Strathmere Crowd Anxious to Learn Details on Bulkhead Raising

STRATHMERE – The Strathmere firehouse opened to residents June 30 for a town hall informational meeting about bulkhead height and a discussion as to whether a related ordinance should be changed.
Presently, the mandatory bulkhead height stands at seven feet. Upper Township Committee is considering a number of possible amendments including raising the height to eight feet.
Although 44 properties would be directly affected, the meeting room was packed with other Strathmere residents and property owners. 
Upper Township Mayor Richard Palombo had promised, in previous meetings and discussions on the bulkhead issue, a town hall meeting. The session’s intent was to dispel concerns among residents that change would be made without their input. 
Strathmere has flooding issues that are unique to this part of the township.
An earlier survey done by township Engineer Paul Dietrich, with research from Stockton University’s Coastal Research Center, had been made at the request of Strathmere residents when FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) issued its new flood maps.
This special Saturday gathering was a follow-up on details provided at previous committee meetings as well as those posted on the township website.
Palombo assured the gathering several times that no decision regarding change of bulkhead height would be made without their full input.
Moreover he said that no decision would be made that day or even in coming months.
“We’re here to talk about possible options, and I suggest we continue to explore what’s best by holding a second meeting in Strathmere in September after the summer crowds have left but before second homeowners have gone,” said Palombo.
Residents at this and at earlier meetings have expressed worries about flooding in Strathmere. They also were focused on any potential expense of raising the height of their bulkheads.
According to township numbers, the cost to replace a bulkhead might be from $10,000 to as much as $50,000 or higher depending on length and materials used. 
Dietrich has said at other meetings, and stressed on this occasion, that the only times a bulkhead would be required to be replaced is for new construction, a substantial improvement to an existing house, or if the bulkhead were failing.
A related issue is that many private bulkheads are a variety of heights and conditions. Dietrich noted that improving the overall condition and raising the height of bulkheads could work to Strathmere’s advantage in having FEMA change flood zone designations.
To contact Camille Sailer, email csailer@cmcherald.com.