Wildwood Crest Building Ordinance

Wildwood Crest wants building boom to continue, but more quietly
By TRUDI GILFILLIAN Staff Writer, (609) 463-6716
Published: Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Updated: Tuesday, March 14, 2006

WILDWOOD CREST — The construction boom will continue in Wildwood Crest, but not on Sundays.

Borough Commission has introduced an ordinance that will allow construction to continue through the summer Mondays through Saturdays. In the past, construction was banned on both Saturdays and Sundays.

“It's more realistic, and there is still one day of rest for the residents,” said Borough Clerk Kevin Yecco.

Demolition and pile driving, however, are still prohibited in the summer, Yecco said.

The changes are part of a series of alterations to the town's construction-site regulations.

Construction will be allowed from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday as well as on designated holidays, Yecco said.

The ordinance also specifies rules for keeping construction sites that require they be kept free of trash and debris. Penalties for violating sections of the ordinance range from $100 to $2,500 per day.

The borough is also moving forward with plans to challenge construction of a residential condominium complex at the site of the Bayview Inn.

Yecco said the commission authorized engineer Ralph Petrella to compile a report on the building plan and its permitting issues.

Borough Commission has also asked solicitor Doreen Corino to come up with a short list of attorneys who could take on the case for the borough as special counsel. The cost of hiring an additional attorney has not been determined.

In addition, the borough is waiting for news on its application to the Cape May County Open Space Board for money to purchase the home of the town's first mayor, Philip Baker.

The home is being sold for about $1.5 million, and the borough hopes to buy it to preserve the Pacific Avenue home.

Commissioner Don Cabrera said the measure was tabled on the board's agenda and he has received no other information on the project's status.

Meanwhile, Yecco said the town is looking for alternative funding sources such as state grants.

To e-mail Trudi Gilfillian at The Press:TGilfillian@pressofac.com