Seaside Park Eyeing Major Marina Renovations Starting in 2026

J Street Municipal Marina, Seaside Park, N.J. (Photo: Shorebeat)

Seaside Park officials have begun meeting with engineering firms in anticipation of a multi-phase project to renovate the municipal marina at J Street, with a target start date in about a year, officials said at a borough council meeting last week.

“We’re waiting for estimates to come in from the three engineering firms as to what their price will be to work up the designs, as well as estimates as to how much the project will cost,” said Councilman William Kraft.

The project, as currently envisioned, would include the replacement of 2,300 linear feet of bulkhead, the installation of new finger piers, a revamped electrical system, and a new water system. It would not affect the existing office and bathhouse.

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“It’s just the marina proper that will be done,” said Kraft, explaining that the timeline for construction would need to be developed in phases so the marina could remain fully open for the 2027 boating season, which begins in April.

“The project will be done in phases,” added Councilman Marty Wilk. “We believe it will be three phases, or maybe more – but most likely three.”

The borough’s 2025 capital budget included a $5 million appropriation for marina bulkhead and pier replacement, encompassing full or partial finger pier overhauls to address aging structures and enhance resilience. Additional related funding included the recent project to replace the breakwaters that surround the marina entrance, and $75,000 for marina water distribution. The funds for the project will not be borne by taxpayers.

“Funds would come out of the marina utility,” said Wilk. “It does not come out of any taxpayer payments. It would be come from the slip holders, basically.”

Three engineering firms from the borough’s pool will submit proposals that will be considered by a council committee followed by the full governing body. It is expected that the work will not begin for more than a year, however, with the expectation that construction will likely begin around December 2026.

“Of course it would need to be completed, for that phase, by March 31 [2027] since the marina opens April 1,” Wilk said.