Crest Considers Ways to Curb Flooding

WILDWOOD CREST ─ In the conference room of DeBlasio and Associates, the Herald met with Wildwood Crest Engineer Marc DeBlasio June 18.
A public presentation of the borough’s Flood Mitigation and Storm Sewer Master Plan was given May 22, which engaged questions and comments from residents.
DeBlasio gave further explanation of the project’s significance. He posed a deeper question: will residents partner with local government?
According to media sources, the Crest’s plan to reduce flooding involves raising roads. DeBlasio said raising roads is an option for the borough but is not the only solution.
As stated by DeBlasio during the presentation, “Each year, the borough is presented with a constant threat to this community from sea level rise, coastal flooding, nor’easters, and tropical-borne storm activity, introducing severe wave and flood impacts.”
Residents present concerns to the administration and ask for solutions to protect personal property and safety.
Since the 2018 election, Mayor Don Cabrera and commissioners have sought viable solutions to the crisis, sparking the necessity to address the Crest’s infrastructure. 
According to DeBlasio, Crest officials have “major decisions” to make in days ahead.
First, commissioners may introduce a new bulkhead ordinance, requiring bulkheads to be constructed at an 8.0 elevation standard. According to a January survey, 25% of Crest bulkheads meet the current elevation standard set by the North American Vertical Datum (NAVD).
DeBlasio pointed out the borough’s ranking in the Community Rating System (CRS), a system created by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). As of October 2018, the borough holds a 6 rating, thus providing residents a 20% discount. The higher the rating, the greater the discount.
Adopting a new lot grading and drainage ordinance would require property owners to “incorporate groundwater recharge and elevate their properties to reduce flooding,” said DeBlasio.
Five Mile Island has a “tilt,” according to DeBlasio. Water cannot drain properly and ponds along the bay and beachfront. Outfall pipes have been inspected and require updating.
“After analysis, it is determined that the Washington Avenue, Atlanta Avenue, Fern Road, and Heather Road outfalls should be upgraded to increase hydraulic capacity,” reads option one. The pipes are “undersized,” according to the master plan report.
In option two, a pump station, situated at the tennis courts between Columbine and Wisteria Road would centralize drainage. A second station would be installed at the borough’s Public Works building.
Homeowners would not be impacted by the pump station, yet increasing tidal elevations make stormwater management “less effective,” according to the report.
Third, elevating roadways is another possibility. Some roadways are as low as three feet, and high tide has been measured at three feet 58 times a year. Borough roads suffer tidal flooding 58 days out of the year, making driving difficult.
According to DeBlasio, roadways along the bayfront are lowest in elevation, particularly north by Cresse Avenue, south by Rambler Road, east by New Jersey Avenue, and west by Sunset Lake.
Other municipalities have elevated street levels, such as West Wildwood. However, homeowners have experienced problems and must cooperate with the project. High costs and coordinating with Wildwood and Lower Township impose additional challenges.
Fourth, storm sewer pump stations could be installed along the bay, according to the report. Three stations would be constructed, discharging stormwater through force mains through existing bulkheads.
When asked what the approximated cost of the total project is, DeBlasio said each option has a separate amount but could total $9 million. Officials would “aggressively” pursue both federal and state grants, said DeBlasio.
According to DeBlasio, pros and cons exist in all options. Residents and officials must work together in determining the best solution for Wildwood Crest.
Maintaining good relationship with the New Jersey Coastal Coalition and Army Corps of Engineers is also paramount, said DeBlasio. Monitoring beaches, back bays, and dunes will help protect natural resources.
 Upgrading the borough’s storm sewer system will tie in with the county’s road project. According to DeBlasio, the county would pay for designs to address flooding along Pacific Avenue.
DeBlasio praised Cabrera and commissioners for their efforts and proactive approach while making decisions.
Cabrera said officials were looking at what could be accomplished now and in the future.
Updating ordinances, instituting warning systems and interacting with the public encompass present plans.
“It comes down to what the Crest wants to spend,” Cabrera said, referring to the options presented to residents.
Cabrera said he is in favor of the pump stations and upgrading outfall lines along the beachfront. 
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.