Sandy Steals One Million Yards of North Wildwood Sand

NORTH WILDWOOD – When it comes to the storm’s aftermath in this seaside city, “Sandy” was the right name for it. By the time the hurricane left town, it stole over one million cubic yards of sand from its dune system.
“We didn’t lose the entire dune system, but from the dune system is where we lost the sand,” said Mayor William Henfey. “On 3rd, 4th and 5th Avenues.”
Henfey said the storm also did “serious bulkhead damage” at 2nd, 3rd and JFK.
Several city buildings were also damaged by the storm.
“We’re still assessing that at this point,” said Henfey. “They say there is some wind damage and some flood damage to some buildings. Some are okay, some are not okay.”
Henfey said the major concern the city is facing is damage to the west side of the municipality.
“A lot of folks got water inside their properties. And that’s where my heart goes, to those folks.”
According to the mayor, public property can be repaired, “But when people lose their valuables and it intrudes into their homes, that’s a violation of your private space. And that’s the sad part.”
Several privately-owned vehicles were either damaged or destroyed as Sandy’s flooding made its way through town.
While the state called for mandatory evacuation, many of the city’s almost-5,000 year-round residents opted to find shelter on the mainland. Others, however, chose to wait out the storm in their homes.
“Most left,” said Henfey, “But I think more people stayed behind this time than they did with (Hurricane) Irene.”
The mayor said according to the National Weather Service, the city received 8 -10 inches of rain during the storm and experienced 50 – 55 mph winds.
“When it went westerly, it blew harder,” said Henfey, adding he heard reports of 70 mph on the back end of the hurricane.
“I think we were lucky,” said Henfey. “But how can you be lucky when people’s homes had water in them?”
The mayor said one saving grace of the storm was the Oct. 29 evening high tide, which came in a foot less than the morning tide.
“The morning tide came in at 9.3 feet,” said Henfey. “Had it come in with the extra foot they predicted, at 10 feet, it would have been catastrophic on the west side. The amount of homes that were penetrated by water would have tripled.”
Henfey said he was thankful for the volunteers who served the community during the storm along with residents.
“Everyone has been so cooperative during the storm and after the storm. They understand we are doing the best we can.”