CALENDAR
Update!
A severe storm struck AOTB January 9 and 10, damaging the Newport Pier and requiring its closure. The damage to the decking and other systems was extensive, but the structure remained solid. Two months later (and after 30 pounds of nails, 40 plus 2x8x 20’ boards, around 15 volunteers and a budget of $12,500), the Newport Pier has been restored and is available to the community. Enjoy.
Work began March 1 with community handyman Denny Korrot as supervisor and Frank Florentine as project manager. But could we get enough volunteers to help?
Well, yes, we sure did! I’m probably not remembering everyone, but many community minded AOTB residents helped: Marc Apter, Bill Brady, Ben Ernest, Keith Franks, Ken Golding, Mike MacDonald, Michael Meyer, Lonnie Millard, David Osias, Tom Paci, Pete Rohr, J.P. Sollock, Tim Savina, and Chris Wein. THANKS TO ALL!!
Over the next couple of weeks, the benches will be repainted and secured to the deck; a new dock box will be installed, and the pump out station will be made fully operational.
--Frank Florentine
Newport Pier Repairs to Begin
Saturday, March 2, 10 am – 5 pm
& the Week of March 4, 10 am – 5 pm
High water and strong waves struck the region on Wednesday and Thursday, January 9-10, and caused tremendous damage to the deck of the Newport Pier. President Bill Brady and I have been working since January to develop an economical approach to have the deck restored to a usable condition.
The dock has been closed to all since that turbulent night of January 9. We also lost the dock box which held the hoses for the pumpout stations as well as other parts and tools. Fortunately, the two benches survived the surging water.
We first had the electrical systems inspected and there are problems still needing repair but some things, such as the lights and the security system, have been restored. Secure Alarms has repaired the low voltage wiring and conduit, and the gate security is now operational.
We evaluated having the deck repaired by contractors and determined that it was not economically feasible to hire contractors. We as a community could do the repairs of the deck and save about $8,000. It will still cost about $12,500 for the repairs.
Beginning Saturday, March 2, (weather permitting) we will begin repairing the dock and the T-dock. Denny Korrot will be our supervisor, and I will be the project manager.
We need tremendous help from the community on Saturday March 2, from 10 am to 5 pm and beginning Monday March 4 from 10 am to 5 pm to accomplish this task.
So, bring a hammer, gloves, knee pads, water and a life jacket and help us clean up the debris, get new boards installed and get the Newport Pier back to full operation.
Let us know if you can help.
Frank Florentine, Chairman
POA-AOTB Piers, Boat Ramp and Kayak Committee
PierKayaks@arundelonthebay.org
410-279-2451