Politics & Government

Rescue of Life Saving Station Delayed by City Council

Council votes to table a resolution authorizing a contract for architectural services for the restoration of the historic building.

 

City Council on Thursday voted to put off a vote on approving a $160,915 contract for architectural services for restoration of the historic U.S. Life Saving Station at Fourth Street and Atlantic Avenue.

The spending for the restoration has already been approved by City Council, but seeing a bill come due seemed to renew old questions about the project.

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Council voted to table a resolution authorizing a contract with Watson & Henry Associates, Inc., for professional services. The vote was 5-1 with Councilman Roy Wagner dissenting and Councilman John Kemenosh not present.

Council members asked for more information from the nonprofit group U.S. Life Saving Station 30, which has promised to repay the city for the full cost of the renovation with money raised from the creation of a living history museum at the site.

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"How much money have they raised so far?" new Third Ward Councilman Tony Wilson asked. "That's a lot of money to put out on a promise."

Wilson and other council members wanted more information on fundraising and on the amount of the architectural contract, which he said accounted for 10 percent of the total construction costs. Wilson said he wasn't necessarily opposed to the project.

City Council on Sept. 8 approved a grant agreement that brings $750,000 of state money to Ocean City for restoration of the Life Saving Station. The agreement requires the city to provide an equal $750,000 to the project.

The Sept. 8 resolution passed, 4-1, with Councilman Scott Ping voting no, and Councilman John Kemenosh and Councilwoman Karen Bergman not present.

Gov. Chris Christie had signed legislation Aug. 16 that provides the historic site with funds to replace its roof and complete work on the foundation, windows and porch of the historic building.

The New Jersey Historic Trust grant was part of more than $10 million in funding for 58 historic sites throughout New Jersey.

In 2010, Ocean City borrowed nearly $1 million to purchase the property and end a decade-long battle to save the station from demolition.

U.S. Life Saving Station 30 operated in Ocean City from 1885 to 1915 and was a precursor to the modern Coast Guard.

Council will reach out to representatives from U.S. Life Saving Station 30 and likely vote on the same resolution at its next meeting Dec. 20.


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