WILDWOOD CREST – “Once you’re past the Fourth of July, the summer’s over,” Commissioner Joyce Gould said, Aug. 5 at the Borough Commission meeting. She was expressing how fast the season seems to go.
As summer guests flock to the Crest in particular, the borough sets its sights on several projects to improve and correct various aspects of the community.
Mayor Carl Groon asked questions of the board, gathering input and leading the discussion on several key topics of business and discussion points. Although a few items on the agenda will not receive immediate attention, Groon expressed his desire to have them “done right” instead of hurriedly.
The borough renewed membership in the Atlantic County Municipal Joint Insurance Fund (JIF) for an additional three-year period, beginning Jan. 1, 2016, through Jan. 1, 2019.
A resolution authorized the renewal, along with authorizing shared services with North Wildwood. Both the Crest and North Wildwood will share a municipal court administrator and construction official, saving both communities time and costs.
Support from the county was recognized in regards to the proposed beach bike path through the Open Space program; although the borough’s plans required more defining, Groon was hopeful for “something to move forward with” at the next public meeting.
The dune project still presses forward, despite waiting for the Army Corp’s proposed plan. Goals for beach development hold a high priority.
Peter Compare, Fred Mettler, and Joseph Schiff will fill vacant positions on the Planning Board. Their appointments coincide with rescinding a previous resolution adopted July 8.
Jack Morey and Mary Nell Murphy received reappointments to the Greater Wildwood Tourism Improvement Development Authority as well. Both are business appointments.
Talk of Medians
As the meeting progressed, discussion arose on plans for medians on Pacific Avenue from Rambler to Cresse. Groon asked for a decision on a potential timeline for this project.
Gould expressed concern with the idea: “I think it will slow down traffic.”
“I think we are making it more dangerous,” she added. When Groon and Commissioner Don Cabrera pointed out the aesthetic value, Gould replied, “How much ‘nice’ do we really need?”
Cabrera suggested making the medians have a more residential feel and Groon thanked Gould for her input. “It’s just my opinion,” Gould clarified. “We will look at this from all sides,” Groon reiterated and proposed taking a further look at drawings at the next planning board meeting.
Another major piece of roadwork involves installing medians on New Jersey and Bayview Avenue between Miami and Nashville. According to the proposed drawing, Miami will undergo a transition to a one-way street going west, but only on that block. Reasoning for this undertaking resulted from unsafe conditions for pedestrians, parked vehicles, and oncoming traffic.
“The changes are safer,” Groon explained.
Cabrera mentioned giving thought to street ends in regard to seeing Sunset Lake without parking. “It’s optional,” Groon added.
Parking concerns, raised by Gould, were answered by an affirmative that it is legal to have angle parking on a local road, according to state law.
Plans to install telephone poles and add lighting to ensure safer walkways comprise a second phase of the project.
“We have time,” Groon said, making note of a month’s time to finalize details. A motion was made to return to the matter at the end of the meeting.
Monument Fate Uncertain
Fate of the Philip Baker monument is still uncertain as of Aug. 5 as were potential wellness perks for borough employees.
Developments in borough “branding,” are undergoing additional design work and consideration of those designs, according to Cabrera. “Better to have it done right,” Cabrera said.
Beach Bonfires
During public portion, a question was raised concerning possibly having bonfires on the beach during the fall. A suggestion for charging $50 per permit and then partially refunding that amount if the area was cleaned came before the board.
“There is no immediate move this summer or fall,” Groon answered.
Gould added that she does not “want to see Wildwood Crest associated with bonfires on the beach.” Concerns for the dunes and neighboring hotels/motels prompted Gould’s comments.
Due to no need for a formal vote and no public comment on the proposed plan for New Jersey Avenue, the board decided to leave the matter for the next meeting Aug. 19 at 7 p.m.
The new Cape May County Library branch opens Aug. 10 at 6300 Atlantic Ave., two blocks west of the former Crest Library. Plans continue to have a grand opening in the fall.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.
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