Pacific Ave. Ponding Bolsters Commission Action

WILDWOOD CREST ─ Recent nor’easters have pulled the curtain back on Pacific Avenue’s flooding woes. According to Mayor Don Cabrera, “there is a problem,” and the Crest is taking action to improve drainage. 
On March 12, Cabrera gave details and an explanation of the issue. At the ADA (American Disabilities Act) accessible ramps, ponding occurs after a storm; this safety dilemma is caused by two factors: poor curbs and a siphoned drainage system.
“The water is trying to find a drain to the beach or the bay,” Cabrera said at the March 7 Commissioners meeting. Cabrera later explained the outfall pipes drain Pacific Avenue into the bay.
Because of siphoned drains, the water “bubbles” up from the grates in its journey to the outfall pipes. High volumes of water, resulting from rainstorms and high tides, simply cannot drain as quickly as other systems.
However, Cabrera told the Herald, it is “cheaper not to have direct drainage,” yet Cabrera wishes to install additional new pipes, rerouting some of the water towards the ocean, thus alleviating the ponding. The pipes running to the bay will not bear the pressure alone.
Pacific Avenue is one piece of the complex puzzle in the Crest’s master plan, comprised of sanitary sewer and road reconstruction.
“It [Pacific Avenue] is on the radar,” Cabrera told residents March 7.
According to Cabrera, the new administration is “being more proactive” and considers the infrastructure “important” to the borough’s welfare. Several residents have brought their concerns to the commission’s attention throughout the years.
Work on Pacific Avenue is scheduled to begin after the summer season; however, Cabrera tells residents the solution is not “inexpensive.” Finding funding is a priority.
Fixing roads also entails alerting and involving other organizations such as South Jersey Gas because of gas lines running under the street. Water and electrical lines also pose a challenge.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.