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Feb. 26-March 3
North Wildwood
The struggle between North Wildwood and the state Department of Environmental Protection continues as one beach replenishment expert says, “A serious storm is going to invade the town through those dunes. There’s no doubt about it in my mind.” The expert in this case, Stewart Farrell, served for 36 years as the founder and director of the Coastal Research Center at Stockton University.
In a court filing Farrell said the DEP has failed to recognize “the immediate and imminent threat” posed by the erosion of its north end beaches and dune system.
A Herald report on the details of a recent meeting between North Wildwood officials and representatives of the Army Corps of Engineers and the DEP commissioner shows a new sense of action on the long-awaited Five Mile Island dune and berm project. Protection may be coming for North Wildwood residents if they can hold off disaster until the project is completed. The hope is for a 2025 construction start.
The project to protect Five Mile Island by constructing a dune system was first presented to the public 10 years ago. In the intervening years there has been finger-pointing everywhere as the project remained stalled, largely over an issue of easements. Meanwhile, North Wildwood’s beaches have been eroding, millions have been spent by North Wildwood taxpayers to gather and relocate sand from elsewhere on the island to the city’s eroded coastline, and the disagreements between North Wildwood and the DEP have escalated to the point of the agency imposing record fines on the city and the city countering with a $20 million lawsuit.
Climate News
Earlier this year we all heard the news that 2023 was declared the hottest year on record. Now a new study published in the journal Nature Climate Change claims that the earth may breach the 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) climate threshold by 2030, almost two decades earlier than previously projected. The threshold has been used as a visible symbol of the dangers of a warming earth, with scientists saying it is a point after which climate change impacts will be devastating.
The study has its detractors, with some scientists arguing that the analysis is flawed. While that debate continues, the argument itself shows the concern among many in the scientific community that the earth is warming faster than earlier models predicted. There is a growing sense from environmentalists and members of the scientific community that such studies, even when challenged on base timelines, are further indication of rapid climate change.
Governments face skepticism and ongoing debate over actions to mitigate the impact of climate change while the changes to the climate move apace.
The latest concern is that accelerating rates of warming are producing Atlantic Ocean conditions that may be bad news for the upcoming storm season. The rise in ocean temperatures, considered remarkable by scientists at the U.K. Oceanographic Center, could lead to more intense hurricanes this summer.
It is too early for the official forecasts of the hurricane season, which begins June 1 and runs to Nov. 30, but some scientists are proposing a new Category 6 level hurricane to describe storms with winds over 190 miles per hour.
Delinquencies
Total household debt continues to rise. By the end of 2023, the level of household debt hit $17.5 trillion dollars. Mortgage debt was 70% of that total but increases in credit card balances and auto loan debt were evident. Worse, the levels of serious delinquency were increasing as well. Serious delinquency is defined as 90 days or more delinquent. Serious delinquency in credit debt rose by over 50% in 2023 over 2022, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Overall delinquency across all categories of debt rose 40% in 2023.
Couple this with the affordable housing problem and a disturbing picture arises regarding our younger generations. Serious delinquencies in credit card debt were most notable for young borrowers “surpassing pre-pandemic levels,” the Federal Reserve reports.
A Harris poll reports that nearly half of American young people are living with their parents. The poll found that 45% of individuals 18 to 29 are living at home with mom and dad. The reason, they simply cannot afford to live on their own.
With national median rents topping $2,000 a month, and home buying out of reach, many Generation Zs are left to board at home. This is while the Federal Reserve report sees “increased financial stress” on younger households.
Happenings
The Murphy Administration allocated $100 million in Boardwalk Preservation Fund grants to 18 New Jersey municipalities, including six in Cape May County, aiming to bolster boardwalk resilience and tourism. Administered by the DCA, the grants prioritize storm resilience and infrastructure longevity.
In 2024, Stone Harbor plans a 3.3% tax rate increase, with the budget set for introduction on March 19 and adoption by April 30. The budget includes capital projects and a 10-year plan is in progress.
At a conference titled “Moving Forward on Offshore Wind,” state and industry officials expressed confidence in New Jersey’s future leadership in the offshore wind industry despite challenges. The event highlighted ongoing efforts to engage the public and emphasized the economic benefits of offshore wind energy, including job creation and infrastructure development.
Kelvin Claudio of Rio Grande was arrested for possessing and intending to distribute 2,100 bags of suspected heroin. Multiple law enforcement agencies collaborated on the arrest, and Claudio faces various charges pending court proceedings.
Wildwood’s historic boardwalk is undergoing rehabilitation projects funded by Gov. Phil Murphy’s Boardwalk Preservation Fund, with completion expected in May.
The Richard M. Teitelman Middle School and Lower Cape May Regional High School briefly locked down on Feb. 27 due to a hoax bomb threat received via a spoof phone call. Law enforcement conducted sweeps and found no credible threat.
Sea Isle City awarded a $21.1 million construction contract for its community center project to Ernest Bock & Sons. Mayor Leonard Desiderio sees the center as a hub for community activities and events.
Middle Township Committee delayed an ordinance clarifying cannabis retail distance requirements after resident opposition.
At a panel in Cape May County, it was emphasized that fentanyl, found in nearly every drug tested at the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office, poses a severe threat. Attendees were urged to keep Narcan on hand and to start mental health conversations early.
Upper Township’s $17.6 million budget introduces a $42 tax increase for homeowners, covering debt and employee costs with a 1.4-cent tax rate hike. This equates to an extra $3.55 per month for the average homeowner.
Middle Township student Tatyana Moffitt-Ivens received the prestigious Billy Mitchell Award from the Civil Air Patrol, becoming the second female recipient in 19 years.
Mayor Judith Davies-Dunhour, after 40 years of service, won’t seek reelection. Citing family priorities and her role at the county’s Animal Shelter, she leaves behind a legacy of dedication. Her decision may prompt candidates to vie for the mayoral seat ahead of the primary election.
Upper Township Committee passed an ordinance regulating short-term rentals to address noise, parking, and trash concerns. Owners must register annually and adhere to occupancy limits. Violations could result in fines and jail time.
Avalon Borough Council is implementing an odd/even irrigation system based on home addresses to tackle rising water usage levels. Homes can water on odd or even days for 30 minutes between midnight and 9 a.m., with enforcement starting in 2025 after an education campaign.
Stone Harbor is updating playgrounds at 97th and 82nd streets due to wear and tear. The new inclusive playground at 97th Street will cater to all ages, while 82nd Street will feature fitness equipment.
Sean Dougherty is launching Wildwood’s first country bar, the Honky Tonk, inspired by Nashville and the Barefoot Country Music Fest. With arcade games, live music, and a Tex-Mex menu, it’s set to open before Memorial Day weekend.
Spout Off of the Week
West Wildwood – If Wildwood does not want the Honky Tonk there, we should embrace our own Honky Tonk roots. I’m old enough to remember when Hank Williams, Conway Twitty and Skeets McDonald played the Fun Spot. BRING BACK HONKY TONK TO WEST WILDWOOD!
Read more spouts at spoutoff.capemaycountyherald.com.
