Ice cream coming to Crest, but no screaming for it

Last Updated on Monday, February 11, 2013 05:01 pm Written by Christie Rotondo Monday, February 11, 2013 04:59 pm

WILDWOOD CREST- Crest visitors may be able to purchase ice cream this year without having to leave the beach.

Borough commissioners introduced an ordinance Feb. 6 that would amend the Crest’s current beach regulations to permit the sale of ice cream at concession rental stands. The city’s six stands historically only offered beach umbrellas, chairs, and floats.

The sale of ice cream on its beaches would be a first for the borough, Commissioner Don Cabrera said.

“As we were looking at the beach and the budget, we thought here is an opportunity to add a minimum of $100,000 to $110,000 to our coffers,” Cabrera said. “Why not do it?”

If the ordinance is passed at the next commissioners meeting on Feb. 27, it will allow for the bid process to begin for a two year concession contract for the sale of ice cream.

This contract will be in addition to the sale of water, which Cabrera said was started last year, as well as the beach chair rentals.

He stressed that this contract will be a trial run for the borough.

“If it doesn’t work we won’t be offering it again,” Cabrera said. “If it does, we just created an alternate revenue source.”

The ordinance will create strict guidelines for the ice cream vendors, Cabrera said. There will be no hawking, vendors will have to wear uniforms, and will be asked to pick up trash they see while they sell ice cream.

“There will be tight restrictions,” Cabrera said. “This will be a much more clean, professional, family-friendly image.”

The vendors will sell the ice cream at six set locations and through peddlers walking on the beaches.

Kevin Yecco, borough administrator, said that the solicitor was currently drawing up draft bid documents for potential concessionaires.

Cabrera said that the current ordinance will also set regulations for vehicle access on the Crest’s beaches, and will outline where those vehicles can exit and enter, as well as how to obtain permission to have a vehicle on the beach. Dune maintenance and regulation are also part of the ordinance, he said.

“It’s  a little bit of everything including activities, rules, and regulations,” Cabrera said. “It cleans everything up.”

The public hearing and final vote on the ordinance is set for 7 p.m. Feb. 27 at Borough Hall, 6101 Pacific Ave.

Christie Rotondo can be emailed at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or you can comment on this story at www.wildwood.shorenewstoday.com.