Ocean City Boardwalk safety bid nearly $1 million under budget
Sara SwannOcean City came in almost $1 million under budget after approving a construction company bid for its Boardwalk safety project.
The Town Council agreed to contract Hercules Fence for the Boardwalk access plan after receiving a bid of $1,954,380 from the company at the Nov. 19 meeting. Hercules Fence offered the lowest price of the four companies that vied for the job.
The Boardwalk access plan budget was set at roughly $2.8 million, City Engineer Terry McGean said at a Town Council work session. Over the past few months, town officials have worked to lower the cost of this project after the initial assessment estimated it would cost about $4.26 million.
Why safety project is needed
First proposed last fall, this project is intended to keep pedestrians safe along Ocean City's 3-mile Boardwalk and in the inlet parking lot. After multiple deliberate attacks on pedestrians involving vehicles occurred in cities across the United States and abroad, the Town Council wanted to be proactive against any such potential attacks in Ocean City.
In the last four years, at least 15 such attacks have happened around the world, according to USA Today.
Last fall, Phase 1 of the project began, installing temporary barriers around the Boardwalk and inlet parking lot. Now, with the approval of Hercules Fence as the construction company, the town is moving toward permanent installation of safety barriers.
Opposition wanted local company
Hercules Fence, which specializes in residential, commercial and high-security fencing, has several locations through Virginia and one in Maryland.
While Hercules Fence does have a location in Jessup, Maryland, Council Members John Gehrig and Mark Paddack both said they wish the town had chosen a more local company for the project.
Apex Construction out of Ocean City made the second lowest bid, offering $2,051,000.
When the approval of Hercules Fence was put to a vote, the Town Council approved it 5-1. Gehrig was the only one opposed, citing his preference for a local company instead.
Contact reporter Sara Swann at 302-324-7711, sswann@delmarvanow.com or on Twitter @saramswann.
Read more about Ocean City's Boardwalk access plan
Ocean City finds out how much Boardwalk safety project will cost
Ocean City cuts cost of Boardwalk safety barriers by $1.27 million
Ocean City in 'sticker shock' at $4.26 million cost to prevent attacks on Boardwalk