Mayor: No Tent Cities Under ‘Walk

WILDWOOD – During public comment at the March 11 City Commission meeting, resident Al Brannen made a statement that gave a face to a rising concern in the city.
“I know we talked a few minutes ago,” Brannen began, and he held up a paper containing statements from an article in the March 4 Herald concerning the homeless who dwell in Wildwood. The article, based on homeless advocates’ comments at the Feb. 24 freeholder meeting, reported “tent cities under the boardwalk” and of those who take refuge in the streets.
Brennan did not accuse the City of Wildwood, but rather asked why the city did not challenge the alleged statements and ask the individuals who made them to “show us these areas. I walk on the boardwalk. I drive up and down Pacific Avenue at least twice a day,” Brannan said.
He conceded seeing a man who appeared to be homeless during August 2014. “Everybody wants to save Wildwood,” Brennan continued. “We have our problems, but no more than Cape May or anywhere else.” His advice for those who may criticize Wildwood came directly: “Solve your own problems.” Brennan wished that commissioners would put out a press release to defend the city’s position.
Mayor Ernie Troiano answered Brennan’s questions with a report of his own. Troiano attended the freeholders’ March 10 meeting because of the previous comments; when the time came for public comment, the subject of Code Blue arose.
Testimonies from individuals ranged from being an advocate for the homeless to those who claimed to be from Wildwood, living in homeless conditions.
“They are not from Wildwood,” Troiano declared. He explained the city’s position as not being “mean-spirited. The city will not tolerate people living in substandard housing,” Troiano said.
Troiano said that the city has taken a stand of helping people to the locations they came from originally. The mayor does not want to see people taken advantage of because of their financial or health- related issues.
Homelessness in Wildwood arises from a variety of reasons: some were sent from larger metropolitan areas, some come of their own free will, and others come seeking work.
According to Brannan, Wildwood is a resort location. “We are only open four months a year,” he said. Yet the commissioners and Troiano emphasized the point that there are no tent cities under the boardwalk. Troiano also made mention of various social programs and assistance that the city offers to its residents.
“Wildwood does take care of its own,” Brennan replied. “People in California can read the Herald (online) – we need a press release.”
According to Troiano and other commissioners, a formal statement will be released in the upcoming week. After the meeting, Troiano told the Herald that he believes those who wish to help the homeless have good intentions, but the city maintains its stance on the matter.
Other Matters
Other matters included an extension “to execute a contract for Beach Bar until March 26,” to construction on Park Blvd. In the engineer’s report, 1,800 feet of bad pipeline runs beneath Park Boulevard “Our story is the right one,” both the engineer and Troiano agreed.
The city engineer met with a representative of South Jersey Gas to discuss the issue and reconstruction of the road has already begun. The representative of South Jersey Gas will return later to present his plan. “The bottom line is that we have a volatile problem,” Troiano explained. A 10-inch swath will be cut down the middle of Park and reconstruction will proceed from there. “We aren’t happy about it either,” Troiano said, but stressed the importance of the project for everyone’s safety.
Safety Reward
A moment of levity came in the form of an announcement: the Atlantic County Municipal Joint Insurance Fund has awarded $1,750 to Wildwood “as a result of your outstanding performance in the 2014 ACMJIF Safety Incentive Program.” The program sought to promote a safety attitude, change behaviors for a safer work environment, and other causes.
A letter from ACMJIF stated, “We would also like to extend our congratulations to your fund commissioner, Chris H. Wood, your safety coordinator, Daniel Dunn, your claims coordinator, Hope Pinto, and all your employees who played an important role in achieving these results.”
Commissioners also authorized an amendment to their contract with Fox Rothschild, LLP, in regards to the Point Break lawsuit, $40,000 was the increased amount, but cannot exceed $50,000, according to availability of funds certification. The new amount does not exceed the balance available according to the 2015 municipal budget as set forth by the city.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.