Wildwood Pursues Back Bay Project; Special Meeting Scheduled for Jan. 4

WILDWOOD ─ “Let’s bring the dunes up on the fore,” said Mayor Ernie Troiano during the city commissioners’ meeting Dec. 28, the last meeting of 2016. With several large undertakings facing the city, the governing body looks forward to 2017 and the challenges and opportunities that the new year will bring. 
Although the commissioners do not all agree on the proposed back bay development, the city continues to pursue the plan and additional infrastructure projects, including repairing the Boardwalk, replacing the bulkhead on Susquehanna Avenue, and replacing the outfall pipes in order to reduce Pacific Avenue flooding.
Perhaps the greatest change to come involves the dune-line project as presented by the Army Corps of Engineers – an endeavor encompassing the entire length of the Wildwoods, from Hereford Inlet to Wildwood Crest.
Described by Mayor Patrick Rosenello of North Wildwood as “the greatest infrastructure project that the Wildwoods have ever seen,” the dune-line “30-percent plan” has been reviewed by the City of Wildwood. According to the city engineer, an extension has been requested by the city as officials consider the plan. The engineer has met with police and fire officials to discuss the matter; city commissioners will review the plan and make suggestions of their own to the corps. A special meeting will be held Jan. 4.
Engineer’s Report
During the engineer’s report, an announcement concerning funding for 2017 was made and the city has received its funding needed for various projects. Plans for a bike path have been submitted, according to the engineer.
“Any chance this (bike path) will be done for the summer?” Commissioner Peter Byron said. The engineer replied “no” in light of the dune project and other concerns.
With no ordinances, a series of resolutions came before commissioners, including the purchase of a “‘dozer machine…for work to be completed on the Back Bay project.”
According to the resolution, the city “obtained one quote from Dreams Come True Construction of Wildwood” and “a purchase order shall be issued from the purchasing department.” With a two to one vote, resolution “J” was passed.