‘Grand Slam,’ Forgotten Sisters: Commissioners Told Resident’s Woe

WILDWOOD ─ “I’m really upset,” said resident Sandra Richardson during public comment at the Wildwood Commissioners’ Feb 24 meeting. “I know we have a lot of storms, but we pay a lot on the backbay.”
Richardson reminded Mayor Ernie Troiano of past correspondence asking for repairs to the bulkhead between Poplar and Juniper avenues. According to Richardson, water “pours” over the bulkhead, especially since Winter Storm Jonas as well as recent rain.
“Who inspects?” asked Richardson. “The backbay is neglected.” Richardson, who lives on 26th Avenue, refers to her area as a “forgotten sister” between municipalities, Richardson agrees with the analogy of “no man’s land” for her street.
Troiano and Commissioner Peter Byron attended the meeting, with Commissioner Anthony Leonetti absent. Troiano gave a correction to water-rates, saying it is based on “20,000 gallons, not 29.” “It was stupidity on my part,” Troiano added.
“It’s all about the engineer,” said Troiano with a smile as the engineer’s report was introduced. According to the engineer, reconstruction work on Leaming Avenue is set for Feb. 29, when, in reality, Troiano saw work already beginning on the street.
“I guess they started early,” the engineer said. The bulkhead project for Susquehanna Avenue has been scheduled for this fall.
“Moved” was $400,000 to fund the project that hopes to create a design similar to 18th Avenue in North Wildwood.
The city has submitted an application for a grant to reduce flooding on Pacific Avenue; according to the engineer, the grant is “very competitive” and, if accepted, would provide a “grand slam” for Wildwood in 100 percent payment.
Byron said he is “very excited” about the project. In the meanwhile, Troiano asks residents to take pictures of anyone “acting stupid” on Pacific Avenue during storms.  Such actions include driving through flood waters and other activities. “We’ll get ’em,” Troiano said. “Tickets will be issued.”
The floor was then opened for public hearing on the Boardwalk Special Improvement District Budget (SID) and Troiano pointed out that North Wildwood Mayor Patrick Rosenello was in attendance. With no comments from the public, both the SID and Business District budgets were passed by the board.
Under resolutions, the city and county officials are cooperating for the duration of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)-funded “countywide” update to the 2010 Cape May County Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Recognizing the county as the lead agency, a “Hazard Mitigation Steering Committee” will be formed “that includes one member from each municipality.”
Wildwood is required to appoint a representative “capable of attending meetings, working with selected contractor to identify critical facilities, at-risk populations” and more, according to the resolution. In light of the “high-rate repetitive losses caused mainly by flooding,” the 2010 Hazard Plan is experiencing this update.
All 16 municipalities will participate in the update.
After ordinances were passed, the floor was opened for public comment.
Richardson presented her complaint of property damage and the condition of 26th Avenue. Describing the area around her home as “constant mud,” Richardson said “I’m tired of paying all these taxes – the back bay is neglected.”
Richardson said she has spent “Thousands of dollars on soil, stones, and other landscaping.” Richardson also said she has been addressing those issues since 2009.
Troiano replied, “Sandra, you live in a flood zone.” Troiano also pointed out how similar work in North Wildwood has resulted in worse flooding.
A resident on 26th Avenue, has also not taken care of his private bulkhead, was given a summons. However, the resident is facing “red tape” with the state after pleading guilty, thus slowing repairs. “I will report back to you,” Troiano said and also promised to send Public Works.
Richardson claimed that outfall pipes are buried beneath the debris in a vacant lot. “We are not getting what we pay for. You’re supposed to make sure we get what we pay for.” Richardson says that conditions on 26th Avenue are “ruining my quality of life, my rights, and my property values.”
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.