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Ventnor awards $8.4M boardwalk reconstruction bid tied to $7.1M state grant
Summary
The Ventnor City Commission approved by consent a roughly $8.4 million contract to replace the boardwalk from Cambridge to Jackson avenues, citing a $7.1 million state preservation grant with an October 2026 spending deadline and design alternates that lower light pole heights for better pedestrian lighting.
Ventnor City commissioners approved, by consent, the low bid to replace the boardwalk between Cambridge and Jackson avenues and discussed design alternates to improve pedestrian lighting and maintenance.
Staff reported five responsive bids with a tight spread; the low bidder was identified as Fred Sioone at about $8.4 million. The project includes new piles, a rebuilt boardwalk structure, railing and lighting. Commissioners said the narrow bid range indicates bidders understood the scope and that awarding the contract promptly is important because about $7.1 million of the work is funded by a state boardwalk-preservation grant with a spending deadline in October 2026.
Lighting and alternates: Staff recommended awarding Alternate #1, which reduces pole height and increases the number of lower, brighter fixtures to meet pedestrian standards and improve maintenance. Commissioners discussed tradeoffs: lower poles concentrate light and reduce light spill into nearby residences compared with 35-foot poles, and are easier for public-works staff to maintain.
Why it matters: Officials emphasized that the grant requires expenditure by fall 2026, making timely award and construction scheduling a priority if the city is to use the state funds. "That grant has a deadline ... to spend that money before the end of 2026," an official said; staff asked the commission to approve the award to allow the project to move forward.
Procedure and vote: The boardwalk award and related bid alternates were part of the consent resolutions (2025‑313 through 2025‑320) approved by roll call: Commissioner Langrath — yes; Commissioner Mento — yes; Mayor Creville — yes.
Next steps: With the resolution adopted by consent, staff will finalize contract documents and begin scheduling to meet grant timelines; construction is expected to start in winter and include pile replacement and new lighting.
