Crest Referendum on Medians Jan. 26

WILDWOOD CREST ─ “You are not fighting us – you are fighting the community,” said Commissioner Don Cabrera in response to one resident’s statement.
The statement “We are organized against you” reflected the strong opinions voiced by many who attended the special Dec. 4 meeting.
The borough courtroom was filled to standing room only. Residents expressed their approval or disapproval of the proposed median project for Pacific Avenue, Mayor Carl Groon repeated the process of thought that led to his approval of the medians: “I listened to the professionals.”
Cabrera, who described himself as originally “on the fence,” concurred with Groon on the improved safety and aesthetic value the medians will bring to Pacific Avenue.
Commissioner Joyce Gould remained opposed to medians. “Thank God we live in a democracy!” said Gould as she commented on every individual’s right not only to an opinion but also to its expression.
Groon dispensed with board deliberation in favor of having the public comment first.
Michael Hawthorne gave his opinion saying the medians are a “waste of money.” “There is a huge difference between want and need,” said Hawthorne.
Hawthorne asked what studies were used and consulted in the decision making. He also pointed out the projected cost of $500,000 as an increase to the Crest’s debt.
“When the idea was first presented, we debated,” Groon answered. “I was initially against it.”
Groon went on to explain his current position after speaking with the planning board, who first presented the idea, the engineer, and police department.
“We did not sit in a bubble,” Groon added.
Groon also explained the safety aspect of the project, highlighting how seeing people on bikes, especially young people, makes him “nervous” while they cross the two-lane highway.
According to Groon, complaints from senior citizens have also helped mold his favor of the medians – an opinion, in his words, “based on judgment.”
Hawthorne responded with a suggestion of painting the present medians or waiting “until we are better off.”
Another series of questions centered around one resident’s statement in particular: “What are we gaining by this expenditure?”
Concerns over the borough’s size in population and funds prompted another inquiry if a specific study had been conducted on the traffic patterns on Pacific Avenue.
Potential blind spots, caused by the medians, also entered the discussion by residents who drive “small cars.”
Groon replied, “We tried to get everyone’s opinion before this point. We went to others’ towns.” Groon continued to say that the Crest’s ratables, at this juncture in time, are not “going up” and that “sometimes we have to take a shot.”
When one resident asked how they would be able to vote on the medians, confirmation for absentee ballots was given by the board. “Let your friends know,” Gould said.
Some residents voiced favor for painting present structures on Pacific Avenue while saying that side streets throughout the borough require more immediate attention.
“Spend more on that,” said a resident. Concerns over borough safety in light of the attack in California were also presented to the board.
When asked where the traffic would be redirected during construction, Groon said other routes will be available while construction progressed.
“Six or nine months of inconvenience,” Groon added. In regards to the project’s timeline, Groon said, “Depending on the board’s decision, this will be a fall project.”
“We do the best we can,” Groon emphasized. “This is more than a beautification project.”
Residents in favor added to discussion. One said “I witness an accident almost every weekend (during the summer).” The resident went on to say that Pacific Avenue “as it exists is unsafe” and “lives saved are more important than the costs.”
Jack Morey also spoke on the matter, adding “Not complete agreement is a sign of good government.” Morey praised the board for the various ocean and lakefront projects and also for hosting open meetings. Morey sees the Crest as “developing its own culture and personality.”
Morey concluded his statement by congratulating the board for doing “a marvelous job.”
One resident said “We are organized against you.”
According to the resident, a website will soon be launched in opposition to the medians. “This is not the proper time,” said the resident in regards to the project.”
Another question was raised if having a vote was necessary.
“It is proper to go to a vote,” replied Groon. Cabrera added, “It’s hard to sit up here.” “We are not experts,” Cabrera said. “As I look at the decision, why not continue to the one lane up to Cresse?”
Groon said the decision timeline was “rushed” and that “it came up late.” Yet a decision from the board was imperative.
“I wish we could have had more,” Groon said concerning time. Final plans and drawings are not yet final due to the petition signed by Crest residents.
“You are not fighting us – you are fighting the community,” Cabrera said, regarding those in favor of the medians, including members of the Planning Board. “It’s in your hands now,” Cabrera said.
Gould pointed out the time and cost to hold a special election. State law mandates when a special election can be held, leaving the board no choice but Jan. 26.
Groon and Cabrera voted “yes” to a resolution “providing for a special election to be held Jan. 26, 2016.” Gould voted “no.”
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.