WILDWOOD ─ “I want what is best for the city,” Commissioner Peter Byron said during an interview March 23. Convinced of the proposal’s merit, Byron wished to inform Wildwood residents of a recent development in the city’s back-bay project.
According to Byron, the Scarborough Properties sent “a letter of interest” Feb. 8, suggesting a meeting between owner Sean Scarborough and the city. Byron met with Scarborough at its office in Somers Point and said he was “impressed” with the company’s credentials and resume. Encouraged, Byron sent copies of Scarborough’s letter to Mayor Ernie Troiano, Commissioner Anthony Leonetti, City Solicitor Mary Bittner, and Joseph Baumann, special counsel representing the city on the project.
With Troiano and Leonetti satisfied with Back Bay LLC’s Mike Young, Byron maintains the position he has held from the beginning.
According to Byron, the city needs to put the back-bay project “out to bid” for the sake of Wildwood taxpayers and see what offers the commission might receive.
“I want what is best for the city,” Byron said. Although the city is not obligated by law, in this case, to put the project “out to bid” (due to the bid threshold), Byron wishes the city had done so.
“We don’t know what is out there,” Byron said, referring to possible offers. “It might be Scarborough; it might not.”
According to Byron, two residents presented questions to the commissioners during public comment at the March 22 commissioners’ meeting.
Jack Morey, of the Morey Organization, inquired after Baumann’s letter to the commissioners concerning the project.
According to Morey, Bittner declined to comment, stating the letter and its contents fell under “attorney-client privilege.”
Morey told the Herald that “the public has a right to know,” and claimed his question did not infringe on attorney-client privilege. However, Morey applauds the city for appointing Baumann as special counsel in the development process: “the city did well,” Morey said.
When asked his opinion on Young, Morey replied, “I’m not for him or against him.” Morey said he wished to know Baumann’s findings for the sake of Wildwood in light of recent controversy.
The Herald sought Bittner’s comment and explanation on attorney-client privilege, but as of March 27, no comment was given.
Troiano continues to stand by his decision and “confidence” in Young and fellow partners.
“Nobody was interested in the back bay,” Troiano said. A “tentative agreement” exists between the city and Back Bay LLC and Troiano says he finds them “credible.”
“My job is to get someone to buy it (back-bay landfill), and I did that,” Troiano emphasized his position.
“I’m moving on,” Troiano said, claiming that Leonetti also holds the same position.
Troiano believes the back-bay development will bring ratables to the city. “I feel confident,” Troiano concluded. “That is my opinion, and Commissioner Byron has his.”
Sean Scarborough told the Herald, March 29, “We’re (Scarborough Properties) interested” in Wildwood’s back-bay development. For decades, Scarborough has developed and completed many water-front properties and projects along the Shore.
When asked how he became aware of the landfill project, Scarborough replied, “I read about it in the paper.” He is familiar with the location and called Byron, expressing interest.
Scarborough’s website lists a variety of types of developments including Cape May Marina, Spicer’s Creek at Cape May Marina, Sunset Harbour Marina and Sunset Bay Marina, both in Ocean City.
According to Byron, he will invite Scarborough to the April 12 commissioners’ meeting.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.
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