City Grants Support to Cape Assist; FEMA to Issue New Flood Maps

WILDWOOD ─ City Commission met March 8. Calmer than recent meetings, city officials chose “not to make an issue” out of some matters while granting support in spite of the loss of a ratable. 
Four ordinances came before the commissioners, including amending an ordinance “Regarding Flood Damage Prevention Measures…”
Commissioner Peter Byron inquired if this amendment will conflict with presently issued flood maps. According to Zoning Officer Steve Booy, engineers and surveyors are using the same maps and will not affect flood insurance premiums. Mayor Ernie Troiano confirmed Booy’s comments: “We are using 2014 maps.”
Flood maps were issued after Superstorm Sandy in 2012, but after a recent case in New York, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will issue new flood maps and work their way down the coast. The process of issuing new maps may take from five to 10 years, according to Hesley.
As of Feb. 21, Cape Assist sent a letter to Troiano requesting the city’s support before the organization takes “any action.”
“Cape Assist has a special affinity for Wildwood and would like to expand to accommodate more programs that serve local families,” the letter from Katie Faldetta read.
Lynne Krukosky, former executive director, has “stepped back” from her position and Faldetta is now filing the position.
According to the letter, Cape Assist wishes to “expand and upgrade our current building located at 3819 New Jersey Ave.” A vacant lot, adjacent to Cape Assist, would be obtained for expansion purposes.
“The board sees the merit of obtaining the other property,” Troiano said after explaining Cape Assist’s plan. However, concern over the loss of another potential ratable still posed a question.
Booy described the lot as “not a huge loss,” and Troiano agreed, saying, “To be honest, it’s an eyesore.” With no comments or concerns from Byron or Commissioner Anthony Leonetti, the board agreed to support Cape Assist as it seeks to expand.
Under resolutions, the “Beach Shuttle Service” would be assigned to the Department of Public Safety and Public Affairs. “I’m not going to make an issue out of this,” said Byron who oversees beach services in his role as commissioner of revenue and finance. Byron continued to say he wishes that a “courtesy” would be paid in speaking to him on these matters.
During public comment, Jack Morey of Morey’s Piers questioned about “establishing fees for organized Special Events on the City Beach.”
“I know it’s opinion that we (the Morey Organization) are against competition,” Morey began. “We are not. Competition makes all of us better.”
Yet Morey felt that it was “inappropriate” for the city to operate in this manner. Morey also believes that the city’s potential “Zip Line Concession” will not aid the city’s image.
Morey concluded by saying that he hoped the city would “give some reconsideration” to its decision. 
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.