Ocean City Residents Would Support More Flood Cameras

Installing video cameras that livestream the streets can be helpful for people in frequently flooding areas. Some Ocean City residents say the town is ready for their closeup.

Sea Isle City will install a 24-hour livestream at the often-inundated intersection of 40th Street and Central Avenue, according to the Press of Atlantic City. Members of the Ocean City, NJ Flooding Facebook group, which has over 3,000 members, sounded off on the idea of flooding cameras.

"Ocean City has told us they are actively exploring this option to further enhance their partnership with our citizen group and the Dept. of Environmental Protection," said Suzanne Leary Hornick, a group administrator. "We are very supportive of this plan and we will let everyone know when we get more details. Originally it was discussed that we would have one camera near each of our 3 Public Schools and possibly other spots as well."

Group member Bill Eberle Sr. said these cameras especially benefit people who primarily live away from Ocean City but own property there.

Eberle says "we also own a property in Sanibel island Florida -- which have a series of traffic cams -- which we are able to view real time--- they are awesome."

"Yes...and include the South end!" group member Rosie Mary commented under Eberle's post.

The camera costs about $5,000, and a grant from OceanFirst Bank to the New Jersey Coastal Coalition will fund the one in Sea Isle City, the Press reports. Ocean City lists 94 streams of city cameras around town.

"There are a lot of cams available in town but not at the biggest flood spots," Bob Schwartz wrote. "... No cams at 3rd and bay, Merion Park, or 29th and Haven which have been the worst spots. They really should not cost ($5,000)."

Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images.

Pictured: Ocean City after Hurricane Sandy made landfall in 2012.