OK Beach Concert; Moreys Mull Suit

CORRECTION: A quote attributed to Mayor Ernie Troiano about a 2015 beach concert was incorrect. He did not mean to classify the event in a derogatory manner.
WILDWOOD ─ Wildwood City Commissioners held a special meeting March 4, to vote and hear concerns on EDM concerts slated for July 8-9. Many residents and members of the business community attended the 3 p.m. meeting, including the Kunkel family of BeachGlow, Concerts for Charity Inc.
Mayor Ernie Troiano opened the floor for comment before the vote; Troiano prefaced by declaring the city’s intention to listen to any question or comment.
Jack Morey of the Morey Organization approached the board and, in a matter of minutes, a discussion ensued. “There’s a lot of tension in our relationship over the past years,” Morey began. “But there is probably more that we agree on.”
Morey openly supports the city in its Rio Grande entrance initiative and bringing a host hotel for the Wildwoods Convention Center. However, Morey continued by saying, “What is really troubling is we (the business community) feel you made a commitment not to do this.”
Troiano replied and assured Morey that the July concerts will include other genres along with the EDM (Electronic Dace Music). “I’m not an EDM guy,” Troiano said frankly, “but what I want doesn’t always happen.” Troiano also said he kept his word to the business community by not allowing a concert during the weekend of July 4.
“To some, an EDM concert is evil,” Troiano said and acknowledged that the 2014 concert was a “disaster.” Troiano brought to Morey’s attention that an EDM concert, held at Convention Hall, inspired no complaints from him: “not a peep of concern,” Troiano stated.
“I asked you about your commitment,” Morey replied. Troiano responded by stating his position had not changed, rather the event itself as the city’s concerns have been met. “Those are your words, not mine,” Morey said, returning to Troiano’s alleged promise not to hold EDM concerts in Wildwood.
Morey maintained his position against the concerts, presenting letters, articles, and personal concerns for possible drug overdoses, other substance abuse, and potential “damage” to Wildwood’s reputation.
The festivals have a “well-made reputation,” Morey said. Although the “shoulder season” would have been preferable, Morey said, “We could simply say no or at a later time.”
Troiano and Commissioner Peter Byron made their positions clear as well: the concerts, scheduled for July 8-9, will be held east of Convention Hall, facing south towards the ocean in order to block the noise from the amusement piers. “What happens will determine if I approve of this in the future,” Troiano said, assuring Morey and residents that police, fire, and other safety officials have been consulted.
Morey and city officials agree on taking action to curb Wildwood’s drug problem and Troiano invited Morey to accompany him by taking a drive around the city during the summer.
“Take a walk around the streets in June,” Troiano said. “Where’s the outrage on that, Jack?” Troiano’s question referred to his explanation of conditions during Senior Week and other summer activities.
Dane Kunkle, founder and chief executive officer of BeachGlow, gave a brief statement about EDM music and the proposed July concerts. “We are moving into more music,” Kunkle said.
Kunkle asked residents and Morey not to “stereotype” BeachGlow or “lump” them with other EDM concerts in the United States and abroad. “We put our heart into it,” Kunkle later said.
BeachGlow gives proceeds from its events to various charities including Red Cross. An admittance age level has been set at 18 and up, and BeachGlow says it has taken steps to avert inappropriate language during the acts.
After public comment, Troiano said, “I have met with the business community; I have talked with the business community. My door is always open.”
Troiano said that although EDM is not “his cup of tea,” he will “give it a chance.” Then the vote was called: Byron and Troiano voted yes while Commissioner Anthony Leonetti voted no.
After commissioners went into executive session, Morey said TMO (The Morey Organization) is “contemplating filing a suit” against the city.
Morey claims that the city, in a letter to Superior Court Judge Nelson Johnson, dated April 17, 2015, stated “there will be no BeachGlow EDM music concert in 2015, 2016 or 2017.”
City Solicitor Mary D’Arcy Bittner pointed out the rest of the quote from the letter that Morey read: “The complaint is still moot.” However, Morey said he wonders “what is really going on?”
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.