WILDWOOD CREST ─ “We need to be proactive,” said Commissioner Don Cabrera in a phone interview Sept. 7, regarding the borough’s present and future improvement projects.
Crest residents and guests now travel a smoother Pacific Avenue since the asphalt repaving project; however, ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990) improvements to curbs take center stage.
According to Cabrera, federal law requires replacing the curbs along Pacific Avenue, ensuring safety for pedestrians. DeBlasio and Associates of Wildwood submitted an engineering bid for the borough’s ADA improvements. Borough commissioners accepted Marc DeBlasio’s bid and he will serve as special engineer.
Payment to DeBlasio is not to exceed $5,000, as stated in the resolution, and further award is “contingent upon the certification of availability of funds … by the CFO.”
“Closing out” the Pacific Avenue project will aid the borough, said Cabrera. When asked how much the ADA improvement will cost, Cabrera said the costs are included in New Jersey Infrastructure Trust Fund monies already designated to the project. No additional tax dollars will go to the process.
Cabrera also asked DeBlasio to look into a draining issue on Washington Avenue.
Borough resident Richard Colli told the Herald the conditions are “like a bathtub” as water pools down to the drain near his home. Accumulating water clogs the drain, creating flooding problems for Colli.
“We’re taking water in from Lower Township,” said Colli. His garage floods frequently, providing a habitat for mosquitoes.
“I need some relief,” said Colli, who built his home in the 1960s.
Cabrera said the grading of streets in the lower half of the Crest contributes to the flooding.
Mayor Carl Groon agreed with Cabrera’s assessment. Approximately six blocks drain to “that one corner.”
“We lose a foot of grade,” Groon added.
Cabrera told the Herald an outfall pipeline also runs beneath Washington Avenue and estimates eight years have passed since the line was checked.
Improving roadways, such as Pacific Avenue, and drainage systems are part of a “master plan” to increase quality of life in the Crest.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.
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