NORTH WILDWOOD ─ Resident Mary Parker and others recently signed and delivered a petition to city officials seeking help with flooding and drainage of stormwater near Delaware Avenue.
Parker addressed city council June 19, presenting her plight.
“Does North Wildwood have a grant for pumps for stormwater?” Parker asked after referring to a recent Herald article regarding a grant in Cape May.
According to city engineer Ralph Petrella, the city was awarded a $10 million grant from the state Department of Environmental Protection. However, the grant is purposed for the pump station.
A federal Housing and Urban Development grant is being sought by several municipalities (Coastal Coalition), such as Cape May that will provide warning signage and engineer’s assessment.
According to Administrative Assistant Ron Simone, “nuisance flooding” caused by high tides, full moons, and nor’easters will never be fully erased. With ongoing maintenance, clearing outfall lines, and diligence, flooding issues west of New Jersey Avenue can be dealt with.
Keeping the city’s evacuation route clear also takes a high priority.
Petrella said a 30-inch pipe was replaced near the 22nd Avenue area. Problems with drainage stretch in the northern end from 19th to 15th avenues, respectively.
Petrella told Parker the city was “getting quotes on pipe inspections” to address the situation. Installing larger pipes at 14th Avenue will also help reduce flooding.
Petrella admitted that some areas in the city “take hours to drain” after storms and rain events.
Simone said as new bulkheads are built with “better standards,” conditions will improve.
Privately-owned bulkheads may also improve as new construction is carried out.
Parker, who has owned a home in North Wildwood since 1961, thanked the council for its time and expressed pleasure at the news.
Parker thanked council and the police and fire departments for their efforts in ensuring safety in the city.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.
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