WILDWOOD ─ Voices buzzed May 10 as island officials, residents, business representatives, and three of four mayors gathered for the “Annual Mayors’ Address” at Duffinetti’s Restaurant.
Hosted by the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce, the meeting focused on maintaining the island’s bond of unity as another summer approaches.
With only a few days until Memorial Day weekend, the communities of Five Mile Beach and their leaders, continue improving the quality of life and amenities for both all.
Wildwood Crest
Mayor Carl Groon of Wildwood Crest opened the address, focusing on infrastructure projects and the municipality’s budget.
“We kept the budget in line,” Groon said, although the borough tax rate will increase by one cent. Groon also thanked Commissioners Joyce Gould and Don Cabrera for their support and service.
In regard to the “endless construction projects,” Groon expects that the repairing of Pacific Avenue will be “ready to finish in the next month or so,” returning the flow of traffic in the borough “back to order.”
According to Groon, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants will pay for 90 percent of the costs for work at Sunset Lake Park. Damages inflicted by Super Storm Sandy in 2012 are still being corrected.
Groon also anticipates word from the state Department of Environmental Protection and Army Corps of Engineers regarding the island-wide dune project.
A bike pathway, pending on the dune line’s location, will also be installed over the next few years, according to Groon.
“We are in pretty good shape,” Groon concluded, “and looking forward to a great summer.”
North Wildwood
Mayor Patrick Rosenello of North Wildwood, whose family relocated there in 1977, thanked the Chamber of Commerce for hosting the luncheon.
“I look forward to this event every year,” Rosenello said. Rosenello said he enjoys the opportunity to “get together with Ernie (Mayor Ernie Troiano) and Carl (Groon)” in a more formal setting.
Rosenello highlighted the city’s extensive infrastructure projects. “North Wildwood is the oldest community on the island,” Rosenello explained. As streets are repaired, original wooden pipes have been discovered as have railroad tracks.
With an emphasis on “quality of life,” both Bill Henfey and Allen parks have undergone improvements, offering recreational space for residents and guests.
Rosennello pointed out how North Wildwood has the “lowest average beach property taxes in New Jersey” – especially with a net gain in overall property values expected for 2017.
Rosenello also cited the installation of E-Z Pass on Ocean Drive bridges in the county and shared that traffic studies indicate a large amount of Parkway traffic is going south into Cape May County; “We are succeeding in Cape May County,” he said.
Wildwood
Local businessman and Wildwood High graduate (Class of 1969), Mayor Ernie Troiano of Wildwood concluded the address. “Welcome to my town,” Troiano began.
Troiano highlighted several projects and changes coming to Wildwood.
An empty lot on Pacific Avenue will soon transform into “Byrne Plaza,” an open-air facility offering to help “kick off” downtown Wildwood.
Troiano expects that space to formally open in mid to late August.
Repairs to the boardwalk are also needed, according to Troiano.
He is seeking to make the boards “smoke-free” in 2018.
Changes to Maxwell Field, including artificial turf and multiple fields, also fill the city’s agenda.
By providing a place for soccer, rugby, lacrosse, and other activities, Troiano expects Maxwell Field to become an “economic engine” as tournaments are held, and teams arrive.
“We’ve become pothole heaven,” Troiano said in regards to recent street repairs. Although Troiano wanted the work completed by Memorial Day, South Jersey Gas continues to “cut” the city.
Another significant project is the back bay development. According to Troiano, attorneys are reviewing paperwork, and the City will “move forward” with providing ratables and a new community.
“Unfortunately, we will have a tax increase,” Troiano concluded. However, Troiano is optimistic for the future and upcoming summer concert series.
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