‘Hard to see’: Jersey Shore town to tear down lifeguard building before it collapses from erosion

The flooring is getting saved from Strathmere’s Beach Patrol headquarters but the building has reached its breaking point as extreme erosion left the 20 year old landmark literally on the edge.

Officials say that the building is in imminent danger of collapse into the ocean after winter storm-driven waves stripped away massive amounts of sand.

“It’s sad. It’s been here for a while,” Dave Pennello, of Upper Township Publics Works, said.

Pilings are now exposed and the building’s foundation is at risk so the township is planning to tear it down.

“The only way we could do it is spending $125,000 to try and reinforce that but there’s no guarantee that the erosion wouldn’t get worse to basically make that totally obsolete,” Upper Township Committee member Sam Palombo said. “As someone that worked at Upper Township Beach Patrol, it’s hard to see, honestly.”

The lifeguards in Strathmere will be temporarily working out of a leased modular trailer.

“My son-in-law is a lifeguard here every year. He’s one of the captains and they got a call the other day that said, ‘Get to the shack and get the stuff out of it,’” Estell Manor resident Bobbie Kenny said.

Uncertainty over beach replenishment funding

Beaches in several Jersey Shore towns are in rough shape after our harsh winter.

Uncertainty over funding for repairs and replenishment from the federal government is adding to concerns.

“It’s incredibly worrying. I mean, we’re out of time,” Upper Township Committee member Sam Palombo said. “After spring, it’s summer and everyone’s going to be down here.”

A spokesperson for the US Army Corps of Engineers told NBC10 that the agency hasn’t gotten any updates about funding for beach projects, so they’re unable to provide any information on potential timetables.