What a nightmare! If you can get to the beach, all you do is waste $2.50 a gallon gas by sitting in traffic (parking lot). We all know it is Spring Break, etc.; however, that is no excuse for the absolutely horrendous planning and timing by city officials for Beach by Design construction.
Phase I was called complete about two weeks ago. What a joke! Coronado was four lanes, then back to two lanes, while they install light poles and curbs in Phase I. I thought it was complete. The Pier parking and Gulfview Blvd. are shut down. Before closing Gulfview Blvd. and the Lot, why not finish the installation curbs and light poles and the paving of Hamden? According to Webster's, the definition of complete means finished, ended, or bought to a conclusion. Not the case here.
Two things should have been accomplished before going forward. Arrange to utilize the causeway as additional parking and shuttle beachgoers via the Jolley Trolley. Second and most importantly, push back by SIX weeks the closing of the Pier and Gulfview Blvd. Beach by Design is not a six-month project!
Besides, I have rarely seen a government project come in on time or on budget. Therefore, time and money should not be an issue. It is absolutely poor planning with no regard for businesses on the beach or the tourists trying to get there. Go ahead and ask them.
Government at its finest.
Rick Cornelius
