This time they mean it: Bulkhead breaks ground Dealt years of setbacks, waterfront project set to begin this month BY KAREN E. BOWES Staff Writer KAREN BOWES Keyport Councilman Robert Bergen (l-r), Mayor John Merla, former Mayor Kevin Graham and former Councilman Wade Pedersen celebrate after the groundbreaking ceremony for the new bulkhead Thursday afternoon on the corner of American Legion Drive and Broad Street, Keyport. KEYPORT - To the delight and surprise of many, the bulkhead replacement project finally broke ground on Thursday, 12 years after the idea was proposed. "The residents of our community deserve this day," Mayor John Merla said to the small crowd gathered at Broad Street and American Legion Drive, the site of the old bulkhead. "They've waited long enough," Merla added. Long delayed and often steeped in controversy, plans for the waterfront have gone through many incarnations over the years. At present, the borough plans to redevelop the entire downtown waterfront area, tearing out American Legion Drive and replacing it with a park. Bird Construction, Holmdel, has been chosen to rebuild the bulkhead. The company will also rebuild the municipal fishing pier. "We're looking to start by the end of November," said Bird Construction President Jim Hannon, referring to the bulkhead. "Hopefully, all the materials will be available and the weather will hold out on us." The DEP gave the company a 300-day construction schedule for the project's completion, Hannon said. Hannon, on hand for the groundbreaking ceremony, looked on as past and present borough officials, including those who served on the council when the project was first proposed, each placed their hands on the first shovel-full of dirt. "Can a dream come true?" asked former Mayor Kevin Graham. "Sometimes we thought it never would happen." Stalled repeatedly, bureaucratic red tape and the hiring of a demolition company that turned out to be a front for the FBI each played a part in delaying the project. Former Councilman Wade Pedersen, owner of Hans Pedersen & Sons marina, offered his own insight into why the project took so long to begin. "I know what it takes to build a marina," Pedersen said. "Couple that with the government." Ben Keiser, supervising engineer for the DEP's Bureau of Coastal Engineering, said that come July, residents will be able to enjoy the first changes to a completely updated waterfront. Noting the state is supplying $2.6 million of the $3.1 million tab for the project, Keiser said the new bulkhead will also provide improved shore protection. To reduce flooding, American Legion Drive will also be razed, Hannon said. The road will later be removed and covered with grass, according to the latest overall plan for the area. Additionally, a new 15-foot-wide promenade will run the length of the downtown waterfront. Councilman George Walling called it "a proud moment." Councilman Robert Bergen concurred. "If you work hard and continue," Bergen said, "great things can happen."