CREST HAVEN — Seven Open Space projects were aired by freeholders for funding July 8; only one, Ocean City’s 14,000-square-foot skate park, received vocal support by youths and adults. The recommended allocation was $500,000.
All projects won a thumbs up from the board. Action will likely be taken on all Aug. 26, that would fulfill the 45-day post hearing waiting period, according to Leslie Gimeno, Planning Department director.
“I’m excited about it. There isn’t much to do when the waves aren’t breaking,” said A.J. Oves, of Ocean City.
“There is not a lot of stuff to do when the surfing is bad and all the boardwalk shops are closed. It would be good to have,” Mitch Bartello, also of Ocean City, told the board.
Chris and Jaime Pustizzi of Marmora also spoke in support of the skatepark. Chris Pustizzi, a Realtor, told the board he had been a part of Ocean City High school’s winning surfing team. “I want to say this is a win-win for Ocean City and the community in general from a tourism standpoint.” He said he had seen initial drawings of the park, and “It will tourism to Cape May County and Ocean City.”
Pustizzi noted he has two children, and, having lived in San Diego, Calif. for three years, had grown accustomed to the healthy activities many there “embraced.” At age 40, he noted he was “not the oldest one at the skate park.” He also cited the proximity of the proposed park to the downtown business area.
Jaime Pustizzi told the board she tried skateboarding when she was 34. “When I got home, my whole body hurt, but I went back the next day and it was a whole lot of fun. I continued through the years and met a lot of people.” She added that families with children would gather at the skate park while both children and parents could be active.
”It would be nice to have a skate park close. We would not have to drive to Sea Isle City or Wildwood. My daughter is 9, and she has skated when she was 6. It’s nice to get her off her iPad and get her outdoors,” said Pustizzi.
Steve Beseris who lives and teaches in Ocean City noted, “Everybody is excited about the new skate park.” It would be beneficial to “have a really safe place to skate.” He told the board he knows someone whose child was hit on Sixth Street while coming from from high school.
As his children grew older, “I rediscovered my love for skateboarding. It’s amazing for your fitness level. We spend quality time in the fresh air with our children.”
1st Ward Councilman Michael DeVlieger also joined those in support of the project. On behalf of city council, he thanked the board for “this opportunity to partner with the Open Space committee, with the county and Ocean City.
“The possibility of bringing this park to town means a lot for the safety of the kids,” he said. While speaking with the park’s consultants, DeVlieger said he was told five parks they designed were memorial parks, named for youngsters killed while skateboarding. “I pray to God this become reality before our is a memorial park. It’s a great thing.”
“We have a unique culture in Ocean City of surfing and skating. It’s inbred in all of us,” DeVlieger continued. He also said the park would bring tourists to the city from mainland towns and elsewhere in the state.
“”I’m thrilled with this long-term project,” he concluded.
The park would be located next to the firehouse in a city-owned parking lot, directly across from the the Tabernacle and primary school.
Other projects:
* North Wildwood, Eighth Street recreation field.
The 2.29-acre parcel, a full city block, was under “immediate threat of loss to development” in 2013 when the city approached the Open Space Board, Gimeno noted.
Recommended 10-year payment of $290,000 annually. The city will spend about $1 million to create “a destination for all ages,” she added. The county will own the property and lease it to the city for active and passive recreation purposes including softball and basketball and a multi-purpose field. There will also be a gazebo.
* Lower-Middle township bike path connection.
Dubbed “the missing link in a 15-mile trail from Cape May County Park and zoo to the Cape May-Lewes Ferry,” Gimeno said the project is a “demonstration of partnerships.” It would provide a “safe, separate access to community facilities, recreation areas and campgrounds.
Recommended $412,311.
* County Park-Zoo bike path improvements. Would improve recreation opportunities and connectivity to the regional bike path. Also included will be a fitness station and educational signage.
Recommended Phase one, $255,460.
Historic preservation projects approved:
* Naval Air Station Wildwood, which meets criteria since it is listed on the state and national registers of historic places, for roof rehabilitation, rehab of main entry doors, window replacement and property preservation.
Recommended Open Space funding $85,991 toward the $171,982 project with NASW Foundation paying $85,991.
* Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts and Humanities, Inc., listed on the state and national registers of historic places, repainting, roof replacement and property preservation.
Recommended Open Space funding $16,450 (50 percent of costs associated with Phase three) with MAC paying $88,810 of the $105,260 project.
* Historic Cold Spring Village Grange Hall No. 132, listed on the state and national registers of historic places, for various rehabilitations and well restoration.
Recommended Open Space funding $15,495 with Historic Cold Spring Village Foundation paying $15,495 of the $30,990 project.
Cape May – Governor Murphy says he doesn't know anything about the drones and doesn't know what they are doing but he does know that they are not dangerous. Does anyone feel better now?
