Statement from North Wildwood Mayor Patrick Rosenello regarding Coastal Storm

The following is a statement issued this evening by North Wildwood Mayor Patrick Rosenello, in the aftermath of the coastal storm that affected the island January 22-24...

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The City of North Wildwood and our surrounding communities experienced a stronger than forecast coastal storm during the period of January 22-24, 2016. This storm resulted in tidal flooding that impacted many of our residents and businesses. We will continue to work closely with everyone impacted to assist them in their recovering from this event.

The storm system also caused significant damage to our protective dune system. With the help of our City Employees and numerous volunteers, we were able to get through this event without any significant injuries to our residents or employees.

Too much attention has been given to the discussion about whether or not this storm was as bad as Superstorm Sandy. While locally we did experience tide levels that exceeded the levels reached during Sandy, it is unfair and insensitive to compare damage we received as a result of this storm with the devastation that impacted our neighbors to the north during Sandy.

Throughout this event, I was personally in contact with representatives of the Governor's Office and the State Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). This town did suffer significant beach erosion, and the State has offered any assistance we need to deal with the issues we have following flooding like this.

I want to thank the Governor's Office, the Acting Governor and DEP Commissioner Bob Martin for their support and assistance during this event.

- Patrick Rosenello, Mayor, City of North Wildwood