Motel Owner Quizzes Wildwood Commissioners on Plans

WILDWOOD ─ “Are you (commission) prepared not to have an increase next year?” Bob Ferguson, a local business owner, said Sept. 26.
Ferguson, who owns two motels and a home here, pressed Mayor Ernie Troiano and commissioners for answers regarding the city moving forward and increasing revenue.
Although not a full-time resident, Ferguson said he invested in Wildwood during its “boom-time.”
“I don’t skimp,” Ferguson said, referring to the improvements he has made to his motels. Ferguson wishes to attract the millennial generation to his properties by offering more amenities. According to Ferguson, condos are the future of the hospitality industry.
“People aren’t coming,” Ferguson said. “We (Wildwood) are not known as a family town. I don’t care what you say. Tell me what this board is doing to make my business better.”
Troiano countered by saying other business owners profited from the 2018 summer season. Troiano said that if motels are “eliminated,” then restaurants and other business will suffer.
In regard to the 2018 city budget, Troiano replied that loss of ratables and lack of investment in the community strains the city.
Troiano also added, “I’m glad to have a safe town.”
By enlarging the police department and updating equipment, Troiano and Commissioner Anthony Leonetti said the streets of Wildwood are safer than ever. Crime is down approximately 20 percent and drug dealers are being pushed out of Wildwood.
“The budget is not out of control,” Troiano said.
Ferguson asked Troiano how he plans to “stop the train” in regard to the budget.
“Ratables,” Troiano replied.
Troiano emphasized that Wildwood is a “commercial zone” not strictly residential. By bringing new businesses and attracting tourists to existing ones, the city will benefit as a whole. 
Troiano pointed to how the city hosts events and festivals at great cost, drawing visitors from other island communities.
“We (Wildwood) are not a bedroom community,” Troiano clarified.
In response to Ferguson’s comments on “poverty beside prosperity” in Wildwood, Troiano said the city provides services and those who offer services, for lower-income families and individuals.
During a phone interview, Troiano described the families and individuals as “hard-working” and “great people.”
“We do the best with what we have,” Troiano concluded. Troiano said he would continue seeking solutions to the financial situation.
Ferguson believes the city should sell beach tags, thus eliminating the use of free beaches by “day-trippers.” Troiano replied that the option may be explored.
Commissioner Peter Byron concurred with several of Ferguson’s comments.  Byron said he would put out a request for an independent company to look into the city’s finances and how each department is run. 
Byron acknowledged there is “no quick fix” for Wildwood’s financial woes.
“We simply don’t have the administrative expertise to do this needed study in-house,” Byron said in previous statements.
Byron believes the city needs a “younger persona” instead of building upon the past.
Ferguson said he wishes to form a group of diverse business owners and meet with Troiano. Troiano said he is willing to meet with them and said the city already has an advisory board.
“We’re (commission) listening,” Troiano said.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.