WILDWOOD ─ “We think it will work,” Patrick Rosenello said March 14, referring to the Boardwalk Special Improvement District’s (SID) plan to improve tram car function in 2018.
Changes coming to the iconic tram cars are not without reasons, as explained by Rosenello, who answered several rounds of questions March 14.
Resident Ryan Troiano asked Rosenello about the purpose of the SID and its impact on the city.
Rosenello answered as executive director of SID, not as mayor of North Wildwood. Rosenello told the Herald he is a “1099 employee” of the SID.
The tram cars, a “defining icon” of the Wildwood Boardwalk, transport more than 60,000 passengers a year.
According to the 2018 SID report, tram cars operate as “one of the most heavily-used modes of transportation on the Jersey Shore.”
The SID began overseeing the tram cars in 2004. According to Rosenello, the once purely-cash enterprise is 30 percent cash-based.
An initiative of the SID is encouraging passengers to “pre-purchase” fares.
Fare theft has occurred, posing problems not only to the SID but also Wildwood which receives a “cut” of proceeds.
Tracking missing tram car fare is nearly impossible, according to Commissioner Peter Byron, a SID board member.
In 2016, a new tram car joined the fleet, the first of its kind since 1964. Rosenello explained the rise in fare to $3.50 helps “offset” the cost of maintaining and replacing engines and other mechanical failures.
According to the report, some tram cars are nearing 75 years of usage. Tram cars are owned by the SID.
Hours will also be adjusted, allowing passengers to ride for $7 into the evening. The $7 cost applies to new wristbands available for purchase.
When asked if kiosks are an option, Rosenello replied in the affirmative but added that expense prevents purchasing.
Troiano holds to his position that Wildwood “could be getting more” out of the SID and Business Improvement District (BID).
Troiano emphasized Wildwood receives blame for all manner of issues while performing maintenance to the Boardwalk.
“It seems like Wildwood gets a lot of the work,” Troiano said. City employees hang advertisements, repair tram cars, and perform other tasks.
“We (Wildwood) need to know what we are signing onto,” Troiano said.
Mayor Ernie Troiano agreed, promising to give reports on business discussed at the BID meetings. Mayor Troiano sits on the BID board while Byron sits on the SID.
“We need to pay more attention,” the mayor said. “I’ll take the blame for being lackadaisical.” The commission will look for more revenue opportunities.
“I’m going to move forward and do something about it,” Troiano added.
Rosenello also answered questions regarding the structure of the SID as a legal, self-governing entity providing services to the Wildwoods Boardwalk. The SID is managed by a private; non-profit management corporation called the Boardwalk Special Improvement District, Management Corporation (WSID).
In a March 3 interview, Rosenello said the “genius” of these special groups is its public-private partnerships. Improvement districts can be found throughout urban centers around the world and U.S. cities.
The city’s BID focuses on revitalizing and developing the downtown. Collaborative efforts have resulted in the creation of Byrne Plaza. Rosenello announced the BID’s plan to install LED light fixtures from Oak to Schellenger Avenue. Total project cost is approximately $5,000.
After hearing Rosenello’s answers, Ryan Troiano said he is not “for removing anyone” but desires more revenue for the city. He also wished city leaders to more fully understand the decisions made by both improvement districts.
In previous comments, Mayor Troiano assured residents that Rosenello “never sways the board,” and how the BID felt “he knew what needed to be done.”
Though closely associated, the BID and SID are separate organizations. Both work with the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority.
Rosenello is hopeful for a successful season of events at Byrne Plaza and continued improvements to the Boardwalk, including its tram cars.
City commissioners passed both the SID and BID budgets.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.
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