Crest Considers Future Plans

WILDWOOD CREST ─  “This is the resurrection of New Jersey Avenue,” Mayor Don Cabrera said May 10, as borough leaders, county officials, members of the business community, and residents met for a special presentation by Roger Brooks. 
Brooks, renowned author and chief executive officer of Destination Development, Inc., spent several days in the Wildwoods, giving ideas for revitalizing Wildwood’s downtown district, and urging island municipalities to work together.
According to Cabrera, the “downtown” area of the Crest will be from Cresse Avenue to Wisteria Road, designating a commercial district that will coincide with the county’s plan to reconstruct New Jersey Avenue.
County Engineer Dale Foster said preliminary planning is underway, yet the project is three years out from construction.
“Now is the time to take a look at what we (borough) can do now,” Cabrera said. Commissioners Joyce Gould and David Thompson concurred with Cabrera.
“This group (commission) can’t do it alone,” Thompson said.
Gould added, “You (residents) have your ideas. Tell us what you think.”
Brooks said he was “impressed” with the Wildwoods, collectively and individually.
“I don’t say that everywhere I go,” Brooks added.
One idea involves the former library. By offering public restrooms, the site could also house small vendors, such as a juice or coffee bar, and even a small museum. Semi-permanent additions could allow the library to become a small market, offering food and other specialty items.
“This is for your locals,” Brooks said. “Visitors will follow.”
Beautifications such as benches, perpendicular “blade” signs, and flowers will lend an intimate and welcoming setting for pedestrians. Market parking areas and signage will increase interest and provide instruction.
According to Brooks, 70 percent of first-time sales come from curb appeal. Brooks stressed that beautifications do not have to be expensive.
“Let the world know you’re open more than four months a year,” Brooks admonished.
Brooks said he envisions the Wildwoods attracting a demographic that will participate in beach/boardwalk activities and also take advantage of more “high-end” opportunities in Stone Harbor and Avalon.
“It doesn’t mean we’re elitist,” Brooks said. With multi-generational visitors, young adults with children will enjoy the boardwalk while Baby-Boomer parents enjoy the slower pace of the Crest.
“You (municipalities) can have differentials,” Brooks said. The Wildwoods can market themselves as one while retaining their identities.
Providing outdoor entertainment from musicians to working artisans will attract beach-goers after six in the evening. Brooks suggested structuring lease agreements that include defined hours and days of operation. Different kinds of boutiques and dining will offer locals a gathering place after work, as well as tourists.
After Brooks’ presentation, several residents asked where the Crest “goes from here.”
Cabrera said the borough “must buy into a vision” as the Planning and Zoning Board reviews a plan for New Jersey Ave. Future public meetings will allow residents to ask questions and understand the plan.
A timeline for 2019 – 2020 will be worked upon, along with funding options.
According to Foster, the county road project is approximately $6 – $8 million.
In a May 11 statement to the Herald, Cabrera said, “Roger Brooks’ presentation really opened my eyes on the things our island needs to address in creating a vibrant tourism market while also helping to identify Wildwood Crest’s role in that effort.
“Our next steps will be to create short-term and long-term plans to start that work while keeping our community engaged and informed in that process. There are things we can do now with the ultimate goal to be ready for a major change when the county reconstructs New Jersey Ave.
“We must all work toward and buy into a vision that grasps current times and addresses the future. If locals will go there so will our vacationers and second homeowners. Open minds will open these doors and help create jobs and stabilize our tax base even more.”
Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce President Tracy DuFault told the Herald that the chamber is “elated” with the progress made thus far and how “the towns are coming together.”
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.