Developers Wanted

North Wildwood hopes to attract developers to pier
By TRUDI GILFILLIAN Staff Writer, (609) 463-6716
Press of Atlantic City
Published: Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Updated: Tuesday, July 11, 2006

NORTH WILDWOOD — The Boardwalk is abuzz with the sounds of screaming roller-coaster riders and the sweet smell of funnel cakes, but the scene is a little different at Seaport Pier.

The municipally-owned pier, between 21st and 23rd avenues, is quiet except for occasional activity at the information center and police substation up front.

But in less than a month, the city should have plenty of ideas about how the dormant pier can be revived.

City Council approved a redevelopment plan for the pier, and municipal planner Stuart Wiser said at least 85 requests for qualifications and proposals have been sent to potential developers.

In addition, the city placed advertisements in major newspapers including the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times asking for potential developers. Those ads also led to several calls.

Next, the city hopes interested developers will come back, by the Aug. 4 deadline, with plans to turn the pier into a quality retail, dining and/or entertainment complex.

Mayor Bill Henfey said he is optimistic the wooden pier can become a destination that will bring excitement to the Boardwalk.

Henfey said the city had already received calls from people wanting to go up on the pier and take a look at the site, and on Monday a developer spoke to him about options for the pier.

While the city asked for dining, retail and entertainment operations of some sort, Henfey said the city welcomes something beyond the ordinary.

“I'm hoping to get surprised with something we haven't even thought about,” Henfey said. “A fresh idea.”

Henfey recalled his childhood days when the pier was made for fishing. At one time, a restaurant was at the center of the pier and fisherman could travel farther up to cast their lines.

Resident and local historian Robert J. Scully recalled building stores across from the fishing pier in the 1970s and said the pier can trace its roots to the 1920s.

Today, water no longer runs under the pier, but the city is still doing a little fishing.

“We tried to cast a wide net,” Wiser said, noting that local, national and international developers have been invited to redevelop the pier.

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