Overview of the Projects:

There were two distinct projects:

1. Pearl Beach Restroom

2. Pearl Beach Park Improvements

 

These projects were funded through DDA-captured funds, not from Clay Township's operating funds. DDA funds, which would have otherwise gone to the county, were used to enhance local infrastructure without tapping into operational budgets.

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Bidding Process:

• Both projects were independently submitted for competitive bidding, advertised in The Voice Newspaper and the Clay Township website to ensure fairness and cost-effectiveness.

• The strategic decision to split the projects into two separate bids was made to obtain the most competitive pricing.

• Cortis Brothers, a local firm employing local workers, submitted the lowest bid for both projects. As a result, the projects were combined under one contractor to reduce administrative costs and streamline execution.

 

Project Details:

1. Pearl Beach Restroom:

• Scope: Construction of public restrooms and associated infrastructure, including parking for the restroom area.

• Key Inclusions:

  • Construction of public bathrooms

  • Grading and site prep

  • Concrete sidewalks

  • Two handicapped parking spots

  • Water and sanitary connections

  • Electrical service and fencing

• Costs:

  • Initial Bid: $167,000

  • Change Order Reduction: -$14,000

  • Final Cost: $153,000

 

2. Pearl Beach Park Improvements:

• Scope: Roadwork, parking improvements, fencing, and new storm drainage structures.

• Key Inclusions:

  • Curb road pavement and parking improvements

  • Fencing

  • Installation of storm structures and piping through the seawall

• Costs:

  • Initial Bid: $220,363.21

 

3. Pearl Beach Blvd. Repaving:

• Added to the project through a change order to address long-standing drainage issues.

• Costs:

  • Total for repaving and drainage improvements: $27,764.06

 

Total Project Costs:

• Pearl Beach Restroom: $153,000

• Pearl Beach Park Improvements: $220,363.21

• Pearl Beach Blvd. Repaving: $27,764.06

• Total Cost: $401,127.27

 

Why This Approach Was Taken:

• The decision to address the drainage issues was crucial. Simply putting a 2-inch cap on the road would have been a short-term fix, likely leading to future flooding. Instead, a proper base with good drainage was installed, ensuring the longevity of the road and infrastructure.

• The DDA chose a more comprehensive solution to avoid future maintenance costs, ensuring a 40+ year lifespan for these improvements rather than a temporary patch job.

 

Addressing Misinformation:

• Some have suggested that the bathroom should have been placed closer to the pier. However, zoning laws made this impossible.

• The property improvements are designed to benefit the community for generations to come, despite challenges posed by nearby private property, including a neighbor’s barges that have restricted full access to the pier.

 

We hope this clarifies the reasoning, bidding process, and decisions behind the Pearl Beach projects. Our goal has always been to invest in long-term infrastructure improvements that benefit the community while maintaining cost-effectiveness and transparency throughout the process.