The coastal storms that hit New Jersey in late 2009 are typical of the storms that occur periodically. It prompts citizens to say they want state, federal or local corrective action to protect their homes. They call for replacement beachfronts, but not dunes because they want their ocean view. That is not really how nature works.

Flooding problems from storms are part of what prompted me to run for public office and serve as mayor of Cape May Point for 16 years, ending in May 2008.

In Cape May Point, action was taken to rectify flooding problems, including rebuilding the beach level, constructing 18-foot dunes, installing a drainage system, installing of beach-saver reefs and installing sub-service gabion basket protective barriers to prevent subsurface washout beneath the beach.

Citizens currently experiencing flooding who demand restored beaches — but without any dunes — need to be educated and organizations such as The Jersey Shore Partnership, the premier advocate in New Jersey for shore protection, should be commended for working to do that.

An ocean view is important, but in Cape May Point we kept our citizens informed and involved each step of the way. They understood that it was a choice between their very temporary view or their homes.

Homeowners relocated their viewing areas in the coastal homes to the second floor porches or decks and now residents say they have the best of both — a protected home and a view.

Malcolm C. Fraser

Former Mayor Cape May Point