Wildwood Leveraging to Fullest, Commissioners Weigh Development

WILDWOOD ─ “How do you know we are leveraging this to its fullest?” That question, posed by Commissioner Peter Byron, took center stage at the Sept. 28 City Commissioners’ meeting. 
Byron and Mayor Ernie Troiano engaged in a lively debate concerning the potential development of the back-bay area. According to Troiano, a developer has presented plans for developing the land at “no expense to Wildwood.”
“It all sounds fantastic,” Byron said during the discussion. “But why are you (Troiano) selling the city short?”
“This is not something out the blue, Pete. Don’t pretend you don’t know anything about it. I’m moving forward,” Troiano replied.
The afternoon meeting began with an Alcoholic Beverage Control meeting to approve the renewal of pocket licenses for the 2016-2017 “licensing year.” As explained during the Sept. 14 meeting, the local ABC must comply with the state mandate and pass a resolution after state approval.
After presenting the resolutions, a discussion arose regarding a resolution to award “an alternative to a fair and professional services contract to Joseph Baumann. . .to serve as special development counsel.” Baumann of McManimon, Scotland, and Baumann LLC will serve as counsel as the city pursues the redevelopment, according to the resolution.
Byron said his question was “As to why at this time?” Troiano countered, saying, “I have a good plan, it’s a comprehensive plan. I have someone who wants to develop the back bay.”
Byron, who wishes the development to be put out to bid, continued: “I see this as a time for Wildwood to finally be selfish.” Byron’s case also centered on another question: “How do we know we are leveraging this to its fullest?”
According to Troiano, the developer already owns property along Susquehanna Avenue, Montgomery Avenue, and will “tie” the development area together, including the back bay.
Troiano claimed the newly developed area would bring much-needed ratables to the City and is a “win, win” for all involved. “I’m moving forward,” Troiano said.
However, Byron wished to see what other offers and plans would come from other developers bidding on the project. “He’s (developer) bidding against himself,” Byron said.
Byron later added that, due to a lack of competition, the developer should be “upping his offer.”
Commissioner Anthony Leonetti added his comments as well, concurring with Troiano. “It’s the best thing to do. This City needs to move forward.” Leonetti also concurred with Troiano’s statements concerning the developer, describing him as a man “willing to step up to the plate.”
Troiano concluded the discussion by restating “It’s a win-win” and “I think it’s a no-brainer.”
After the engineer’s report, Troiano apologized for his “language.” “The Italian gets me every once in a while,” Troiano explained.
Troiano went on to say that both he and Byron are “passionate about the community.” “I’m not saying if he’s right or wrong,” Troiano clarified and added that all the commissioners are entitled to their opinion.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.