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Design changes in dune/flood-mitigation project prompt calls for public forum and visual mockups in Wildwood Crest
Summary
Commissioners and residents raised concern that the dune/flood-mitigation project's 95% design could place dune material under the fishing pier, obstruct ADA ramps and reduce usable beach; commissioners proposed on-site rope layouts and a spring public hearing and scheduled a closed-session discussion on litigation with the Army Corps.
Concerns about the state/federal flood-mitigation and dune project were a central topic at the Dec. 4 meeting as commissioners and residents reacted to design details now visible at about 95% completion.
Commissioners said earlier plans were based on 60% design documents but the latest 95% plans show changes—such as dune alignment and footprint—that are drawing public scrutiny. The mayor warned the borough may lose a previously expected "pier credit" valued at roughly $2,000,000 if the design places dune material under the fishing pier rather than allowing the pier to remain elevated over the dune. Commissioners and staff also said the design as presented could obstruct ADA access ramps and reduce emergency access at high tide.
To help the public visualize impacts, one commissioner proposed marking the proposed dune extent on the ground with rope and doing at‑scale mockups so residents can see how much beach would be taken. The board discussed arranging public presentations and noted earlier public comment periods have closed; the mayor said the borough will continue to press the Army Corps and state partners for clarification and pursue written comments and letters to state leadership as needed.
The board subsequently approved an executive-session resolution to discuss potential litigation related to the Army Corps dune project; no public legal strategy or outcome was disclosed at the meeting. Commissioners urged residents to view plans posted at borough offices, on the municipal website and via QR code and announced plans to post more materials and solicit public input at a future public hearing.
Next steps: the borough will seek further meetings with Army Corps/state officials, post plan documents and consider an in-person public forum in the spring to present design details and gather feedback.
