions. In your brief 7/25/17 email you stated, quote “ I will read over the emails when I get back to my office.” We still await a more detailed response. We not only expect that you share our concerns, but additionally, as a representative of an agency mandated to protect the environment, that you are in a position to take action to address these matters. In the few days that have passed, a record number of beaches have been closed due to dangerous levels of bacteria. Frankly, it is difficult to believe the cause of these dangers can be explained away as purportedly due to seagull excrement.
Ocean Water Quality Index details may be found at:
As you are well aware, when the average number of bacteria per 100 milliliters of water is 104 or higher is receives a grade of “Poor.” You will read key posted figures of 129 for Atlantic City and 204 for Ventnor.
We also direct your attention to the link below for a more complete overview of the situation, in particular the evidence presented by Robert S. Young, a professor of coastal geology and director of the Program for the Study of Developed Shorelines at Western Carolina University.
https://downbeachbuzz.com/ category/dune-building/
Therefore, unanswered questions remain.
Sincerely,
Vince Castronuovo, For the Concerned Citizens of Margate and Ventnor
Dear Mr. Rochette,
We appreciate the opportunity we have had to discuss our concerns with you. We understand that an organizational chart exists that shows the chain of command at the Army Corps of Engineers, and that it is a matter of public record. We continue to be in the information gathering stage of the process regarding the dunes. To that end, would you please provide us with the a directory of phone numbers, email addresses and titles of the members of your team.
Thank you.
Vince Castronuovo, for the Concerned Citizens of Margate and Ventnor
Mr. Rochette,
We have a Nor’easter coming over the weekend. Time is of the essence.
If you are not able to” check on the rules for this” until Monday, direct my attention to an information channel or resource, and I will be happy to check on this myself.
Sincerely,
Vince Castronuovo
On Fri, Jul 28, 2017 at 11:37 AM, Rochette, Stephen V CIV USARMY CENAP (US) <Stephen.Rochette@usace.army. mil> wrote:
Hi Vincent,
Let me check on the rules for this. I will get back to you on Monday.
-Steve
Vincent Castronuovo
Jul 25
Dear Mr. Rochette,
As indicated in my correspondence yesterday, I will continue to provide updated photos of the area between the bulkhead and the dunes on Argyle Avenue and adjacent streets. The attached photos were taken this morning. It is worth noting that when concerned Margate residents took their opposition to the dunes to court, one of the key points of their case was exactly what is taking place now, a dangerous zone over which taxpaying residents, their families, friends, and vacationers in general must traverse.
The zone is treacherous at a number of different levels. The consistency of the marshy wet sand makes walking a challenge, with undetectable sink hole spots discovered only when a foot submerges. The much greater and potentially life-threatening risk is what is commonly called the “flesh-eating disease.” The perfect storm of bacteria present in dredged sand, broken sea shells in that sand, and E coli in frequently observed dog waste combine for the production of toxins associated with diseases ranging from strep to toxic shock to necrotizing fasciitis. An open wound on a foot cut by a shell, then a walk through the muck, could be followed by an infection that is fatal in 30% to 40% of cases. It is ironic that something undetectable to the eye is potentially more deadly to beach goers than a great white shark.
Here are some of the questions raised by residents. In an overall sense, what measures will be taken to address these environmental, health and safety issues? Who is responsible for monitoring bacteria levels? On what frequency basis is the soil analyzed? Who is responsible for notifying the public when conditions would prohibit the traverse of the area? How will that notification be accomplished? And, ultimately, what plans, if any, will be put into place to permanently rectify these conditions? It is my hope that the lines of communication initiated by these emails proceed in two directions. We look forward to receiving answers.
Sincerely,
Vincent Castronuovo
Shelly Urofsky
Jul 25
Dear Sir and Madam, I am writing to you to solicit not only your listening ears, but your active and empowered voices and positions, regarding the “beach enhancement and restoration” (talk about irony! I can’t even help chuckling to myself!) project in Margate, and particularly here, in the already “nearly completed” ( really??!!) section of our beach, that is that beach between Andover and Barclay streets, and most specifically, “my beach”..Argyle Ave.
For 25 years, I and my husband have owned a home in Margate. Five years ago, after working long and hard hours in healthcare and the social services, we decided to retire to one of the loves of our lives, “the beach in Margate”. We raved to our friends and family who resided and visited other beaches…. Los Angeles, Virginia beach, Boca Raton,etc. …. “Margate has the best beach”. And know what? When they were lucky enough to come to visit… they agreed!!
All of that has changed! And the people of Margate, by vote and by legal action, after having done much research and investigation, predicted this outcome, and, in fact, proactively tried to work with the “powers that be” to avoid such an outcome. But no, we were overruled! Not once, but more! But we give you another chance. Why? Because we care and are concerned…, and we need your help.
Our beach is a disgrace! Please GO THERE, yourself, and see for yourself, before you ask a member of “your team”, to provide you with historic information that is not relevant to today’s situation. Please do not quote the press or outdated documents.
Not only is it an eyesore, but as Mr. Castronuovo, so eloquently and precisely has detailed, in words and photos, it is a dangerously untraversable, bacteria and insect infested swampland! The dunes are the least of our worries, at this point, although they, too, have shown themselves to be a hazard, for many, and especially for someone like me, who has only a minor knee ailment! And they are an unnecessary and proven non- deterrent to flooding, given that the back bay’s been and continues to be a culprit for our flooding here in Margate.
Be that as it may, I am requesting a detailed remediation plan, for dealing with the defects our beach. Please know that we are not just another complaining group of “locals”. We are an educated, savvy and unstoppable group of residents who want the best for Margate and for our families. We are relying on you to support and promote our charge. Thanking you, both, in advance, for all that you will do with, and for, us!
Sincerely, Shelly Urofsky