Photo submitted by Angel and Ronnie Beil
Chesapeake Beach, MD – Heavy rains that occurred throughout the Mid-Atlantic region in mid-May took its toll on the landscape. In the Town of Chesapeake Beach a mudslide on an elevated tract at the bay’s edge resulted in damage to a boardwalk. In a telephone interview, May Patrick “Irish” Mahoney told TheBayNet.com the slide occurred during the weekend of May 19 – 20 and resulted in damage to the wooden walkway. Mahoney said a large portion of the walkway has been closed. “We can’t risk having people walk on the boardwalk,” Mahoney said. A small portion of the boardwalk—from 14th Street to 17th Street remains open. Mahoney added that the town-operated Brownie’s Beach also remains open.
The mayor reported that government officials have issued three stop-work orders for residential projects on the area overlooking the bay.
In a statement posted on the town web site, the municipality’s officials said, “Due to the rain events over the last several weeks geological changes have taken place along the slope of the land that borders properties along B Street, between 14th and 11th street, and the Chesapeake Bay. The Town has been assessing the condition of the slope over the last 5 days with multiple site visits from the Towns Department of Public Works, town engineer, a contracted geotechnical engineer, Department of Natural Resources and the Calvert County Soil Conservation Division. After a visual inspection, the Geotechnical Engineer did not find inherent dangers to residents or private property; however, the Town cannot guarantee the safety of private property or residents at any location. Private property owners should seek all measures necessary to ensure the safety of their private property and structures. At this time the soil is still showing signs of instability leading to the decision to not reopen the boardwalk. The Town cannot begin to stabilize the boardwalk damage, for reopening to the public, until the Town can be ensured by our geotechnical engineer that it is safe to do so.”
Mahoney told TheBayNet.com that the town administrator is drafting a plan that will be presented to residents. After he consults with engineers about options and cost estimates, Mahoney will present a proposal to the Chesapeake Beach Town Council—likely at their June meeting for their approval.
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com
