Element 8 Circulation

The Borough transportation modes include streets, sidewalks and waterways.  The street system is primarily a grid system, with streets angled along the waterways.  Also, the undeveloped (paper) street that borders the former railroad right-of-way intersects the grid pattern in an area that remains undeveloped.  In the conservation district at the northwestern most part of the island, there is also a grid street system that is currently undeveloped as well.

Previously, street flooding created an impediment to circulation.  With great success, many of the roadways have been improved and raised to mitigate this problem.

The main vehicle and pedestrian corridor of West Wildwood is Glenwood Avenue.  It intersects the island, and is the spine of the Town-Commercial zoning district.

All developed streets have sidewalks, creating an uninterrupted pedestrian system.  The town is bike-friendly by nature due to its small size and lack of fast moving traffic.

Access to and from the island is via the Glenwood Avenue bridge from Wildwood.  The Route 147 bridge into North Wildwood, and Route 47 bridge into Wildwood provide access on to the main island of the Wildwoods.  

On a regional level, seasonal traffic congestion due to the incompletion of Route 55 continues to negatively affect all of the southern Cape May County resorts.

Element 9 Stormwater Management Plan

(Provided by Borough Engineer John Feairheller, Jr., PE, PP, of Walker, Previti, Holmes & Associates, Marmora, NJ)

9.1     Introduction

This Stormwater Management Plan (MSWMP) documents the strategy for the Borough of West Wildwood to address stormwater-related impacts.  The creation of this plan is required by N.J.A.C. 7:14A-25 Municipal Stormwater Regulations as promulgated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Regulations.  The elements of this plan are specified by N.J.A.C. 7:8-4 Municipal Stormwater Management Planning.  The plan addresses groundwater recharge, stormwater quantity, and stormwater quality impacts by incorporating stormwater design and performance standards for new development, defined as projects that disturb one or more acre of land.  These standards are intended to minimize the adverse impact of stormwater runoff on water quality and water quantity.  The plan describes long-term operation and maintenance measures for existing and future stormwater facilities

These regulations on a statewide basis also intend to minimize the adverse impact of development on the recharge of groundwater that provides base flow in receiving water bodies.  The surface aquifer of the island on which the Borough is constructed is isolated and fragmented and does not provide for base flow to the surrounding water body.

A build-out analysis has been included in this plan based upon existing zoning.  The plan also addresses the review and update of existing ordinances, the Borough Master Plan, and other documents to allow for project designs that include development consistent with this plan.  The final component of this plan is a mitigation strategy for when a variance or exemption of the design and performance standards is sought.  As part of the mitigation section of the stormwater plan; specific stormwater management measures are identified to lessen the impact of existing development.

9.2       Goals

The goals required by N.J.A.C. 7:8-2.2 requires the stormwater management plan goals as follows:

1. Reduce flood damage, including damage to life and property;
2. Minimize, to the extent practical, any increase in stormwater runoff from any new development;
3. Reduce soil erosion from any development or construction project;
4. Assure the adequacy of existing and proposed culverts and bridges, and other in-stream structures;
5. Maintain groundwater recharge;
6. Prevent, to the greatest extent feasible, an increase in nonpoint pollution;
7. Maintain the integrity of stream channels for their biological functions, as well as for drainage;
8. Minimize pollutants in stormwater runoff from new and existing development in order to restore, enhance and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the waters of the State, to protect public health, to safeguard fish and aquatic life and scenic and ecological values, and to enhance the domestic, municipal, recreational, industrial and other uses of water; and
9. Protect public safety through the proper design and operation of stormwater management basins.

This plan outlines specific stormwater design and performance standards for new development.  Additionally, the plan proposes stormwater management controls to address impacts from existing development.  Preventative and corrective maintenance strategies are included in the plan to ensure long-term effectiveness of stormwater management facilities.  The plan also outlines safety standards for storm water infrastructure to be implemented to protect public safety.

Development can result in the accumulation of pollutants on the land surface that runoff can mobilize and transport to the receiving waters.  New impervious surfaces and disturbed areas created by development can accumulate a variety of pollutants from the atmosphere, fertilizers, hydrocarbons, pathogens, and nutrients.

In addition to increased pollutant loading, land development can also adversely affect water habitat by altering the water temperature and/or alter the natural food chain.

9.3       Stormwater Discussion

            Alteration of ground surface elevations and changes to the surface materials can dramatically alter the hydrologic cycle of a site and, ultimately, an entire watershed.  In uplands areas with continuous unconsolidated surfaces rainfall and snow melt seep into the soil.  The ground water recharge descends through the spaces between soil particles in the unsaturated zone to the water table at the start of the saturated zone.  The elevation of the water table surface is sloped downhill and eventually emerges at the ground surface as a lake, stream or other surface body.  Soils that conduct water and extend to the surface are called unconfined aquifers.  The water level in the lake or stream is controlled by the elevation of the groundwater within the adjacent ground surface, which holds much more water than the surface of the watercourse.  Surface runoff adds to the stream flow for short periods of time.

The fine soils of the salt marsh have such small distances between soil particles that water does not flow.  Salt marsh is called a confining layer.  At the coastline, the salt marsh covers the edges of the soils containing fresh water aquifer and provides a confining layer that limits the intrusion of salt water into the aquifer.  Over-pumping of wells and/or the loss of recharge draw saltwater into and damage the fresh water aquifer.

Surface aquifers located on islands are largely controlled by the elevation of the Ocean.  A rain event does not change sea level.  The volume of water in the small thin surface aquifer is dwarfed by the volume of water in the Ocean.  The daily tide maintains the groundwater at the shoreline at the elevation of the average high tide.  Any precipitation that or irrigation on the island then mounds the water table.  The groundwater flows towards the closest intersection of the ground surface and the water table.  The placement of permeable soils over the existing soils of low permeability raises the elevation of the water table.  Where development has raised the land surface with permeable soils the raised water table intersects the surface at the edge of the development.  This generally causes flooding of existing lower properties unless the elevation of the groundwater surface is controlled by the installation of a perimeter drainage system.

9.4       Background

The Borough of West Wildwood encompasses 0.34 square miles (220 acres) in Cape May County, New Jersey.  This includes 27 acres of open water and 40 acres of land zoned as conservation.  The 114 acres of the remaining 153 acres are developed.  The 46 acres of undeveloped land area are located within the Wildwood Urban Enterprise Zone.

The municipality occupies portions of a costal island and a Back Bay island.  The entire municipality is located within a Tidal Flood Hazard Area and is contained within a single HUC-14 drainage area within the Great Egg Harbor watershed identified by the United State Geological Service as Watershed No. 02040302.  There are no class one surface waters in or adjacent to the Borough.

There are no wellhead protection areas in or adjacent to the Borough.  The surface aquifer discharges to saltwater and has an estimated volume of 2 million cubic feet which is less than 9 percent of the 23 million cubic feet of annual rainfall.

The ground surface elevation of the developed portions of the island range from 2.9 feet to 8 feet NGVD 1929.  The elevation of the new moon high tide typically reaches an elevation of 3.7 feet NGVD 1929.  The groundwater table for much of the year is therefore at or near the ground surface.  This results in runoff approaching 100% of the precipitation.

 

The definitions contained within the Storm Water Regulations NJAC 7:8 include the following:

“Stormwater” means water resulting from precipitation (including rain and snow) that runs off the land’s surface, is transmitted to the subsurface, or is captured by separate storm sewers or other sewage or drainage facilities or conveyed by snow removal equipment.

“Tidal Flood Hazard Area” means a flood hazard area, which may be influenced by stormwater runoff from inland areas, but is primarily caused by the Atlantic Ocean.

            The major flood events in the recent history of the Borough have not been accompanied by heavy rains.  The floods have been caused by extreme tides associated with high winds.  The storm drainage system is therefore designed for the tidal flood event which is the equivalent of 56 inches of rainfall in a 6-hour period which exceeds the 100-year rain event, by a factor of 9.

9.5       Design and Performance Standards

The Borough will adopt revised design and performance standards for stormwater and tidal flood management that are consistent with the goals of NJAC 7:8-4 as they apply within the tidal flood plan.  Peak capacity of new stormwater structures must provide for the removal of the tidal flood event.  The recharge and runoff quantity standards will be consistent with NJAC 7:8-5.4(a)3iv.  The Stormwater quality standards will be in accordance with NJAC 7:8-5.5.  The design standards will include language for the maintenance of stormwater management measures consistent with the stormwater management rules at NJAC 7:8-5.8.  Maintenance requirements and language for safety standards consistent with NJAC 7:8-6 Safety Standards for Stormwater Management Basins.  The ordinances will be submitted to the county for review within 24 months of the effective date of the Stormwater management rules.

9.6       Plan Consistency

The Borough is not located within a Regional Stormwater Management Planning (RSWMP) Area and no Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) requirements have been developed for waters within the Borough.  If any RSWMPs or TMDLs are developed in the future, this Municipal Stormwater Management Plan will be reviewed for consistency.

The Municipal Stormwater Management Plan will be updated to be consistent with future updates of the Residential Site Improvement Standards (RSIS) as applicable to achieve the goals of the program.

9.7       Developmental Ordinance Revisions

A review of the Land Development Ordinance of the Borough of West Wildwood has identified several areas that may be revised to provide consistency between the Storm Water Regulations and the Residential Site Improvement Standards (RSIS).  The topics are as follows:

• The applicability of the RSIS rules to development will be further defined in the Ordinance,
• The use of permeable parking lot surfaces for overflow parking will be reviewed and revised if deemed appropriate,
• The rules regarding stormwater runoff calculations will be reviewed by the Municipal Engineer for consistency with other regulations and the Borough Flood Mitigation Strategy.
• The development ordinance does not yet include reference to stormwater quality standards,
• The development ordinance does not yet include provisions for stormwater mitigation in lieu of struck compliance.

9.8       Land Use/Build-Out Analysis

The Borough is located within a single HUC-14 and has a total area of 220 Acres (0.34 square miles).  The existing land uses were documented in 2000 for the Wildwood Urban Enterprise Zone Application.  The Re-Development Build-Out of the Borough in accordance with the current zoning regulations would result in a maximum impervious surface area of 122 Areas (0.19 sq miles).  The overall impervious surface of the Borough at total build-out would then be 55% impervious coverage.

9.9       Mitigation Projects

The Borough of West Wildwood has identified several projects directly related to stormwater quantity and quality that could be undertaken as mitigation projects.  These projects include:

• The construction of the missing components of the Arion Avenue Drainage System.  This system has been designed however only those portions for which funding were available have been completed.
• The extension of the Lake Road Drainage System from Maple to Pine Avenue.
• The completion of the Avenue E Drainage system.  This system has been designed however several elements have not yet been constructed pending availability of funds.
• The installation of an oil skimmer on the South Neptune Avenue Drainage system adjacent to the Borough Public Works Facility.
• The reconstruction of the Avenue R Drainage System.
• The construction of a roofed street sweeping drying area at the Borough Yard.
• The video inspection of municipal sanitary sewer mains.  Infiltration into the sanitary system has direct impact upon ground water.
• The video inspection of the municipal and county storm sewer system within the Borough, to verify the absence of illegal connections.

 

Element 10 Consistency with Other Plans

10.1     Wildwood

One of the main objectives of the Wildwood Master Plan is to encourage appropriate and compatible land uses.  Additional objectives include creating lodging units by allowing greater building height for hotels, and to stabilize and protect residential neighborhoods. 

The adjacent zoning districts of Wildwood and West Wildwood are residential. 

Both the objectives and zoning are consistent with West Wildwood’s Master Plan.

10.2     North Wildwood

Several of the objectives of the March 2003 Master Plan Re-examination  Report are similar to the objectives of this West Wildwood Master Plan, including:

·                   preserve and improve the physical character of existing residential neighborhoods with concentration of year around residents;

·          protect concentrations of residential land uses from inappropriate adjacent or nearby land uses;

·         encourage water-dependent and water-oriented land uses from inappropriate adjacent or nearby uses.

The adjacent zoning district is APT/TH-3 Apartment/Townhouse Residential, which is compatible with West Wildwood’s marine commercial zone on 26^th Street.

10.3     Middle Township

Although Middle Township is very different in size, population and character, the Master Plan, adopted August 12, 2003, has similar planning goals and objectives, including:

• Maintain the character and integrity of each community within the Township.
• Protect the quality of the environment such as groundwater resources and wetlands and encourage cooperation with organizations that promote same.

The second goal is especially consistent, as the area of Middle Township that borders West Wildwood is primarily wetlands and water bodies. 

10.4     Cape May County

The Cape May County Comprehensive Plan (last amendment adopted on February 15, 2005) stated several policy goals discussed below.

It is the policy of the County Planning Board that future growth should not exceed the ability to provide adequate water supply. 

Energy conservation is promoted and encouraged by the County Planning Board.

Policies of the Cape May County Planning Board regarding the fishing industry include:  To promote and encourage land use and zoning policies which support the fishing industry;  To aid other County Departments in seeking funding and sources of aid for the County's fishing industry;  To protect the County's fishing industry from economic or environmental harm by supporting or opposing proposed legislation and projects;  In cooperation with the County Extension Service, to gather and disseminate information regarding the County's fishing industry.

Regarding affordable housing, the County plan state the following policy goals for municipalities:  view development ordinances to eliminate excessive cost generating items;  provide incentives or bonus zoning techniques for provision of low and moderate cost housing; seek federal and State funding for housing rehabilitation programs to aid low and moderate income families in meeting housing code requirements; and encourage rehabilitation of older homes having good architectural and structural qualities.

The County report also states “The Planning Board and Planning staff will, whenever capable, provide technical assistance to the County Open Space and Farmland Preservation Program, municipalities, and other entities, including private recreational interests, to help meet and preserve the open space and recreational needs of the County's present and future citizens.”

Regarding the preservation and enhancement of the resort economy, the Cape May County Planning Board adopted the following policies:

• Through the development review process and other existing regulations, promote a sound and wise use of our natural resources, particularly wetlands and coastal areas.
• Recognizing the economic significance of our coastal heritage, encourage and support beach, inlet and bay maintenance and restoration activities at the State and Federal level.
• Preserve and promote Cape May County's agricultural industry and its role in our resort economy.
• Preserve the resort character of our County by promoting sound land use policies that discourage sprawl and encourage the preservation of our farms and open spaces.
• Support and assist, as able, a unified County-wide resort marketing strategy designed to make Cape May County competitive on a national and international scale. 

West Wildwood’s Master Plan is consistent with the Cape May County Comprehensive Plan.

 

10.5     New Jersey State Development and Redevelopment Plan (State Plan), 2001

State Planning Designation:  Coastal Center/ PA5B:  Environmentally Sensitive/Barrier Island – “The State Plan promotes barrier island communities with sustainable economies which are compatible with the natural environment, minimize the risks from natural hazards, and maximize public access to and enjoyment of coastal resources.   Planning for growth should acknowledge the unique character and history of each barrier island community and the ecosystem which molds it.  Public access to the rich variety of experiences which the barrier system offers should be protected and expanded.  Redevelopment opportunities should maintain and enhance community character.”    

West Wildwood, categorized as a PA5B, is primarily a residential community that has an economy based on water dependent uses; in particular, marinas.

The Borough has made major progress in eliminating natural hazards by raising the elevation of the streets, properties and structures.  

All but one of the public recreation areas are on the water, with unobstructed views of the water, exemplifying public access.  All of the new construction that has taken place over the past ten years is in developed areas.

Land Use:  Development should be compact and accommodate mixed-use development in areas with existing infrastructure, maintaining the character, density and function of communities.

Consistent: West Wildwood’s land use patterns are consistent with the State Plan.  New residential development is planned for the vacated railroad tracks, an area that is within the sewer service area.  Mixed use development is permitted in the Town Commercial and Marine Commercial Zones, and mixed use structures are being contemplated to encourage retail that serves the needs of the residents and guests.

Housing:  Provide housing through redevelopment, rehabilitation, new construction and building reuse.

Consistent:  West Wildwood’s housing needs follow the State Plan goals.  Construction permits illustrate that new construction after demolition, and renovations to existing structures are the primary residential development.

Economic Development:  Support coastal industries, recreation, and natural resource-based activities. Conservation walks and wildlife lookouts can also contribute to the local economy by attracting tourists who want to stay in the rental units.

Consistent:  Marinas are West Wildwood’s most predominant commercial establishment. Of nine businesses in the borough, six are marinas. They provide support to the boating industry through boat slip rentals, and boat sales and rentals for fishing, crabbing, recreational boating and water sports. 

There are also many additional opportunities for tourists to enjoy the island and direct water views, including public parks, a playground and beach located on the water. 

Transportation:  Enhance transportation systems linking barrier communities to the mainland.  Accommodate seasonal demands of travel and tourism.   Emphasize use of public transit and alternatives to private cars where appropriate and feasible and maximize circulation and mobility options.

Consistent: Due to the compact nature of the community, walking and biking are viable forms of transportation both within the community and when travelling to adjacent towns.  Wildwood and North Wildwood’s beach and boardwalk are within one mile of West Wildwood.

Coastal Resource Conservation:  Conserve water resources to prevent saltwater intrusion into the ground water supply.  Restrict or limit development and redevelopment adjacent to these sensitive areas.

Consistent:  No significant increase in development is expected that will increase demand on water supply.

Recreation:  Promote local and regional recreation opportunities, encourage tourism, and create meaningful public access along the bay front.

Consistent :  West Wildwood has five (5) active marinas along its waterways.  Four public parks, three of which are waterfront property are an asset to the residents and visitors of the island. 

Redevelopment:  Support redevelopment activity compatible with existing barrier island community character.  Use redevelopment to maintain, expand and link parks and open space.

Consistent:  Vacant land will be encouraged to develop into necessary housing, waterfront commercial development, and low density residential adjacent to environmentally sensitive areas.

Intergovernmental Coordination:  Municipalities sharing the same island are encouraged to establish multi-jurisdictional policy and planning entities to guide and coordinate the efforts of state, county and municipal governments.

Consistent:  West Wildwood shares several services with neighboring municipalities.  Below are the services shared and agency providing service.