Pros, Cons of Police Building Voiced

STONE HARBOR – At the Feb. 17 Borough Council meeting, Public Safety Committee Chairman Albert Carusi opened the session by recognizing the hard work of the borough’s fire department through “a very difficult season.” Carusi said that the Stone Harbor Fire Department responded to 26 fire calls in January and was proud to announce that at the same time the fire department had 10 members with no sick leave taken, including one firefighter who has gone 10 years with no sick leave taken.
“With regard to the terrible residential fire (Feb. 12) in Avalon,” noted Carusi, “the Stone Harbor fire truck was the third truck to arrive, and in just minutes, so that we significantly helped to mitigate the damage.”
Carusi also announced that the due diligence to vet the options for the proposed police building is on-going. “We are examining all the factors that will go into making the right decision including impacts on nearby homes, condos, and the playground, efficiency, police morale and efficiency and many others. Our ultimate conclusion is that we don’t see any neighborhood downgrade as a result of this project.” Carusi said he expects a matrix of options and their pros and cons will be presented to council and the public by April.
Opposed to Building
During the public comment period, attorney William Serber of Ocean City representing Laura Wilson, asked to read into the record a letter from his client. The focus of the letter, on file with the Borough Clerk, and addressed to Carusi, is to request that he and council answer a series of questions as to the reasons for constructing a new building including cost, other less expensive options, influences on neighborhood safety and traffic flow as well as stating that her property will be adversely affected by the project.
Support for Construction
During the same period, two other Stone Harbor residents stepped forward to state their strong support of new construction for the police building.
“I am fully behind this project as totally necessary for the borough. This facility will help the police continue to do the great job that they perform for Stone Harbor,” stated resident Mary Meyers.
Point Project Presentation
Dr. Lenore Tedesco, executive director of the Wetlands Institute, gave a presentation on the progress of the “Point Project” which designed to increase the resiliency of the dune and lagoon flora and fauna, especially to protect both against flooding and storm surges.
The project implementation is running from Feb. 10 to March 1 and will create platforms at a slightly higher elevation than beach backdrop for shore nesting birds and move a comparatively “modest” amount of sand to accomplish these goals. Addressing council and Mayor Suzanne Walters, Tedesco thanked them “for their help and support especially in moving along the permitting process.”
Second Avenue Island Upkeep
Council member Joan Kramar, chair of Public Works Committee, talked about the compromise solution that has been reached with the Borough’s Garden Club that will allow members to choose three – four islands to beautify with flowers; the Borough will maintain the others.
“The members of the Garden Club are reaching an age group that is older and it is getting harder to take care of all the islands as might have been done in the past,” explained Kramar. In fact, she continued, “the Borough has been responsible to weed, fertilize and do ongoing maintenance of the islands throughout the summer and this will continue.”
To contact Camille Sailer, email csailer@cmcherald.com.