Pavilion project a boondoggle

What a shame that two people have caused such an uproar in the community. There are so many distorted stories about the project.

First of all, why has the word repair been thrown out the window and only knock down and spend $3 million of taxpayers' money?

Mayor Susan Howard and James Cunniff are leading everyone to think that the cost will be covered by the revenue from the beach club. After 38 years, I still haven't learned what that revenue is exactly every year.

If there is as much revenue as some people claim, why was the beach club neglected for years? Simple little repairs were overlooked. Was it money or to justify making it a private club with a recreation room with heat and air conditioning to hold parties? Let us not forget the $66,000 door that the ocean can go right through.

The critics of this project realize that the town needs many more upgrades other than a nine-week operation. I hear that some people are trying to compare the pavilion to the other clubs in Sea Bright but don't they realize that they are private clubs and we are the only municipal club? The private clubs are in business and to compare is foolish.

Some columnist is saying most people don't mind the big increase for the beach fees. What planet is he visiting? I have heard the mayor make the same statement at a public meeting and believe me, that isn't what I hear on the beach.

The fact that so many people came out and voted to have an election in November on this project tells you a lot about the community. The people are tired of the officials spending their money.

I know they keep saying it isn't the taxpayers' money, but when the sun doesn't come out and there is no revenue, who will pay the bills? The architect already received over $26,000. Where did that money come from? I bet the taxpayer will be the one footing those bills as they come due. After spending the money for the architect they gave away another $1,200-plus for T&M to find an architect. I thought we had one, didn't you?

I step into our borough hall and I do see many upgrades needed there. That should be a priority so when people visit and walk through that front door it is a good representation of the community.

I think most people that go to the beach would like to see some repairs but those repairs were needed years ago, why the rush? Why can't the repairs be done on a yearly basis with the money we have coming in from fees. Why the big loan? No construction job I know of ever comes in on time and on budget.

Marian Wagenti

Monmouth Beach