Median Vote Determines Crest’s Future

To the Editor:
For the past 41 years, I have had the privilege to own Leader Printers on New Jersey Avenue in Wildwood Crest and to live on Seaview Avenue with my family after purchasing our home in January of 1988. Over those 41 years as a business owner and later as a resident, I have witnessed the tremendous changes the island has gone through. Changes, not only, for its residents, but also for the vacationers and vacation home buyers who have been fortunate enough to experience our beautiful island by the sea and all that it and the surrounding area offers.
In the summers of the late 70s, sometimes word would go out over the radio stations, “Don’t go to the Wildwoods unless you have a room reserved, as the island is full.” With those boom times and even leaner ones to follow, many business owners diligently continued to reinvest in our community for everyone’s future benefit.
Wildwood Crest voters are faced with a decision Jan. 26 as to whether or not to place medians on a portion of Pacific Avenue while the road and underlying infrastructure is brought up to date. Although I am in favor of those medians, I realize and respect the opinions of some of my friends and neighbors who do not support this proposition. 
In the past few years, we have seen significant improvements in Wildwood Crest, i.e. ocean side parks where empty, dirt lots once sat, improved walking and bike paths, beautified lake front, safer roads by Crest Memorial School, improved waterfront area by our municipal services buildings, upgraded recreational parks, pier allowing handicapped to get near the water’s edge, swimming pool, new library along with other improvements. In the process of these upgrades, infrastructure items were addressed. I shudder to think what Wildwood Crest would be today if those who made those past decisions had not had the insight to move forward progressively.
As with any change, however, some have not been in agreement and sometimes things did not work out perfectly. Even with that said though, we continue to have a jewel by the sea in which to live, work and play! A seaside resort drawing many who visit, revisit and some who purchase homes and second homes due to its charm, beauty, safety, enticement, quality of living, and affordability!
I would simply ask two things of my fellow citizens in Wildwood Crest. Firstly, please vote however you are inclined, but please remember we are also determining what our town will be in the future for our children, grandchildren and all those who may consider whether or not to visit here. Secondly, please remember that our borough is made up of people much like ourselves. Can we please follow the Lord’s guidelines to “encourage one another and build each other up” even in the midst of our differing viewpoints? If necessary, can we agree to politely disagree?
Whatever the outcome of the special question in the voting booth, let’s remember how blessed we are to live in this paradise by the sea and to know and rub shoulders with those around us who also are so fortunate.
God bless you and I’m looking forward to seeing you at a summer ocean-side concert, on the bike path, at the water’s edge, in the library or wherever our paths meet…no matter how you vote!