Architect Shows Former Library Designs; Pacific Avenue Revamp Still Opposed

WILDWOOD CREST – The Nov. 30 meeting of the borough’s Board of Commissioners began by welcoming Constance Mahon as the new borough administrator. 
Mahon came to Wildwood Crest by way of Middle Township, she previously served in Cape May Point. Officials in Middle Township decided not to renew her contract.
Next, Catherine Lorentz of Cape May County Architects presented her plan that provided options to repurpose and renovate the old library building at Ocean Avenue and the beach. 
This building was donated to the borough over 50 years ago and is vacant since the library relocated to 6300 Atlantic Ave.
Lorentz presented three optional designs for the exterior of the building that she believes gives more “oomph” to the square brick building; her vision for the interior remains focused on a multi-use concept regardless of the exterior design.
Those uses include a tourist information center, a display area for much of the now-defunct Historical Society’s artifacts, an event center for meetings and presentations, as well as an area with kiosks and vendors.
Lorentz provided three cost estimates depending on the extent of the renovations the borough wants to approve.
Those estimates range from $1.49 million to a low estimate of $1.31 million.
Lorentz stated “We can combine all these uses in the open space in the building,” which is calculated to be 4,700 square feet. Lorentz added, “People can meander around the building to learn about Wildwood Crest.”  
The plans and estimates do not represent a decision by the board, but does offer alternative plans and costs that will ensure that the building is used wisely if any of the concepts are approved.
The Pacific Avenue debate continued to draw large numbers to the meeting.
Several residents along Pacific Avenue stood to reinforce the opposition to a plan to reduce the number of lanes from four to two, a turn lane and possibly a bike lane, as expressed at earlier meetings.
Residents spoke of near misses and collisions along the road, especially during the summer.
Some blamed speeding vehicles, asking why the police were not ticketing those drivers.  
Most residents seemed to oppose the recommendations made by the traffic study.
Mayor Carl Groon lamented the fact that the study was done at the request of the residents, but that many seem to want to ignore the professional opinion expressed in that study.
Groon and Cabrera expressed concern that there could be ramifications if they ignore the study’s recommendations; all commissioners expressed their strong opinion that safety remains their primary concern.
After a two-hour meeting, the Pacific Avenue issue remained unresolved.
To contact Jim McCarty, email jmccarty@cmcherald.com.