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WILDWOOD – “I understand it’s safety first,” Cindi Sharma said from her home near Philadelphia, Pa., April 24. Owner of a condo on Magnolia Avenue, in Wildwood, and a real-estate agent in Pennsylvania, Sharma is caught up in two waiting games: when will the economy reopen and how long will the rental ban last?
“I’m just trusting that they’re (local government) keeping up with health officials,” Sharma said, explaining her dual position on public health while moving toward reopening. The Wildwoods are under a temporary rental ban through May 7, according to a recent press release.
The ban is part of the state’s attempt to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and Sharma says the measure is “prudent.”
Sharma also praised the “creative” ways that Shore towns are preparing to open, including outdoor seating at restaurants and allowing walking and jogging on local beaches. (For new options on “Alfresco Dining” (https://bit.ly/359gey5)
Technology also allows realtors to show houses virtually, and, according to Sharma, people are still buying houses in PA.
However, in the rental scene, there is “no flexibility,” said Sharma. Hotels and motels are also feeling the punch. Online offerings such as Airbnb fall under the prohibition as well.
Yet Sharma remains hopeful for July and August, albeit modified.
“I think the market will open up nicely,” Sharma said. “People will be eager to get down there (Jersey Shore).”
When the “green light” comes, Sharma said her condo unit will be ready; her unit is designed for year-round usage and will be available in the fall, as well. Proper sanitation will be observed.
How are fellow condo owners responding to the ban?“Most are pretty understanding,” Sharma replied. Although some owners are more affected than others, Sharma said the response has been mainly positive.
Sharma’s three jobs are all affected by the PA lockdown: real estate agent, substitute teacher, and family business owner.
“It’s hard,” Sharma said candidly.
Wildwood’s Mayor Peter Byron shared his perspective as a realtor April 23. Renting and selling homes/condos is a vital artery in Five Mile Island’s economic structure.
“We don’t know how long this will last,” Byron said. The mayor “walks a fine line” as a governmental figure and businessman and is concerned for Wildwood.
For example, rentals house seasonal workers, domestic and international. Byron pointed out how Florida’s season parallels New Jersey’s; small business owners who end the season in Florida (around Easter) make the trek up to the Jersey Shore. If a business owner rents out their property in Wildwood, the ban creates an issue. The mayor described this phenomenon as a “cascade effect.”
“A lot of people are nervous,” Byron said. “They are dependent on that income.”
In spite of economic pressures, Byron believes the summer will not be a complete loss.
“We need to focus on data and health and safety first,” the mayor clarified. “I think the governor (Murphy) has been proactive.”
Byron concluded by expressing hope that Murphy will continue to “make the right decision.”
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.
