Supporters of Replacing the Oceanic Bridge With Similar Low Drawbridge to Meet Tonight

Board Members of the Friends of the Oceanic Bridge Association, will hold a meeting open to the public on Wednesday September 7, 2011, in the private dining room at in Rumson at 6 p.m. to update the public on the current status of the upcoming repairs to the Oceanic Bridge to begin on October 17, said Todd Thompson, President of the Association.

The Association is a 501 C 3 not-for-profit organization formed to support the inevitable replacement of the existing Oceanic Bridge with a similar low drawbridge rather than a proposed 70-foot-high fixed span bridge.

“We all know that the Oceanic has to be replaced,” said Steve Bidgood, Regional Partner for Salt Creek Grille, which is located at the southern end of the bridge. “The best replacement that is in keeping with the history and in proportion to the local architecture is the low span drawbridge. Many of my customers say they are in favor of that, so we need to keep them informed about ways in which they can voice their support.”

In addition to the current status report - and most importantly - said Thompson, board members at the meeting will help prepare public supporters who favor replacing the existing drawbridge with a similar low drawbridge for two important, upcoming public hearings to be held by Monmouth County Department of Engineering; North Jersey Transportation; Planning Authority; New Jersey Department of Transportation: & Federal Highway Administration to inform the public of the alternatives and to solicit public input and comment:

• Monday, September 19, 7:30- - 9 p.m., Rumson Borough Hall, 80 East River Road, Rumson;
• Monday, September 26, 7:30 – 9 p.m. Middletown Municipal Hall, Municipal Court Hall, 1 Kings Highway, Middletown.