NORTH WILDWOOD ─ City residents and leaders continue seeking answers to beach erosion and flooding; flooding concerns also stem from the back bay area, not just the ocean.
Some residents express their concerns via social media outlets, reminding readers that erosion is “nature’s way” and will continue to happen. Others, such as Lewis Ostrander, suggest “building up” the meadows to reduce flooding.
Mayor Patrick Rosenello and city council have submitted an application to the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for waterfront development at 801 Beach Creek.
According to city officials, dredging the area where it meets Hereford Inlet will stabilize the Inlet area. Included will be removing sand and other natural build-up to improve navigation.
By addressing issues on the oceanfront, officials propose long-term solutions.
On the oceanfront, the city has authorized beach repairs between Third and Fourth avenues.
Rosenello, in a Sept. 28 interview, told the Herald that extending the seawall would provide a “more permanent solution” to storm damage.
North Wildwood will continue to work with the Army Corps of Engineers and DEP in the city’s share of a dune system stretching from Hereford Inlet to the Crest.
Rosenello clarified that the city is “moving ahead on our own” by extending the seawall from Second to Fifth Avenue. However, Rosenello said the city can only fund the wall to Fourth Avenue, around the gazebo and bulkhead.
Both Army Corps and DEP agree that the outfall lines and drains cannot handle additional pressure from storm surge.
Rosenello announced the city’s plan to move the present outfall line (running under the bike path from 15th to Third Avenue) under Kennedy Boulevard.
The pipe will emerge from a rock pile. Rosenello explained the urgency of the project, saying the drain is responsible for draining the east side of North Wildwood.
Finances also pose as a puzzle piece, but City Administrator Kevin Yecco said, “When an emergency of this nature occurs, we can bond for it.”
“Arguably, one of the most important functions of local government is to protect public and private infrastructure,” Rosenello said in previous comments.
According to estimates, the value of buildings in North Wildwood is $2.5 billion; adding sewer, water, and utility lines, it is $3 billion.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.
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