WILDWOOD ─ A Nov. 29 Spout-Off comment prompted a renewed examination of the city’s Back Bay housing project. Comments focused on a single claim: What happened to the alleged $1 million given to the city?
Mayor Ernie Troiano told the Herald Dec. 5 that $1 million has not been given to the city.
“We are working with the DEP (Department of Environmental Protection),” said Troiano. According to Troiano, the city is complying and meeting with DEP standards as the project moves forward.
Progress may be impeded, but city officials must follow proper procedures.
Public discussion of the project began in December 2016 with the passing of a resolution in favor of pursuing Back Bay LLC as the developer.
Troiano and Commissioner Anthony Leonetti voted yes while Commissioner Peter Byron voted no.
Back Bay LLC agreed to cap and develop the site, creating 110 unit lots. Filling in the site and getting the land “up to grade” encompasses the scope of the project, including roads, a sewer system, and other infrastructure.
“We’re doing something that’s never been done,” Troiano said in previous comments. Commissioners engaged attorney Joseph Baumann as special counsel for the project, to represent the city.
In a Jan. 17 interview, Troiano told the Herald that taxes “will go down” as a result of an additional 110 residential units. Troiano assured Wildwood residents of Mike Young and partners’ (developers) “financial ability.”
“If they (Back Bay LLC) succeed, the town succeeds,” Troiano added. By creating a new neighborhood, single-family homes would add ratables to the city.
However, Byron stands by his original position, a view he maintained Dec. 1 during a phone interview.
Byron said in past interviews that the city needed to put the project “out to bid” and see what offers the commission might receive. However, according to law, the city is not obligated to do so, due to the bid threshold.
Sean Scarborough of Scarborough Properties sent a letter of interest Feb. 8 to city officials, but an official meeting or dialogue never transpired.
Jack Morey of the Morey Organization inquired after Baumann’s letter, concerning the project, during a March 22 commissioners’ meeting. According to Morey, city Solicitor Mary D’Arcy Bittner declined to comment, stating the letter and its contents fell under “attorney-client privilege.”
Byron confirmed that $1 million had not been given to the city as of Dec. 1.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.
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