Flooding And Drainage Discussion Highlights Fourth Ward Meeting In Ocean City

Ocean City, NJ -- Ocean City Councilman Bob Barr received questions and concerns on an array of topics, but the topic that most dominated his initial Fourth Ward meeting on Saturday at the library was flooding and drainage, the Ocean City Sentinel reports.

In August, city council approved an $18 million bond ordinance for flooding and drainage projects. Four pump stations are planned for 28th Street and the airport; Bay Avenue and the airport; Bayland Avenue; and 30th and Haven, according to the report.

In August, Craig Wenger, a senior associate with Michael Baker International, told over 100 residents at a town hall meeting that the station at 30th and Haven would help push the water to the outfall areas. The system won’t prevent severe flooding, but it will help move water off the island faster once the tide recedes.

They also said the project couldn’t be expanded between 28th and 29th because there wasn’t enough funding.
Other issues discussed during the Fourth Ward meeting included speeding, trespassing on dunes and leashing dogs on local beaches, according to ocnjdaily.com.

Council President Pete Madden and Councilman Keith Hartzell assisted Barr in putting together the meeting, including splitting the cost of a $2,000 mailing, according to the report.

Barr’s first meeting was an open workshop in which he took input from residents.

He previously said ensuing meetings will take place on the third Saturday of every other month. Those will be more structured, with specific topics and guest speakers. Residents will always have a chance to voice their concerns.

Barr was elected in May following a three-way race for the seat vacated when Peter Guinosso chose not to run for re-election. He was sworn in during the July 1 reorganization meeting.

The attached image is a Patch file photo