by SC Reporter Emilie Alfino
“Things are really moving along” on the causeway repairs according to Rob Price, Director, and Matt Young, Parks and Recreation Director.
Pavement will be put down in December, and stone will be installed through January. Sod has been added as a stabilization measure on top of marine mattresses. Posts and post-and-rope are going in.
The Punta Rassa boat ramp is being restored to what it was before, Price said. “The boat ramp is lagging behind a little bit as they do further investigations into whether the ramp is functional,” he added. He said they want to open it as soon as possible but have to make sure it’s safe. Dredging for the boat ramp will take place in January.
For McGregor Boulevard, they hope to make progress by December.
“I don’t think we’re ever again going to see the damage that Hurricane Ian caused,” Price said.
They fully expect recreational opportunities to be back to what they were before Hurricane Ian in January.
Price and Young said they will come back and present updates to City Council, with an opportunity for public input.
“I hope you will allow public input, because we’re on the causeway every day,” said Councilmember Holly Smith. “We see what’s working and what isn’t working.”
Young said they will maximize the use of the area. To start, there will be portable restrooms until they can get a permanent solution. By January, the area will be open. “Parking will be somewhat random,” Young added. “I don’t think it will be a free-for-all like it used to be. It will be contained by the post-and-rope.”
Asked about the possibility of July 4 fireworks, Young said they don’t have a definitive time frame but will come back to City Council next year.
Mayor Richard Johnson said he hopes it’s not going to be a free-for-all on the doorstep to the island. “We want everyone to enjoy but at the same time, we want it to be in a respectful manner to everyone who lives here.”