Wildwood Crest officials oppose Army Corps dune/borrow-area plan, cite beach loss and taxpayer costs

Wildwood Crest commissioners signaled clear opposition to a proposed Army Corps of Engineers coastal project that would remove sand from near the borough to build a new dune and, in the process, demolish and push back some existing dune areas.

Mayor and commissioners recapped an informational meeting with the U.S. Army Corps and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. According to officials, the 95% design plans show three borrow areas (A, B and C) extending from in-water locations up to the dune line and, in places, nearly to the bike path. "Some of our existing dunes would be demolished and get pushed back to create this new dune," the mayor said, summarizing the plan.

Commissioners raised multiple practical and financial concerns. Commissioner Franco said current inventory and revenue from beach boxes are significant: "Our beach boxes right now are at 270 currently that generate approximately $260,000," and he warned that reducing box availability could cut that revenue substantially. Commissioners also noted uncertainty about who would pay for dune repairs if Congressional funding is not available: "Every four years this new dune would be potentially re-built if there's no Congressional funding then any damage done to that dune would be paid for by the borough taxpayers," a commissioner said.

Officials described survey work and a forthcoming drone video to help visualize borrow-area locations. The borough reported it put the Corps and DEP on notice of its opposition and that staff compiled technical questions for the Corps’ engineers; they are awaiting written responses. One commissioner said withdrawing from the state aid agreement appears possible by passing a resolution rescinding participation.

Public commenters echoed the council’s concerns. Resident Carl Schmo called the borrow-area plan "ludicrous," warned about impacts to dune vegetation and wildlife, and said the proposal "makes no sense." Officials urged residents to view marked stakes on the beach to better understand where sand would be taken.

What it means: Commissioners framed the project as a threat to the borough’s beach space, amenities and tax base and flagged open technical questions about hydrodynamics and long-term maintenance. Borough staff said they will continue to seek clarifying information from Corps engineers, consider another meeting, and may pursue a formal resolution to withdraw participation in the state agreement.

What’s next: Staff will follow up with the Corps’ contacts (Mr Constantino referenced) and provide survey and drone imagery to the public. No final decision was recorded in the meeting; commissioners reported opposing the project and expect further technical responses before taking additional formal action.