WILDWOOD CREST – The Sept. 21 Wildwood Crest Borough Commissioners’ meeting featured the first reading and unanimous approval of an ordinance appropriating $2.98 million through the issuance of bonds for “various improvements or purposes authorized to be undertaken by the borough.”
The ordinance describes two major projects that need funding, specifically the improvement of Pacific Avenue between Rambler Road and Cresse Avenue, and improvements at Sunset Lake.
The Pacific Avenue improvements include repaving the roadway, striping, curbing, concrete gutters, driveways, drainage improvements and other reconstruction.
This project requires an estimated $2.4 million in borough resources. The Sunset Lake project, at $600,000, will include the construction of a kayak launch ramp, and the rehabilitation of the earthen embankment and concrete block revetment along the eastern shoreline between Monterey Avenue and Rambler Road.
Details of these projects may be reviewed in Ordinance No. 1244.
The agenda included additional items that need not be decided upon for two more weeks. Those included a decision concerning the disposition of a small lot next to the pumping station that is borough-owned, and a decision about elements of the beach permit plan.
One element of that plan might be a proposed permit process for small camp fires on the beach.
Commissioner Joyce Gould favored a closer look at the proposal but warned that no fires should be permitted between Cresse Avenue and Rambler Road due to the risk of dune grass fires.
Commissioner Don Cabrera cited the need for permit fees to clean up debris. With other restrictions, he felt it was possible to accommodate the idea.
Mayor Carl Groon was opposed to the idea.
Other decisions regarding future ordinances must be made soon to address bicycle usage rules; also the replacement of a fishing building since the fishing pier is reconstructed.
The commissioners discussed the possibility of building a pavilion, or leasing some of the pier space to a commercial venture like a coffee shop.
The issue of what to do regarding a possible smoking ban on all borough property and beaches must also be addressed.
The issue of rolling back the parking meter “turn off” time from the current 10 p.m. to 6 p.m. was also discussed.
Groon cited the fact that many people park in the neighborhoods instead of using meters at the beach in the evening which is a nuisance to residents.
He wondered if the revenue loss would be all that high, considering the benefits to residents. Groon indicated that these decisions would be made at the next commissioner’s meeting on Oct. 5 at 9:30 a.m.
To contact Jim McCarty, email jmccarty@cmcherald.com.
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