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WILDWOOD CREST – Wildwood Crest Borough Commissioners are expected to consider a measure urging Gov. Phil Murphy to allow for the reopening of swimming pools in the borough.
According to a release, a resolution on the matter is expected to be on the agenda at the next meeting of the Wildwood Crest Board of Commissioners, June 3.
Pools that are part of hotel and motel properties, condominiums and homeowner associations, campgrounds and municipal facilities have remained closed across the state despite guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that pool operators can take measures to promote healthy behaviors and maintain healthy environments and operations in aquatic facilities.
Wildwood Crest Mayor Don Cabrera said he has drafted and submitted guidance for public pool use to the governor’s office more than a month ago, with no response. He does not believe pools should remain closed.
“I see nothing in any executive or administrative order prohibiting pool use, so I don’t understand why pools must remain closed,” Cabrera said. “The state has allowed for county and local government to decide how to proceed on short-term rentals. Pool use is closely tied to short-term rentals, particularly here in Wildwood Crest. Without the ability to use pool facilities, guests may not rent or may ask for partial refunds on their rentals. Condominium owners also cannot currently use their pools.
“Wildwood Crest is a tourism-driven and second home community. Many of our hotels and motels rely on pool use, as an amenity to offer their guests. Business and property owners or, at the very least, county and local governments and not the state, should be permitted to decide on pool use at this time in Wildwood Crest.
“It’s past time to take measures to reopen Cape May County – not only for pools, but also for seating at restaurants; retail establishments; personal care businesses such as barbershops, hair salons and gyms; and more. I would urge the governor’s office to progressively and thoughtfully follow the detailed reopening plan put forth by the County of Cape May, especially since we have seen a downward trend in the number of reported cases of COVID-19, particularly in Cape May County.”
