Letter: Why Hide The Ocean With a Dune?

Margate Dune Bulkhead

Letter to the editor: Margate has, for now at least, fended off the duneboggle. Atlantic City should follow its lead and remove, or at least dramatically lower, its dunes. A city that was built specifically to take advantage of the ocean now cannot even see it. 

No seaside community anywhere in the world has done what Atlantic City has: built a giant wall to separate itself from its crown jewel. Atlantic City in general, and the boardwalk in particular, were built to take advantage of the wonderful ocean views and breezes.

Now? Astoundingly, after constructing an artificial barrier, one can stroll virtually the entire length of the city and not know there is a beach or ocean nearby.

Absecon Island has never experienced (and likely never will) the type storm for which the dune project was designed. If we do, we’ll survive. Yet the damage from the dune project itself can be seen and experienced every day.

Atlantic City’s founders would be shocked if they could see what we have done.

Everyone seems to have an idea to help Atlantic City recover. Why not start with what made it famous in the first place? Embrace the Atlantic Ocean.

Mr. Guardian, tear down this wall.

Chuck Cavanaugh
Margate

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