Crest Crunch Time, Traffic Woes Surface

WILDWOOD CREST – The annual summer influx of tourists to Wildwood Crest is having a predictable impact on traffic congestion in this resort community. 
The July 13 meeting of the Board of Commissioners became a forum on pedestrian safety, shaking houses and traffic snarls as reported by several long-time residents.
Residents complained about unwanted and unnecessary truck traffic that speeds along Park Boulevard in the area of Fern Road causing houses to vibrate due to the excessive speed and imperfections in the road surface in that area. 
Mayor Carl Groon acknowledged that there is a problem caused by traffic coming into the Crest from Wildwood at a high rate of speed. Groon stated this is the summer, and there will be speeding.
Groon added that the police anticipate placing about 30 pedestrian signs on certain roadways to slow traffic and more summonses if needed.
Another resident rose to make complaints about the speeding on Pacific Avenue. He was advised that because it is a county road, a traffic study has been ordered to assess the problem during the peak traffic periods this summer.
The board also announced that it is studying the placement of street signs at the beach so that visitors on the beach or bikers will more easily be able to navigate the area.
Resolutions were passed to address issues including authorization for designating a Fair Housing Officer and a renewal of the contract for a Community Development Consultant. 
The engineering firm of Mott MacDonald has been awarded a contract to provide services to the Borough for the period of Aug. 1, 2016, through July 31, 2017.
Groon also announced that a special meeting for beach issues is scheduled Aug. 6 at Borough Hall beginning at 9:30 a.m.
All beach-related issues will be discussed including beach boxes, entrance ramps, and any other issue that is beach related.
To contact Jim McCarty, email jmccarty@cmcherald.com.