Judge orders halt to Margate dunes project gone wrong

MARGATE CITY, NJ (WTXF) - Margate is trying to save its beautiful beach following a sand dune project gone wrong. A judge has stepped in and put a temporary halt to the controversial project.

Most shoreline defense projects are completed in time for beach season, but that's not the case with this Margate affair.

Instead, Margate vacationers will see an active construction zone. Crews walked off the beach yesterday after a judge approved an order to halt the project. The project is on hold for at least a week, allowing time for officials to clean up the area and determine next best steps.

Since the project's inception, storm water has gathered at the base of the dunes, creating several bacteria filled lakes.

More details are expected to emerge as the case heads back to court next week. In the meantime, the mayor of Margate is working with project officials daily to reach a resolution.