WILDWOOD CREST – A full room buzzed with voices as residents of Wildwood Crest gathered for the Sept. 2 Borough Commission meeting. With Labor Day just around the corner, preparations for upcoming fall and winter projects set the agenda for the borough commissioners.
Residents asked questions of their leaders to find answers in a community seeking balance between progress and what is ultimately the safest for its people.
“We are going to move the public comment up,” Mayor Carl Groon announced after the resolutions were passed. Groon moved the public forum before discussing new business in light of so many gathered. He promised to answer questions as best as he and the other commissioners could.
Urge: Revoke Mercantile License
A contingency from Primrose Avenue took the floor. Their spokesperson, Ed Richardson, read a prepared statement. “We are all reliable taxpayers,” Richardson began, explaining the group’s concern for their street.
With a recent “drug raid” by police and alleged arguments laced with profanity, Primrose Avenue residents went seeking the board to revoke the mercantile license of a certain residence.
“No one has relaxed this summer,” Richardson continued. “We’re stressed! We will not remain silent until something is done about this.”
Richardson also thanked the police for their efforts and acknowledged that the recent raid cannot be discussed. Richardson attributed the problems to “cheap, short-term licenses and absent landlords.”
“This will take a little bit of time,” Groon answered.
According to Groon, updating the ordinances pertaining to the issue will take about two months. “We will do the best we can,” Groon said. Groon expressed appreciation for Richardson as a point person in the community.
Housing ‘Abuse?’
Another resident expressed concern for a residence at New Jersey and Trenton avenues. She alleged 30 people presently occupy a five-bedroom home.
According to the complaint, 15 garbage cans and several SUVs block the street. “This seems like an abuse,” said the resident, citing health and safety hazards. Groon responded to this matter of delicacy: “You don’t want people invading your home. There is a line here.”
Groon promised to look into the matter and urged residents to call the police if a situation makes them uncomfortable. “Don’t feel like you’re bothering us,” Groon said. “A record is critical.”
Pacific Avenue Project
The proposed project for Pacific Avenue (from Rambler to Cresse) received a debate and questioning from residents and commissioners.
“This is a major decision – I really don’t like being rushed making it,” said Commissioner Don Cabrera during a later discussion.
As the meeting progressed, a theme arose around a central issue: Are medians the answer for Pacific Avenue? How can a more “residential feel” combine with motorist and pedestrian safety?
The board seeks to “beautify” the prospect and give the road a more “residential” feel with planted trees and other greenery.
Examples of this kind of work exist in North Wildwood on Central Avenue, according to Cabrera. However, Pacific Avenue belongs to two entities: Wildwood Crest and Cape May County. The county is responsible for the northern section while the Crest is responsible for the southern section. Cabrera desires a “consistent project” for the length of Pacific. As the Sept. 16 deadline looms, a decision must be made.
“We need a better entrance into the Crest,” Cabrera stated.
In Groon’s opinion, the two parts do not need to match. Yet Groon concurred with Cabrera in “strengthening the residential section of the northern end.”
Commissioner Joyce Gould expressed concerns on the speed limit. “25 miles an hour, strictly enforced,” Gould said.
According to Jim Verna, city engineer, wider lanes increase motorists’ speed. “They (motorists) feel unobstructed,” Verna said.
Placing medians on Pacific Avenue could give way to another design. Groon suggested two new designs and estimates to be reviewed at a meeting in two weeks.
“Trying to cross four lanes is impossible,” Groon emphasized. “Go to two lanes.”
Suggestions even for a one-lane design, with and without medians, were also suggested.
In two weeks, commissioners will discuss their options. The board stands united, though, on its responsibility to motorist and pedestrian safety. The proposed project is set to begin this winter and end in May 2016.
New Municipal Clerk
The meeting began with a series of resolutions, including the appointment of Patricia A. Feketics as the new municipal clerk and Loretta G. Scott as principal account clerk.
One of Feketics’ and Scott’s new duties will comprise being contact persons in regard to the Joint Insurance Fund helpline. Scott also received an appointment as deputy registrar of vital statistics.
Feketics will serve as the public agency compliance officer and fund commissioner for the borough in Atlantic County Municipal Joint Insurance Fund. Lyndsey Herman will serve as an alternate fund commissioner.
Parking Lot Contract
A contract for reconstructing the Atlantic Avenue parking lot went to Charles Marandino, LLC. The board authorized the private sale of three impounded vehicles to Jack Holland (Holland’s Auto) in light of no bids received at a recent auction.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.
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