Seaport Pier Gets OK from Planners

NORTH WILDWOOD ─  Called the “most significant” commercial endeavor in decades, BG Capital’s site plan for the Seaport Pier Redevelopment got a green light Nov. 9.
The North Wildwood Planning Board held a special hearing, offering team members of BG Capital an opportunity to present its site plan and forum for public comment.
A vacant space of wood and concrete will be a Boardwalk pier that will feature a restaurant, bar, and swimming pool.
It will provide unique dining and entertainment options according to team members. Mayor Patrick Rosenello approved BG’s vision and told the Herald the pier would be “unique along the East Coast.”
In previous comments, project manager Joseph Byrne said the “overall concept…is to create a regional and tourist entertainment venue.”
With a swim club, restaurant, upscale coffee bar, and bike parking, Seaport Pier is designed to “elongate” the tourist season. Byrne presented the first public visuals Oct. 4 at a City Council meeting.
Byrne, along with architect Peter Porretta and engineer Dante Guzzi, gave testimony to Planning Board members of the need and validity of the project.
Board members focused questions on the site plan since all legal terms have been agreed to by mayor and council. However, board members added that “conditions” could be part of BG’s approval, if “deemed reasonable.”
Concerns for traffic flow around the pier solicited responses from Byrne. The access road at 15th Avenue will accommodate large deliveries while the ramp at 22nd Avenue will be used for “smaller deliveries,” such as vegetables. Hand-trucks will be used on the 22nd Avenue ramp.
Potential emergencies, notably fires, garnered questions from members. How can two ramps accommodate 675 patrons in an emergency situation?
Porretta pointed out the proposed ramps included in the plans. BG Capital agreed to include a ramp at the south end of the pier. All other ramps will allow entrance and exit, including to the beach. Americans with Disabilities Act access is included.
Guzzi assured, “We (BG Capital) want to accommodate everyone.” Deliveries will not conflict with Boardwalk patrons, and pier employees will park either in already existing lots or along the street. Parking under the pier is not an option, according to Guzzi.
Though the pier stands, an expansion will be built to house the 40 by 40-foot pool area.
A police substation would be housed in the existing portion. Heating, ventilation and air conditioning and all mechanics will be hidden from view; pool machinery will also be enclosed.
City Engineer Ralph Petrella agreed to “review” BG’s lighting scheme before submission to the Construction Office.
A board member voiced concerns about the board not being involved in the “post-approval process” and seeing the same plan executed as approved.
Attorney Anthony Monzo then recommended Byrne come as “a courtesy” to receive any comments members may have. All lighting and signage will be in the final plans.
“Anything happening off the Pier would fall under special events,” said Rosenello, addressing concerns for noise levels.
Any entity must submit a request for a special event (i.e., concerts, etc.) permit and will be reviewed by police and fire officials and council.
Regardless of location, all amplified music must end by 10 p.m. Alcohol service must cease at 1 a.m. Police Chief Matthew Gallagher concurred with Rosenello, citing existing ordinances.
“What have we accomplished if we have no beach?” said one resident.
President of a local homeowners association, the resident believes having a bar is “not in the best interest of North Wildwood. Alleging “smoke and mirrors,” the resident claims property values may be impacted due to the loss of 1,000 square feet of beach.
Rosenello replied that each event would take place in a designated area, based on special events procedure. No special events have been approved by council.
Monzo assured residents, who asked regarding trash and possible odors, that daily pick-ups would occur and all dumpsters would have proper lids.
When asked what audience is targeted for the pool, Byrne replied he wishes the club to remain “semi-private” by selling seasonal passes for families who live nearby or rent during summer months.
Daily passes would be considered after seasonal ones are sold.
Byrne emphasized that day-trippers will not be excluded.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.