Traders Cove Makes Out OK in Sandy

The Traders Cove site on Mantoloking Road made out alright in Superstorm Sandy, officials said.

"It was a blessing that we had to raise it 3 to 4 feet," said Business Administrator Scott Pezarras, referring to the decision to regrade the future park and current township marina site.

"It was amazing that most of the grade stayed in place," he said.

The bulkheading installed at the site over the past year was not damaged, Pezarras said, however the older docks were.

The next issue for the township at Traders Cove is tracking down the owners of several boats that washed up in the park area during the storm. It is likely that the township's insurance company will notify the boat owners or their insurance companies about the presence of their boats at the park site. Many surmise that the owners are not aware their boats are at the site.

As the storm cleanup effort continues in town, progress on plans to turn Traders Cove into a bayfront park will continue as well.

The township council unanimously voted to approve the next phase of the project at the Nov. 20 council meeting.

The council awarded a $371,718 contract to Down to Earth Landscaping of Jackson, which will include landscaping and site amenities.