Leaders of the Wildwoods Address Chamber

WILDWOOD — On Wednesday, April 14, the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce hosted a “State of the Island” luncheon at which leaders from the four Wildwood communities let chamber members know what was going on in their towns.
In their speeches, mayors and other members of governing bodies focused on road and other infrastructure improvements as well as budget concerns. Some also discussed upcoming events.
The meeting was held at Joey M’s La Piazza Cucina Italiana at Burk and Pacific avenues. So while the mayors gave their addresses, chamber members enjoyed a little taste of Italy.
Wildwood Crest Mayor Carl Groon was the first to speak.
Groon noted the following Crest projects:
• Beach grading to eliminate ponding
• Pavilion project at the Fern Road Park
• Veterans park and kayak launch project at Rosemary Road
Groon noted that Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) funds were utilized in the completion of many Wildwood Crest projects. He wanted everyone to let the governor know that the Wildwoods supported the continuation of the UEZ program.
On a lighter note, Groon thanked North Wildwood Mayor Bill Henfey for all the sand that washed from that city’s beaches during recent storms and wound up on Wildwood Crest beaches.
Groon also noted the borough’s Centennial Celebration and a new book that’s been published to mark the occasion. He thanked the book’s sponsors: the J. Byrne Insurance Agency, Van Note-Harvey Engineers and Crest Savings Bank.
Crest Commissioner Joyce Gould added that the book was filled with historical photos and memories from the past 100 years in Wildwood Crest. She said to look for the book in local shops in May for just $20.
Speaking for North Wildwood, Henfey said to Groon, “You’re welcome for the sand.”
Both comments received laughs from the chamber audience, but Henfey noted that the damage to the beaches in North Wildwood was estimated at $5 million. He said, however, that the federal government recognized the damage and will likely reimburse the city for its repairs up to 75 percent.
Henfey also noted the “very aggressive” street repair program that the city has undertaken this year, particularly on New York, Delaware and Maryland avenues. He said that in the past five years, North Wildwood has refurbished 100 blocks of its 35 miles of roadway.
Henfey also mentioned camera projects on the Boardwalk and at the Bay as well as cooperation from South Jersey Gas in repairing faulty gas lines.
Regarding West Wildwood, Mayor Herbert Frederick also praised the state’s UEZ program, which helped fund the early phases of a $1.2 million project on the railroad bridge there. He said there would be a 75 percent match in funding for that project leaving only 25 percent to be funded by the borough.
Frederick also mentioned bulkhead repairs and street widening at 26th Street as well as resurfacing projects at N and O avenues.
Frederick noted that last year Avalon and West Wildwood were the only communities in Cape May County to reduce their taxes. He said the borough wouldn’t be able to cut taxes this year due to the current economic situation, but would work to maintain the current tax rate.
Similar to the Crest’s Centennial, Frederick noted that this year marks West Wildwood’s 90th birthday. He said the borough would be celebrating with events all year and by repairing and rededicating the bell in its church.
Finally, Commissioner Al Brannen talked about Wildwood.
Brannen focused on Wildwood’s finances and the commissioner’s plan to cut $1.5 million from the budget for local taxpayers. Brannen said the reduction was made possible through some difficult decisions made by commissioners, including:
• Laying off 30 municipal employees
• Privatizing trash collection
• Reorganizing the police and fire departments
• Hiring former Ocean City manager Richard Deaney as City Administrator
He noted that the Boardwalk Phase II improvements were completed and work had begun on the Vietnam Veterans Wall at Fox Park.
“But the credit for these projects should be placed with (former mayor) Ernie Troiano and (commissioner) Bill Davenport,” Brannen said. “They started the projects; we (Mayor Gary DeMarzo, Commissioner Edward Harshaw and Brannen) were just there to cut the ribbons.”
Troiano, whose masonry contracting company is doing much of the work on the Wall, also spoke regarding the project. He said it would be an exact ½ scale model of the Vietnam Veterans Wall in Washington D.C. It will be 240 feet long and made with black ganite.
“We’re looking for financial help in completing this project,” Troiano said. “It will help show our thanks for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.”
Troiano said they would finish the project in time for a grand unveiling May 29 Memorial Day weekend with music and fun. Troiano hopes it will become an annual event.
Chamber representatives closed the luncheon with announcements regarding the following fund raising events:
• The Sensational 60s Weekend on April 23-25 with “The Geator with the Heater” Jerry Blavat, Paul Revere and the Raiders, Gary Puckett and The Grass Roots featuring Rob Grill
• Wildwoods Restaurant Showcase May 12 with mouth-watering dishes, a radio broadcast and Chinese auction at Neil’s Island Pub and Grill.