WILDWOOD — No beach tags are coming to Wildwood beaches this summer, Mayor Ernie Troiano Jr. told residents and business owners at a crowded Jan. 11 commission meeting.
“So some of you holding your breath can breathe now,” he said.
Troiano said that the reason “beach fees: referendum” was listed under new business on the night’s agenda was to give the three commissioners a chance to consider the issue and the possibility of placing the matter on a ballot.
“My position has always been this situation is a life-changing situation on the island and I believe that the public should have the right to vote on what we do,” he said.
The idea of beach tags was initially discussed by the City Commission last year as a method of helping to pay to maintain the city’s miles of beaches.
“It’s funny how someone said ‘did you ever think of beach fees’ and a firestorm started,” Troiano said.
The subject of beach fees has been controversial on this island, where the three beachfront communities of Wildwood, Wildwood Crest and North Wildwood have remained free. Beach tags bring in millions each year for other area towns, and are required on ocean beaches like Cape May, Avalon,
Wildwood has a marketing campaign which asks potential visitors “Are you free this summer? The Wildwoods are.”
Troiano said that the city was talking with the area’s tourism officials about other ways to generate revenue from the beaches.
Commissioner Pete Byron, head of revenue and finance, said the beach offers potential in many forms such as cabanas and beach bars and all those options are being considered as a way to generate revenue.
“The beach is a huge source of potential for us and for years we didn’t look at it other than just a beach,” Byron said.
“But nothing is going to happen overnight,” he added.
Commissioner Tony Leonetti also said that he was far from making any kind of decision on beach fees.
Leonetti said that he couldn’t say if he was in favor of the measure.
“I can only tell you that we’re not going to move forward on something unless it’s been researched,” he said.
However, Leonetti did add that Wildwood beach tags may be a possibility.
“What if it’s the only answer?” he asked.
Troiano reiterated that the beaches will be free to tourists and residents this summer.
“It’s not like we have the tags printed, hired inspectors and will be chasing people off the beach,” he said.
“I just thought that something this important needs to have the public’s input,” the mayor added.
Resident Sandra Richardson was the only member of the public who spoke out about the possibility of beach fees. She told commissioners that she believed beach fees are a necessity.
