THE OPPORTUNITY

The Casino Reinvestment Development Authority expressed interest in improving an Atlantic City neighborhood that supported recreational and commercial boating and fishing ventures. An active channel needed dredging to accommodate larger marine vessels and more active use. An existing timber bulkhead was in disrepair. In addition, certain homes along the marine cove needed repairs and renovation. To determine the extent of the effort to revitalize the neighborhood PS&S performed land surveys, a condition assessment of the bulkhead, condition assessments of the existing homes, a review of needs for floating docks and boat berths, and permitting requirements.

THE CHALLENGE

The existing timber bulkhead was in poor condition. The extent of the necessary dredging to provide a reasonable clearance for boating would undermine the remains of the bulkhead. Consequently, a new bulkhead structure was designed and subsequently installed. The bulkhead Installation method had to be coordinated so that existing dwellings within the area of bulkhead construction could be stabilized and shored. In addition, some vacant lots targeted for future residential building use required bulkhead anchors to be designed and installed so that the maximum allowable building area on the properties could be retained. Another construction coordination matter involved that bulkhead installation work and dredging be performed while not interfering with access for commercial fishing operations.

THE PS&S SOLUTION

PS&S reached out, on behalf of the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, to local residents and businesses to explain the approach and procedures for the replacement of the existing bulkhead and floating docks, and the subsequent dredging of the channel. A program of phasing the work into sections was developed so that work areas were isolated, and did not impact all residents and business partners.