Armacost Park Advocates Tell Freeholders To Stop Project

CREST HAVEN – A stalwart band of Armacost Park advocates are adamantly against any upgrade done by the Borough of Avalon to the wildlife preserve and playground area. They went inland Tue., Aug. 14 to complain to freeholders about the use of county Department of Mosquito Control’s equipment and personnel on the project.
“We need your help to speak for the citizens of Avalon who do not agree with the proposal of the Avalon Environmental Commission,” said Daniel Griffin, a neighbor of the park for 40 years. “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.”
The opponents voiced their concerns after the board heard heart-rending testimony for highway upgrades on Bayshore Road, Green Creek where two teenaged girls were killed July 31 by an allegedly drunk driver.
At the end of Griffin’s presentation, he thanked the board “For listening to this inconsequential matter. It seems like an afterthought.” Yet, to the band of believers, their cause was just.
“It’s very unpopular,” said Frank McLaughlin. “Taxpayers are saying no. Don’t waste money on the bird refuge.”
He cited a reported $2-million price tag on the project, and said that the mosquito department’s personnel “ruined a pristine maritime forest. He said instead of preparing a 200 square-foot sample area where vegetation was to be tested, a 2,000-square-foot area was cleared, “adjoining virgin maritime forest that was clear cut. It was natural for thousands of years,” McLaughlin said.
“It’s a pristine area that shouldn’t be disturbed,” said Elaine Scattergood of Avalon.
“Let’s understand. All we are doing, the Borough of Avalon asked if we would allow the mosquito department’s use of equipment there. This is an Avalon project,” said Director Gerald Thornton. “You are in the wrong venue if you think we have control. It’s their (Avalon’s) money, their project,” said Thornton.
Scattergood said as long as the county is assisting with the project, they are “allowing” the project to continue.
Opponents said mosquitoes are not a problem, nor have they ever been.
Freeholder Kristine Gabor told the contingent “I will reach out to the Avalon council, and tell them your concerns,” said Gabor.
She added that meant no guarantee on anything.
“The surprising thing about your comments tonight that in 40 years you never had a mosquito bite, you are the only people in Cape May County never to have had a mosquito bite,” Thornton said.