Works begins to repair beach erosion at New Jersey shore
NORTH WILDWOOD, N.J. (WPVI) -- Hurricane Jose may have moved on, but the impact left on our area remains.
The storm carved out sand cliffs on beaches up and down the New Jersey shore, including North Wildwood.
Action News was there as workers began to replenish the beach. The system brought rough seas, causing major eroding and minor flooding.
"Living here is kind of scary because you don't know how it is going to affect you. A lot of the local businesses are already struggling with many things against them, and the last thing we need here is bad weather," said Jill Catalda.
At high tide, the angry ocean showed its might, leaping over the sea wall.
"Jose was a perfect example. That hurricane didn't come within 200 miles, and last night we had 15 foot waves crashing into the beach," said Mayor Patrick Rosenello.
At low tide, crews started moving in sand and stabilize the area around a pavilion along JFK Boulevard that was in danger of collapsing.
City leaders say the erosion is part of the beach experience and there is not much that can be done to stop it.
The mayor says moving forward, he hopes to move away from a sand solution, and create a more long-lasting solution, like a seawall.
"We have already met with our municipal engineer, he is already mobilizing some contractors to come in to do some immediate stabilization to the dunes so we don't lose any more of them," said Rosenello.
The mayor says early estimates to repair the erosion damage is $2 million.
He says there is a roughly a two block section of the beach could be closed for about two months.
Visitors and those who live in the area are hoping as the season progresses, Mother Nature will give North Wildwood a break.
"I am hoping that this is the worst of it. We are just all hoping this is the worst of it I am sure. The residents in North Wildwood must be going insane right now," said Donna Fumo of Rio Grande.
"It is part of nature and we have to accept it, but is disheartening for the people who live here," said Anne Stiles of Gloucester City.
And as the cleanup from Jose continues, all eyes are now on Hurricane Maria as it makes its way through the Atlantic.
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