Crest Weighs Old Library as Museum; Cabrera Peddles Bike Statue Proposal

WILDWOOD CREST ─ New initiatives presented themselves during the March 9 Borough Commission meeting on a day praised for unusually warm temperatures. Commissioners gathered to discuss several key aspects of the community as the borough continues to distinguish itself.
With a new logo and slogan waiting the 2016 summer season, the Crest continues its journey. However, Commissioner Joyce Gould wishes that finalization of plans, drawings, etc. would be given to the board sooner and not “after the fact.”
The meeting began with an ordinance establishing a cap bank for 2016. According to the ordinance, state law provides “that a municipality may…appropriate the difference between the amount of its actual final appropriation and the 3.5 percent rate as exception to its final appropriation in either of the next two succeeding years.” The board set a 3.5-percent increase for 2016, totaling to $488,892.39.
Under resolutions, a professional services contract for architectural services was awarded to Catherine Lorenz; as explained by Commissioner Don Cabrera, “It’s for the old library.”
The borough is considering moving the Crest museum to the former library, although no plans were finalized at this time. Lorenz’s services will secure structural facts about the building as options are explored. Plans to create a “historical and tourism hub” may come together in 2017.
The borough also awarded a contract to Hatch Mott MacDonald for “preparation of NJDEP application for beach and dune maintenance and beach recreation Improvements.”
Later, Cabrera announced a new beach program; a release with further details will inform residents of the borough’s plans. According to Cabrera, the beach program is a Public Works initiative.
Atlantic City Rescue Mission will serve as “emergency housing” and, as announced by Gould, the second monthly commissioners’ meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m., beginning in June. Gould attributed the change to making the time more conducive for residents to attend the meeting.
Mayor Carl Groon then opened the floor for public comment. A resident asked if the borough is settling a contractual matter.
Groon replied, “This is not an adversarial process. We have to work for the borough and do our job.” In seeking “due diligence,” Groon said that both sides are “resolving the issue.” When asked how long of a process to expect, Groon said “as long as it takes.”
A question concerning plans for Pacific Avenue also came before commissioners. The resident asked why “it became a dead issue?” Groon answered that construction could not begin until October. “It’s not a dead issue,” Groon said. According to him, there is “no rush” at this time and the board is looking at “fiscal and legal issues” while considering options.
Cabrera introduced the topic of creating a dog park in an unused soccer field near the Public Works’ building.
With public requests for a park, Cabrera wanted to “get it on the agenda” in a timely manner.
Gould asked if the park would encompass “the whole area?” Cabrera replied “Just what would have been the parking lot.” Cabrera urged commissioners to “drive down and take a look at it.”
If the plan proceeds, the borough would meet with neighbors and discuss the matter. Plans for a dog park in the Diamond Beach area had been discussed with Lower Township in a shared services agreement. Lower Township is in another agreement with an entity for the site proposed.
“The infamous turn-around on Rambler Avenue,” Cabrera said, introducing a bike turn-around at Rambler. Cabrera envisions a place where bicyclists and other tourists can stop and have their picture taken with a proposed statue of a bicycle, hopefully posting those pictures on social media and draw more interest to the Crest.
According to a drawing, the statue would be 15 feet by 9 feet. “This is nice,” Gould said, looking at the drawing. “But why is it a man’s bike?”
Cabrera replied that the drawing was not the final proposal and he was “trying to say what it is and how it will be funded.”
However, Gould said “We always get it after the fact.”
Later, Gould explained her comment as a desire to see information in a more timely fashion when it comes to borough projects.
Groon announced a “sand back pass” coming up, a process where excess beach sand will be transferred back to North Wildwood. “It’s a good process,” said Groon. Extensive beach growth in the Crest is causing issues with outfall pipes and other matters.
According to Groon, more news and details will come “later on.”
“It’s Mother Nature at her best,” added Gould.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.