Offshore wind meeting to be held Saturday at the Margate PAC … – Downbeach.com

From left, front, Ethel Alekna of Brigantine, Noreen McGahn, Holly Friel; back, Rita Mastella of Edison and Sue Franco.

MARGATE The communities of Brigantine, Ventnor and Margate are hosting a community meeting to discuss the potential impact of offshore wind development off the Jersey shore. The meeting will take place noon Saturday, May 20 at the Eugene A. Tighe Middle School Dominick A. Potena Performing Arts Center.

The meeting is being held in response to growing concern over potential environmental and economic impacts of offshore wind development.

Officials from the three municipalities have said they recognize the importance of renewable energy sources, but they have concerns about the impact on marine mammals and the ocean environment.

Weve already seen a large number of unexplained whale and dolphin deaths up and down the coast in the same areas that the ocean wind companies are doing their survey work and we need to know if there is any connection between the work theyre doing and these tragic deaths, Brigantine Mayor Vince Sera said.The issue of offshore wind development is a complex one, and its important that our community members have all the facts before construction moves forward. As elected officials, its our responsibility to make sure that any potential projects are thoroughly vetted and that the concerns of our residents are heard and addressed.

The community meeting will feature presentations by U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-02), NJ Sen. Vince Polistina (R-Atlantic), Dr. Bob Stern of Save LBI, attorney Chris Placitelle and Sera.

The meeting is sponsored by the Downbeach Coalition in partnership with Polistina and Assembly Representatives Claire Swift and Don Guardian.

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Offshore wind meeting to be held Saturday at the Margate PAC ... - Downbeach.com