PETERSBURG – Upper Township Committee discussed the county’s request for a letter of support regarding restriping of Commonwealth Avenue (C.R. 619) in Strathmere Sept. 24. It seeks to create a walking/biking lane.
Commonwealth Avenue continues as Landis Avenue in Sea Isle City.
Township Engineer Paul Dietrich detailed the county’s proposal explaining, “They’re planning a 7.5-foot-wide strip along the beachside for parking with another two-foot strip along the two lanes of travel.
“On the west side, away from the beach, the county wants to create a walking and biking lane and eliminate the parking strip there now that runs along the road.”
Per earlier discussions, the plan is similar to what Ocean City created along West Avenue, a major artery through that resort.
“I have not seen how taking away so many parking spaces along the west side will be addressed,” said Mayor Richard Palombo.
“Visitors who don’t live in Strathmere won’t be able to park and enjoy the beach. I wonder as well if this won’t affect our ability to obtain beach replenishment from the Army Corps of Engineers and the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) since we’ll be restricting beach access. How many parking spots will we actually be losing?”
Dietrich replied, “I’ve contacted the corps and DEP, and they said beach replenishment will not be affected. And we will be losing about 200 parking spots.”
With that information, Deputy Mayor Edward Barr replied, “Do you have their assurances in writing? Because when it comes time to request replenishment, they may forget what they told you.”
Palombo said, referring to the 200 parking spaces that would be lost, “That is ridiculous. I am very disappointed the county has not addressed this issue. Maybe we can ease the burden if the county builds some parking lots in the area.”
Committee member Curtis Corson said, “People can be really creative when they’re looking to find a spot where to park. We’ll be creating more problems than solving with this plan since there isn’t enough parking now as it is.”
Palombo and committee concluded the request would be tabled pending more dissemination of the county’s plan.
“Let’s put the county’s proposal on our website and let the Strathmere Improvement Association know, as well as the fishing club and other civic groups. We can see where we stand and let’s keep this item on a future agenda as unfinished business,” the mayor continued.
Sea Isle City, which received the same request for support from the county, approved the request at its Sept. 25 council meeting with no discussion or public comment.
To contact Camille Sailer, email csailer@cmcherald.com.
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