Crest Gives Update on Dune Line Project, New Signage

WILDWOOD CREST ─ Borough commissioners and residents gathered Oct. 5 to discuss several key aspects of the Crest moving forward, securing its rights for a new website, and various upcoming projects. 
Mayor Carl Groon also gave an update on the Army Corps of Engineer’s dune line project, an initiative that encompasses the entire island.
According to a recent call from the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Groon said that the borough should receive a “rough plan by next month,” giving officials and residents an idea of the scope of the project.
The dune system, stretching from the Crest to North Wildwood, is designed to help reduce flooding and erosion after storms. “We do not have an exact number,” Groon said in regards to what percentage the borough will have to pay.
Groon explained that the Crest, along with other municipalities, will pay 9 percent of the state’s contribution.
Giving a rough estimate, Groon said the total may be in the $1.18 million range. Groon emphasized that the $1.18 million is not an exact number but was given “so it’s no surprise to anyone.”
The meeting began with a bond ordinance “for various improvements or purposes authorized to be undertaken by the borough.” The bond amount totals $2,833,000 and is designated for the “improvement of Pacific Avenue … between Rambler Road and Cresse Avenue by construction or reconstruction thereof.”
Improvements to Sunset Lake are also included, according to the ordinance.
Later in the meeting, the commissioners were asked if there is a specific plan yet for Pacific Avenue. Groon replied that nothing official is in place as of Oct. 5.
A question was asked if Commissioner Don Cabrera would be interested in attending a seminar hosted by the New Jersey Tree Foundation in Plainfield. According to Groon, the borough has “an environmental committee” and, although he is in favor of tree-lined streets, Groon says issues exist.
Commissioner Joyce Gould concurred, remembering when trees in the borough were planted at an earlier date. “We did not plant the sycamores,” Gould clarified.
After passing the resolutions, a discussion began concerning old and new business.
The commissioners are continuing to pursue new signage throughout the borough that will reflect the new logo and color scheme. The poles on which the signs are mounted also need to be replaced. “I don’t see any alternative,” said Groon.
 Concerns for the intellectual property belonging to the borough also entered the discussion. According to Cabrera, the amount should be raised from $10,000 to $17,000.
Borough Administrator Edmund Grant explained that attorney Gary Nissenbaum “wants the commissioners to understand the change of scope” involved in the project.
Cabrera went on to explain that the initial $10,000 was for Finch Brands not to own certain “elements” of the design. “You want to own that information,” Cabrera said.
A new resolution will be prepared for the next Borough Commissioner’s meeting Oct. 19 at 5:30 p.m.
A meeting will be held in the upcoming weeks to discuss the future of the old library and Nesbitt Center as well as a permanent place for the tourism office.
Plans for an emergency generator are still underway, according to Groon. Placing a generator in the elementary school is no longer a viable option and another temporary location is being considered. “We need a temporary place for shelter,” Groon said. “We need to talk about staffing and supplies.”
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.