To the Editor:
I have been following the recent articles regarding the proposed Mahalo Resort project in Wildwood Crest. The “view corridor” issue may seem trivial to some, but I disagree. I believe these view corridors are indeed a very important issue because they impact the overall character and culture of Wildwood Crest.
I would like to share some observations on this topic and why I urge the Wildwood Crest Planning Board not to grant ICONA Resorts the variances they are seeking.
My wife and I live in Wildwood Crest and have been up and down the ocean drive from Atlantic City to Cape May many times over the years. When driving through certain towns (Sea Isle in particular), I have noticed a feeling of being “closed in” that I never feel in the Crest or anywhere on the Five Mile Island.
On one of our drives, it occurred to me that in some towns you cannot see the ocean because the view is obstructed by buildings on the beachfront across each street end. In other words, unlike the Crest where you can stand on Ocean or Atlantic avenues and see clear to the beach, in some towns there are buildings across the street ends blocking your view. It occurred to me that this is what leads to that “closed-in” feeling in some shore towns.
On a recent walk on the Wildwood Crest bike path, we stopped at the Ocean Holiday (the proposed site of the Mahalo Resort) for a good look around. I now fully understand what the fuss is all about.
Many of the existing motels in the Crest are built so that their pool areas, sun decks, and parking lots provide a view “through” their property to the ocean. This is especially important for any properties on the opposite side of Ocean Avenue.
If the Mahalo is permitted to expand its footprint towards Rosemary Road with the additional tower, many other Crest motels will likely follow suit to increase their building footprint and revenue potential. Over time, this will dramatically increase the density of the area, significantly blocking the view corridors and reducing the open feel that Wildwood Crest currently enjoys.
Everyone has their favorite shore town because each town has its own unique character and culture. Let’s not overbuild Wildwood Crest to the point where we lose the things that make it so wonderful.
I urge the Wildwood Crest leadership to hold firm on this issue and not grant the variances sought by ICONA Resorts. The character of the entire town may be at stake.
