During the Jan 9 2025 Ventnor Commission mtg, a contract was approved with Massett Building for constructing a new bandshell behind the Ventnor library. The project is capped at $233,000.
The initial project bids were higher. Much higher.
Back in JUNE 2023, builder Walters Marine wanted $750,000 to build a new stage / bandshell.
Walters Marine was a single bidder. Why?
Ventnor Mayor Tim Kriebel asking why most contractors were unaware of the stage (RFP) request for proposal.
‘I don’t think many contractors knew about it, but we received several inquiries after the close of bidding,’ Ventnor Mayor Tim Kriebel said. ‘Our estimates of what it would cost were nowhere near that amount.’
Now, almost 2 years later, even at a greatly reduced price of $233,000, City Hall still facing pushback.
Ventnor Mayor Tim Kriebel defends the cost: We understand concerns regarding cost of constructing the new band shell and why this costs may differ from private projects. The city has replaced several municipal facilities—Fire Station 2, Beach Patrol HQ, Ventnor Pier bathrooms, and now the band shell—that were originally built without the benefit of today’s rigorous safety, utility, and durability standards.
Kriebel: The current band shell design is the third iteration, carefully revised and re-engineered to reduce costs while maintaining quality and functionality. These adjustments were made to ensure responsible use of taxpayer funds while meeting the community’s needs.
While we understand there may be unrelated concerns addressed by other departments, we want to emphasize that there is no direct connection to this project.
Tim Kriebel, Mayor of Ventnor City
SOCIAL MEDIA COMMENTS:
Maryann Lacovara: Look what was spent on new fire house and beach patrol building. How about putting that money into plowing and salting the side streets in the Heights.
Julia Salerno: Somebody’s hand was greased. That’s how I see it. Because that is an awful amount of money.
James Hammeke: If true, that is absolutely RIDICULOUS to spend that amount of money on a band stage when there’s kids that live here year round that got chased out of the basketball courts all year because the surface couldn’t be refinished
Ailyn McDevitt: A lot of people are asking for a breakdown of the cost so they understand why the cost to build this stage is that expensive. I also happen to have respect for someone who’ll come out and fully explain the rundown of the project so it’s clear where the money is coming from and going.
Kevin Blázie: Can we put some money into something for the kids? This is stupid for something that’s only used 3 months out of the year. Basketball courts in the heights would be a great start & addition
Peggy McGann: That is an outrageous price for this structure. Is it public knowledge to be able to see the breakdown of the cost? Perhaps showing why it is costing so much? Something just is not right here.
Domenic Cappella Jr.: Nothing for the kids to do after the beach closes. Not just in Ventnor, but all neighboring towns. Years ago, there were dances at the community building, a roller rink in the heights, mini golf, ice rink, and other stuff. Now everything is put into adult entertainment. At least Margate has the JCC. Everyone wonders why the kids hang in the house and end up on drugs.