City Seeks Flood ‘Horror Stories’ To Bolster Its Grant Application

WILDWOOD ─ Near the close of a balmy day, Wildwood City Commission met March 9. Although the meeting was brief, excitement among the commissioners ran high as they discussed the application for a grant to reduce Pacific Avenue flooding. 
The future of Holly Park was also discussed as Cathy Smith of the Doo-Wop Museum asked what progress is being made in restoring the school bell. As commissioners look toward summer and another budget year, Wildwood’s residents wait to see what action will be taken.
Under ordinances, establishing a cap bank and extending the “municipal budget appropriation limits” was introduced on first reading.
Following the ordinance, discussion arose over extending the deadline for payment of mercantile licenses. Due to the date of sending, Mayor Ernie Troiano and commissioners decided to extend the deadline to June 6. The decision was added to the agenda and was passed.
“This is the part of the meeting that I don’t want to miss,” said Troiano with a smile as he introduced the engineer’s report.
According to the engineer, the “reward is high” regarding the work involved in getting the grant application ready to submit. Meetings are held weekly to discuss and review plans for Pacific Avenue repair.
With the April application deadline looming, Troiano described the situation as “do-or-die” in regard to the outfall pipes. Troiano urges businesses and homeowners to calculate how much business is lost by flood conditions.
Presenting such information to Federal Emergency Management Agency will prove helpful in securing the grant. “The more horror stories we get. . . .” Troiano let the phrase linger.
Work on the Susquehanna Avenue bulkhead project should begin in the fall, according to the engineer. The city is “going after additional bulkhead funds.”
Plans to cap the bulkheads with concrete, thus replacing grass and dirt, and fix sidewalks are underway. In Troiano’s words, the city is “aggressively pursuing” these improvements.
Before passing resolutions and announcing items for executive session, Troiano opened the floor for those who signed in to speak.
Cathy Smith asked “How are we going with the bell for Holly Beach Park?” According to Smith, a special sign will be made to commemorate the site that witnessed so much of Wildwood’s early history.
Smith told of students who met in the little schoolhouse and of their teacher, only 15-years-old, who was the first mayor’s daughter. The schoolhouse is also believed to have served as the first post office and even as City Hall.
“We may just want to surprise everybody someday,” Troiano joked with Smith in regard to reinstalling the bell. The bell was removed for repairs and safety reasons.
By considering both the future and its past, Wildwood continues to make its way into the 2016 summer season.