City Seeks to Reduce Wakes

SEA ISLE CITY – During public comment at the Jan. 8 Sea Isle City Council meeting, a resident noted that reckless driving during storm surges with high water is causing wakes that damage lawns, garage contents, and are sometimes even powerful enough to enter homes.
In response, Police Chief Chad Callahan referred to reckless driving and motor vehicle laws already on the books in the city, to which Council member William Kehner responded, “We have numerous laws on the books. What about enforcement, which I know is difficult?
“There have been recent articles about North Wildwood enacting an ordinance about this, and in Ship Bottom, with a similar ordinance and related ticketing, they’ve seen a huge reduction in this type of behavior. A lot of the storm-water surge and wakes is [sic] occurring on Landis Avenue, which is an emergency evacuation route.”
Callahan said, “I’m talking with Solicitor Paul Baldini and George (Savastano, business administrator) to collectively work it out. Another goal is to open the eyes of these drivers so that they give more care and consideration to others’ property.”