Five Mile Beach Mayors Give Updates

NORTH WILDWOOD – The Adam’s Restaurant, in Montego Bay Resort and Conference Center, buzzed with voices and laughter April 15 at the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce monthly meeting as waiters and waitresses brushed past in a blur of white and black, offsetting the colors and textures of business suits, patterned purses, and ties.
Mayors Patrick Rosenello of North Wildwood, Ernie Troiano of Wildwood, Carl Groon of Wildwood Crest, and Commissioner Peter Byron (who spoke in place of Mayor Christopher Fox of West Wildwood) came as representatives of their individual communities, of citizens who have come from the four corners of the globe, whether in the summer or as fulltime residents.
The guests included the director of Sturdy Savings Bank, Tom Byrne, chairperson, Greater Wildwood Tourism Improvement and Development Authority, Jodie DiEduardo – senior vice president, Crest Savings Bank, Al Brennan, Wildwood Historical Society.
North Wildwood
Rosenello took the podium and gave his report on North Wildwood. He explained how the mayors try to “get together” a couple times a year to discuss various issues affecting the island as a whole.
Rosenello gave an update on the beach replenishment program taking place specifically between Second and Kennedy.
“A very positive project that came out of our joint sessions,” Rosenello described the ongoing matter. Sand, generously given by the City of Wildwood, is being added to rebuild dunes and extend the beach area.
Another upcoming project for North Wildwood is back bay dredging will stretch from Hereford Inlet to the municipal dock. “This is the first time the city has done this in decades,” said Rosenello.
Ninety-eight percent of the bay’s sand is useable beach sand. That sand will be pumped to Second and Kennedy for further environmental health purposes. Rosenello expressed confidence for a stable community.
Wildwood
Troiano presented his vision and hopes for Wildwood. “Wildwood is probably in the best shape it’s been in for years,” Troiano said. With new businesses expressing interest in coming to Wildwood, the city is offering a tax exemption program for the first year. Information concerning this program can be found at City Hall. “If I hear one more person complain about the roads…” Troiano grinned, and then asked for everyone’s continued patience as Park Boulevard is under reconstruction.
Troiano discussed the new police chief and his campaign to make Wildwood safer. “He (the new chief) is taking the city to a new level of safety. We tend to get a lot of undesirables.”
Troiano also announced the Philly Pops concert, scheduled for July 4 in Fox Park; according to him, this summer should prove “extremely successful.” With a possible back bay dredging project (details pending on a potential deal with Ocean City), Troiano ended his speech describing the progress as a “nice package for the city.”
Wildwood Crest
“It’s always great following Troiano,” Groon said, and chuckles broke out across the room. Groon’s report on Wildwood Crest began with an update on the initial plans for finishing Pacific Avenue; however, due to past winter conditions, the project will be completed by next spring.
“This is a great project,” Groon emphasized, pointing out the much-needed updates to sewer and water lines. No tax increases will affect residents of the Crest this year.
Groon also spoke of a “new opportunity to add to Sunset Lake Park.” A popular destination for sunset watching, the park will undergo renovations in the near future.
Work on Washington Avenue, near Crest Memorial School, has also received attention. The new Crest branch of Cape May County Library System may open as early as June, “but probably fall,” Groon clarified. “The whole island has been behind, but we are catching up,” Groon said.
When asked about plans for the present library building, Groon mentioned using the site as a possible historical center, meeting room, and a tourism office.
“We remain strong financially,” Groon concluded and added that Wildwood Crest will become a “better place for tourism.”
West Wildwood
Byron spoke on behalf of Mayor Christopher Fox. A former resident of the borough, Byron filled everyone in concerning the progress being made in the back bay community. “It’s not ‘Wet Wildwood’ anymore!” Byron said amid laughter.
West Wildwood’s application for open space was granted, allowing the borough to construct a better playground and fishing area for residents and guests.
Work on Poplar Avenue, as designated by a recently passed bond, should begin in early June. “The police and public works did a great job this winter,” Byron said, praising the members who shoveled out residents this past winter. With houses raised to avoid flooding, better streets, and various improvements, Byron concluded his statements by saying that West Wildwood is “a great town!”
Other Speakers
Other announcements came from various members in the greater Wildwood community, including DiEduardo presenting “Dolly the Trolley.” The trolley will run from 26th Avenue in downtown Wildwood to Cresse Avenue and make a continuous loop for the benefit of visitors, showing that there are places to eat and shop downtown.
Historic Cold Spring Village is hosting “Feasting on History” at Cape May County Airport May 5. The Wildwood Civic Club is holding a soup-and-sandwich fundraiser at Mulligan’s.
“Got to be Wildwood” festival will commence May 30, featuring family-fun events in Fox Park and a bonfire later in the evening.
The daytime activities are free and tickets for the bonfire event may be purchased. Tracey DuFault urged those present to attend and support the upcoming events.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.