Hurricane Surge Erodes Beach; Seawall Expansion Planned

NORTH WILDWOOD ─ Hurricanes continue to flirt with the Eastern Seaboard. In the wake of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, questions arose about a more permanent solution to North Wildwood’s beach erosion. With the disasters in Texas, Florida, and Puerto Rico, concern over environmental factors and protection from storm surge have taken center stage.
Although Hurricane Jose never reached the New Jersey shore, its surge beat against the barrier islands, including the Wildwoods. According to eyewitnesses and video, storm surge pounded the seawall at Third Avenue and Kennedy Boulevard, pouring over the top of the seawall.
When tides receded, Mayor Patrick Rosenello met and gave interviews with several news agencies. The work completed on the Third and Fourth avenue beaches was washed away.
The Herald contacted Rosenello Sept. 28 for comment and explanation of the city’s next steps in securing a more permanent solution for the beach.
Rosenello said that everyone needed to “take a step back” and consider the differences between dune and beach restoration. North Wildwood is working with the Army Corps of Engineers and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in a dune system that will stretch from Hereford Inlet to Wildwood Crest.
However, Rosenello clarified that the city is “moving ahead on our own” by extending the seawall from Second to Fifth avenues. Rosenello defined the state of the Fifth Avenue beach as an “emergency situation.”
“Arguably, one of the most important functions of local government is to protect public and private infrastructure,” said Rosenello.
Stormwater affects both city and private property, homes, businesses, roads, and other infrastructure.
According to Rosenello, the estimated value of buildings in North Wildwood is $2.5 billion; adding sewer, water, and utility lines, it is $3 billion.
When asked what funds would be used to extend the seawall, Rosenello said that the funds would be local. Rosenello said the funds could affect the 2018 municipal budget. Timing on this project is unknown.
“There is no debate,” said Rosenello, referring to the importance of the project. The seawall, according to him, is a “first line of defense” against storm surge and flooding.
For those who question the cost and necessity of extending the seawall, Rosenello restated the need to protect public and private infrastructure, as well as lives and homes.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.