By Bruce Klauber
Four years ago, an organization called the Margate Boardwalk Committee floated the idea of building a 1.5-mile boardwalk that would connect with both Ventnor and Longport. The committee estimated the cost would be about $24 million, with the bill for taxpayers being an estimated $100 to $190 per year in additional taxes.
What was voted on that year was whether or not Margate should begin what was called a “feasibility study” of building the boardwalk. The Boardwalk Committee was quite specific about why a Margate boardwalk should be built.
On Oct. 19, 2019, the committee submitted the following to the Margate administrative staff:
“The Margate Boardwalk Committee’s proposal to build a boardwalk is a response to the problems created for our citizens by the dune project implemented by the state of New Jersey. We have lost access to the beach, views of the ocean and the physical as well as social connections that make us a beach community.
“We believe that a boardwalk is the missing piece of a puzzle that reconnects the beaches to the rest of Margate and restores our place as a first-class resort town. The question of whether or not to build a boardwalk is simply too big and too important to be left to the Commissioners. We want the people to decide.”
The sand dune issue was only a part of the reason for considering the possibility of a Margate boardwalk. On Oct. 1, 2020, Margate resident Sean O. Donovan wrote the following letter, stating his rather idealized view of why there should be a boardwalk, to the editor of the Downbeach Buzz:
“It’s a difficult job through sensitive areas, but if we all pull together as a team, the project will be completed expeditiously. A boardwalk is a specialized type of public infrastructure thoroughfare. Air, land and the ocean all meet together with an amazing combination of sea spray, sand and surf. Young and old can all enjoy easy access. Everything from strollers to wheelchairs. The very fit to not-so-fit can exercise and relax. Multiple generations of families can stroll past a triathlete, as well as an occasional napper. Friends meet and strangers can become friends.
“The crown jewel of every beach town is the boardwalk,” Donovan continued. “Pedestrians and bicyclists are safely protected and away from inattentive or careless motorists. The boards gently absorb shock from feet; the sounds of wheels can be mesmerizing. All towns are proud of the beautiful improvements that can last for generations.
“The funding for such a Margate Boardwalk project can come from more than one source. After all, there are many beneficiaries. Tourists from around the country visit our Jersey Shore boardwalks, and so do many from overseas.
“The beach is a gift from Mother Nature for all to enjoy. We should do everything possible to rebuild Margate’s boardwalk, not only to increase the attractiveness of our shore area, but also, so that we can share these blessings with so many more.”
Opponents maintained that the cost of building the boardwalk would be almost twice the $24 million estimate submitted, to say nothing of the costs of maintaining it.
The Margate Board of Commissioners cited additional fire hydrants, more police patrols, parking issues, updated drainage systems, and water and sewer work as among the possible, ongoing expenses of maintaining a new boardwalk.
Then there was a concern about possible crime. Opponents maintained that, according to an Associated Press report filed on Nov 5, 2020, “An unbroken walkway from Atlantic City to their shore resort town would make it easier for criminals to commit crimes in Margate and quickly return home.”
Glenn Klotz was the chairman of the group, the Friends of the Margate Boardwalk. Klotz, at the time, dispelled the notion that the Margate Boardwalk Boardwalk would be anything like the Atlantic City Boardwalk.
“We do not want anyone out there to think we want a commercial boardwalk,” Klotz said. “We are not advocating that there are any businesses on this boardwalk in any way. Atlantic City will always be the commercial end, but Ventnor and the end of Atlantic City act as residential buffers and Margate will be completely residential. Margate never had a commercial boardwalk, and there is no sentiment for one.”
In a referendum, Margate residents voted down the idea of a boardwalk 2-to-1. The idea hasn’t been floated since.
Opponents and proponents of the Margate Boardwalk might not have been aware of a crucial part of history: That Margate, New Jersey actually had a boardwalk.
The Margate Boardwalk was built in 1906 and stood closer to the ocean than Atlantic City’s modern-day counterpart, making it more susceptible to wind and water damage. It lasted for 38 years until September of 1944 when the Great Atlantic Hurricane destroyed a good portion of it, as well as significant portions of the Atlantic City Boardwalk.
Remnants remained until 1962, when a nor’easter wiped out the remainder. The 1962 storm also destroyed most of Ventnor’s boardwalk. That portion was rebuilt, complete with an extension to the Fredericksburg Avenue Ventnor/Margate border. It opened in the spring of 1963.
The Margate Boardwalk was never rebuilt. And chances are, it never will.
Bruce Klauber is the author of four books, an award-winning music journalist, concert and record producer and publicist, producer of the Warner Brothers and Hudson Music “Jazz Legends” film series, and performs both as a drummer and vocalist.
