WILDWOOD ─ “If you have EDM, can we have a guarantee that it will not be north of the Convention Center?” Jack Morey of the Morey Organization asked Mayor Ernie Troiano and commissioners during the Jan. 27 meeting.
Morey presented them with a copy of a letter, originally composed July 30, 2014, from the business community of Wildwood and the greater Wildwood area. With individuals from several organizations, including the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce and Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority, the business community requested “to have a more active role in the decision making process regarding events that are to take place on the island, especially on our beaches.”
Morey asked why the request was “ignored” by the city. Troiano and Commissioner Peter Byron gave affirmative replies of alternative locations for the EDM concerts, should they sign a contract, and also addressed concerns of the business community.
“We will not hurt the town,” said Troiano.
The meeting’s agenda reflected the city desire to bring events to Wildwood in a resolution to authorize a proposal request for “Music Concerts on the Beach.”
A multi-page report from the Wildwood Business Improvement District, Management Corporation was also included in the agenda. In the annual report and budget, “accomplishments” from 2015 were listed with plans for improvement.
Positive advances also came to light on page 5 in regard to Pacific Avenue: “Obviously, there are many vacant properties on Pacific Avenue. Interestingly, however, a review of the occupancy of all the commercial properties in the entire district…finds that the occupancy rate is over 80 percent.”
The Wildwoods Boardwalk Special Improvement District (SID) also submitted a program, stating that “Over time, WSID has saved the residents and property owners of North Wildwood and Wildwood, millions of dollars by shifting the expenses that normally would have been paid by residential taxpayers.”
Ordinances
Three ordinances also came before the board. Amending “Licensing – General (Mercantile License)” chapter 7 was introduced along with amending chapters 11-14 known as “Bulkheads.”
An amendment for “Establishing Zoning fees” was also introduced and will be brought up for second reading at the next scheduled meeting.
Engineer’s Report
“This is the most exciting part,” said Troiano as the time came for the engineer’s report.
According to the engineer, a meeting with Federal Emergency Management Agency took place to discuss the possibility of a grant for the outfall pipes to correct Pacific Avenue flooding.
“This is a big project,” said the engineer.
Sewer work on Spicer Avenue is still in design and the engineer announced that more road work will continue through spring with a “hiatus” during the summer.
A proposal from Remington, Vernick and Walberg Engineers was accepted for bulkheads on Susquehanna Avenue.
Public Comment
Before the board adjourned to go into executive session to deal with four matters of potential litigation, Troiano opened the floor for public comment.
Al Brannan approached and inquired if a “mop festival” could be held in light of recent comments made by Gov. Chris Christie about the recent storm. “I know you are always looking for new ideas,” Brannan said with a smile.
Morey stated his views on the city hosting EDM concerts despite concerns raised by the business community. “I don’t understand why we have these risky events during peak season,” said Morey.
Suggestions for holding EDM concerts during the “shoulder season” were given in the letter dated from 2014. Morey went on to say that if someone should die from a possible drug overdose during such an event, it would cause harm to the city.
When Commissioner Byron asked why he did not object to the Convention Center hosting an EDM concert, Morey replied that the event was more contained and behind “closed doors.”
“I met with members of the business community,” said Troiano.
By holding the concert closer to the ocean, away from Morey’s Pier and the boardwalk, the city believes the event will bring revenue. City Solicitor Mary D’Arcy Bittner concurred by saying that the contract makes provision for two “alternate locations” and those locations are dependent upon the types of music.
Morey then asked, “If you have EDM, can we have a guarantee that it will not be north of the Convention Center?”
Troiano replied “That has been my position since day one.” If a contract is signed, an EDM concert will most likely be held on July 9.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.
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