Table 7

Number of Persons Enrolled in Educational Facilities

West Wildwood, Cape May County, New Jersey

Source:  U.S. Census Bureau, Profile of Selected Social Characteristics:  2000, West Wildwood Borough.

The highest percentage of the population in school was enrolled in elementary school – grades Kindergarten through 8. Over one-half (55.7%) of the school-aged residents were enrolled in school were in kindergarten through 8^th Grade.  Almost one-quarter (21.5%) of the other school-aged population was enrolled in grades 9 through 12 and slightly over sixteen percent (16.5%) of the school-aged population was enrolled in college or graduate school.

Source:  U.S. Census Bureau, Profile of Selected Social Characteristics:  2000, West Wildwood Borough.

Figure 5“Educational Attainment in Population 25 Years or Older,” depicts the level of school completed by the adult residents of the Borough.  As noted in this figure, sixty-nine percent (69%) of the population has completed high school and/or continued on toward post-secondary schooling.  Approximately five percent (5.2%) of the Township’s residents have completed a Bachelor’s or Graduate degree.

Source:  U.S. Census Bureau, Profile of Selected Social Characteristics:  2000, West Wildwood Borough.

Employment:

It is estimated that there are 234 employed persons in West Wildwood.  This is approximately sixty-two percent (62.1%) of the Borough’s population.

The Borough recognizes the regional economy of the casino industry in Atlantic City.  The mean travel time to work in 2000 is 25.3 minutes.  Atlantic City falls outside this commuting range.  As noted in Figure 6“Occupation by Percent,” roughly one-quarter (22.8%) of the jobs held by the residents in the Borough are in the service industry.  The largest sector of employment in the Borough is in Sales and Office Occupations.  This sector accounts for over one-third (35.4%) of the employed population in the Borough.  The smallest sector of employment within the Township is in the Farming, Forestry and Fishing industries.

Source:  U.S. Census Bureau, Profile of Selected Economic Characteristics:  2000, West Wildwood Borough.

Over three-quarters (76.2%) of West Wildwood’s workforce population was employed in the private industry in 2000.  Roughly twenty-two percent (22.8%) of the Borough’s workforce was employed by a governmental agency and approximately one percent (1%) of the workforce was self-employed.

Income:

The 2000 median household income of West Wildwood was $33,393.  This is lower than the County’s 2000 median household income at $41,591.  The median income for a family in West Wildwood in 2000 was $50,625.

In 2000, the Borough’s percentage of all individuals below the poverty level was approximately six percent (6.5%), which is less than the County average of eight percent (8.6%).  For persons over 18 years of age, the statistics for individuals below the poverty level is less than five percent (4.9%) for West Wildwood, and less than eight percent (7.9%) for the County.

Economically, statistics show that the poverty rate in West Wildwood is substantially lower than other Cape May County municipalities.  The poverty rates for individuals over the age of 18 in 2000 for other municipalities range from less than two percent (1.7%) in Dennis Township to over twenty-six percent (26.4%) in Wildwood.

3.2       Analysis of Existing Housing Stock

According to the 2000 Census West Wildwood had 776 dwelling units. The 1990 Census indicates that West Wildwood had 774 dwelling units.  This is a total or net increase of two (2) dwelling units or roughly three-tenths of a percent (0.3%).

Even though there was only a net increase of two (2) dwelling units in the Borough, there were 43 building permits for new residential structures issued between 1990 and 2000.  This indicates that there were a substantial number of demolitions during this same period.

Table 8 “Number of Housing Units 1990 and 2000,” shows the number of housing units in West Wildwood, Cape May County and the State of New Jersey.  Cape May County increased the number of housing units by approximately six percent (6.4%) during this same period.  New Jersey’s increase in housing was less than one percent (0.7%).

Table 8

Number of Housing Units 1990 and 2000

West Wildwood, Cape May County, and State of New Jersey

Source:  http://www.wnjpin.state.nj.us/OneStopCareerCenter/LaborMarketInformation.

Table 9, “Building Permits Issued From 1990 Through 2007,” Figure 8,“Building Permits Issued From 1990 Through 2007, West Wildwood, Cape May County,” and Figure 9, “Building Permits Issued From 1990 Through 2007 Cape May County, New Jersey” depict the number of new residential dwelling units and single family houses that were constructed between 1990 and 2007 for West Wildwood, Cape May County and the State.

Table 9

Building Permits Issued From 1990 Through 2007

West Wildwood, Cape May County, and State of New Jersey

Source:  http://www.wnjpin.state.nj.us/OneStopCareerCenter/LaborMarketInformation.

Approximately ninety-two percent (92.2%) of the housing constructed in West Wildwood during this period was single-family dwellings.  This is significantly higher than the County average of fifty-seven percent (57.8%) and slightly higher than the State average of seventy-three percent (73.0%) during this same period.

 Source:  http://www.wnjpin.state.nj.us/OneStopCareerCenter/LaborMarketInformation.

Source:  http://www.wnjpin.state.nj.us/OneStopCareerCenter/LaborMarketInformation

West Wildwood has a rich history and contains several older homes.  The median year that the housing units in the Borough were constructed was 1963.  Table 10 and Figure 10, both entitled “Age of Housing,” show the age and number / percent of housing, respectively.  As noted in these figures, almost one-half (43%) of the dwelling units were constructed between 1940 and 1959.  Seventeen percent (17%) of the dwelling units were constructed between 1960 and 1969.

Table 10

Age of Housing

West Wildwood, Cape May County, State of New Jersey

Source: http://www.wnjpin.state.nj.us/OneStopCareerCenter/LaborMarketInformation.

Source:  U.S. Census Bureau, Profile of Selected Social Characteristics:  2000, West Wildwood Borough.

Figure 11 "Value of Housing," depicts the value of housing in the West Wildwood by general groups of value.  Over one-half of the housing (54%) in the Borough is valued between $50,000.00 and $99,000.00.  The second price group of housing that contains the most homes is the $100,000.00 to $149,000.00 range.  Housing in the Borough is considered very affordable in today's market.  The median value of housing in West Wildwood is $87,600.00

Source:  U.S. Census Bureau, Profile of Selected Social Characteristics:  2000, West Wildwood Borough.

Over half of the Borough’s residents expend an average of over thirty-five percent (35%) of their selected monthly owner costs as a percentage of their 2000 household income.  Table 11 "Selected Owner-Occupied Housing Costs as a Percent of Monthly Income (2000)," depicts this information.

Table 11- Selected Owner-Occupied Housing Costs as a Percent of Monthly Income (2000)

West Wildwood, Cape May County, New Jersey

Source:  U.S. Census Bureau, Profile of Selected Social Characteristics:  2000, West Wildwood Borough.

Residents that rent their dwellings in New Jersey pay some of the highest monthly rental rates in the nation.  Table 12 – "Value of Rents (2000)," depicts the values of units that were rented in 2000. As noted in this table, approximately slightly over one-third (37.3%) of the rental units were rented at a value of less than $750.00 per month.  The median value of rent for all of the rental units in the Borough in 2000 was $765.00.  Roughly sixty percent (60.5%) of the residents paid less than twenty-nine percent (29%) of their gross rent as a percentage of their household income in 2000.

Table 12

Value of Rents (2000)

West Wildwood, Cape May County, New Jersey

Source:  U.S. Census Bureau, Profile of Selected Social Characteristics:  2000, West Wildwood Borough.

Figure 12 – "Owner Occupied, Renter Occupied and Seasonal/Vacant Housing Units," shows that over sixty-eight percent (68%) of the homes are seasonally occupied.  Nearly one-quarter (26%) of the housing is occupied by permanent or year round residents.  Only six percent (6%) of the homes located in the Borough are rented.

Source:  U.S. Census Bureau, Profile of Selected Social Characteristics:  2000, West Wildwood Borough.

The 2000 Census indicates that there are no dwellings without complete kitchen facilities, plumbing facilities, or telephone service.

Overall, the existing housing patterns in the Borough indicate that West Wildwood is a very established and stable community with a variety of housing types.  Housing value within the community is reasonably priced and considered "affordable" to the average family. 

Element 4 Economic Development

West Wildwood’s primary economic engine is the marine industry.  There are several marinas operating along the southern and southeastern waterways.  Nearly all of the residences along the waterways have boat slips as well, utilizing the Borough’s marinas for supplies and service.  In addition to the marinas, there are three additional businesses in town.  The chart below provides information on every commercial property in West Wildwood.

Considering there are 281 parcels in the Town Commercial and Marine Commercial zoning districts, there exists many opportunities for non-residential development that can serve the needs of residents and provide a greater diversity of land uses.     Currently, there are nine (9) commercial establishments in the Borough of West Wildwood, discussed below.

1.  B & E Marina, 626 W. 26^th Street, provides boat sales, rentals and service, and provides approximately 70 boat slips for rent.  The marina operates year around, with eight (8) employees.

2.  Bridgeport Family Marina, LLC, 227 Avenue R offers boat service, has bait and tackle supplies, and 76 boat slips.  The marina operates nine (9) months per year with two (2) employees.

3.  C Marina, 221 P Avenue, provides boat slip rentals.

4.  Del-Star Marina, 226 Avenue Q.

5.  Gallo’s Marina, 110 Lake Road, provides boat service, and offers 25 boat slips for rent.  It operates six (6) months seasonally with two (2) employees.

6.  Spray Dock Marina, 16 Lake Road, offers boat sales and service, 25 boat slips, and operates year around.  There are four to five (4-5) year around employees, plus one to two (1-2) seasonal.

7.  Lord’s Liquor Store, 654 W. Glenwood Avenue, also sells limited convenience items.  The store is a year around operation that is owner-operated.

8.  West Side Saloon, 770 W. Glenwood Avenue, is a seasonal bar.

9.  Bedrock Golf, 525 W. Glenwood, is a seasonal miniature golf course.

Of the nine businesses, four (4) are operated nine (9) months to twelve (12) months per year.  The remaining businesses are primarily open during the summer season.  Sixteen year around and approximately ten (10) seasonal jobs are provided by these businesses.  (Source:  property tax records and business owners.)

4.1 Urban Enterprise Zone 

The four municipalities of the Wildwoods have been a designated Urban Enterprise Zone since 2002.  The New Jersey Urban Enterprise Zone Program was created to stimulate economic growth and job creation.  Businesses that participate in the program may include incentives such as sales tax exemptions, corporate tax benefits, and unemployment insurance rebates. 

Participating retail establishments charge half of the current sales tax for purchases.  That sales tax collected is deposited in a Zone Assistance Fund to which West Wildwood may apply for funding for projects.

Regarding West Wildwood’s participation in the UEZ program:

·   The Wildwood’s UEZ Board has two (2) West Wildwood board members.

·   As of February 29, 2008, West Wildwood has collected $445,299.76.

·   $195,362.52 from the UEZ fund has been spent on West Wildwood projects. Projects include: 26^th Street bulkhead project, American Family Festival (three years), and a three-year Police project. Currently, UEZ funds are being allocated to purchase a fire truck.

·   The 3 businesses in the program are: B&E Marine, Spray Dock, and Bridgeport Marina.

·   The program has created three (3) full-time jobs, and two (2) part-time jobs.

Source:  City of Wildwood website, and UEZ Director.

4.2    Economic Development Goals

·   Goal:  Increase the community’s ability to plan, coordinate and implement economic development initiatives.  Objectives include adopting a strategic economic plan.

·   Goal:  Encourage a variety of commercial uses within the community that will diversity its economy.  Objectives include review zoning districts to include adequate commercial zones.

·   Goal:  Create an environment that is supportive of local businesses.

Element 5 Historical Background

(From the “Borough of West Wildwood 50^th Anniversary”, 1970)

The importance of the founding and growth of West Wildwood in the early years of the 20th century can be credited to Warren D. Hann.  In 1897, Warren came to Wildwood and became a stock holder and superintendent of the Wildwood and Delaware Bay Short Line Railroad. Mr. and Mrs. Hann were living at the Royal Inn in Wildwood when Warren realized the possibility of the development of land immediately west of Five Mile Beach, separated by an inlet. In 1899, he purchased the tract of marshland that became known as West Wildwood.

In 1909, the Wildwood Extension Realty Company suggested building a bridge over Sunset Lake, formerly called Post Creek.  In 1910, a proposal was made to have a railroad track over the marshland that is now West Wildwood.  The Wildwood and Delaware Bay Short Line Railroad connected with the Reading Lines at Wildwood Junction and W.D. Hann and E. G. Slaughter raised the capital in 1912 to run three miles of track.

In 1915, a Sample Cottage was erected on the property known today as 640 Glenwood Avenue. This property was eventually purchased by Louis Riedenauer, a former Borough Assessor.  Mr. Godwin and Mr. Whitely of Philadelphia each purchased a bungalow in 1916 where the present homes located at 705 and 701 Poplar Avenue now stand.

On April 7, 1916, carloads of building material came in on the Reading Railroad for the building operations at West Wildwood. A Casino building was erected at the end of the Island. The second floor of the Casino housed the office of the W.D. Hann Company. The first floor was used for card parties and dances, and in time, became the “Mecca” of the island.

Mr. Robert Horst purchased his first home at 703 Poplar Avenue on July 4, 1917 for $1,000.  The land sold for $500 and the bungalow sold for $500. A deposit of $15 was required and delivery was promised in a week. At this time only the shell was erected and three (3) years later Mr. Horst had the interior completed. This bungalow was destroyed by the 1962 storm and Mr. Horst immediately rebuilt in the same spot.

At that time there were no streets, pavements, gas or electric. Fill was being pumped onto the island thus forming the Wildwood Canal. This canal was used by Ben Hann to deliver ice by rowboat to accommodate the home owners.

Early zoning included a dividing line for building restrictions on what is known today as Neptune Avenue. From the Northwest side of Neptune Avenue to the Bay, bungalows only were permitted. From the Southeast side of Neptune Avenue to the present Venice Avenue, cottages only were permitted. Only twenty (20) foot lots could be purchased and the regulation size of the building could not exceed seventeen (17) feet.

By January 12, 1917 twenty-two (22) bungalows had been constructed and preparations were being made to erect fifty-two (52) more by the Hann Brothers.  At this time our country entered World War I and restrictions on shipping freight slowed the building progress.

By April 5, 1918 sixty (60) bungalows had been constructed and plans were being made to build forty-five (45) more by the end of the year. Owing to war conditions of the railroads, it became necessary for the West Wildwood Realty company to charter a boat to transport lumber and other necessary material.

On April 20, 1920 West Wildwood became the “newest” Borough in the “oldest” County in New Jersey. This incorporation was made possible by an Act of the Legislature, carving it out of Middle Township.

The first election was held in the Casino Building on Tuesday, August 3, 1920. Of one hundred four (104) names on the registry list, forty-three (43) votes were cast. Warren D. Hann was elected Mayor, Councilmen elected were Samuel Donaldson, Effenger Kline, Eugene Lennon, Samuel McCoy, Howard Smith and Isaac Weaver.  Treasurer was Harold Skirving; Assessor, J. Lowis Bachofer, and George Roth was Justice of the Peace. Borough Council elected to hold meetings in the Casino.

Mail service started in 1921 and in June of that year, phone lines entered the borough and a franchise was given for a bus line.  A building boom was taking place, $175,000, in new buildings were erected from October 1921 to October 1922.

On July 4, 1921, before a large summer crowd, the fire company (organized in 1920), demonstrated their new chemical and pumping engine. This engine was capable of pumping three streams from the canal or lake with sufficient hose to reach across the town.

Thirty (30) families stayed in West Wildwood for the winter of 1921 and fifteen (15) children were transported to the Wildwood Public Schools.

On August 3, 1929, the new Fire House was dedicated in West Wildwood. The new building, constructed entirely of brick at a cost of $15,000, was to be used as a community center. The first floor was to house the fire apparatus. The second floor was used as a community center with a room as a council chamber for the Borough. In addition, facilities for the police department and cells for prisoners were provided. A fully equipped kitchen was in the new building. Funds for the new hall were raised by the community.

From 1930, the year around population continued to grow, with a leveling off over the past twenty years.  In 1978, there were less than 300 permanent residents; currently there are roughly 450.

Borough Hall maintains photo albums and other documentation of West Wildwood history available to the public.

Element 6 Recreation and Open Space

Inventory

6.1       Existing Recreational Facilities

There are several existing recreational facilities that serve the residents and visitors of the Borough totaling just over half an acre of land.  All but one facility provides direct public access to water views and/or water based recreation.  The facilities are well-maintained and safe.  With the exception of the park across the street from Borough Hall, which is owned by Cape May County, and a few public access right-of-ways, all recreational facilities are owned by the Borough. 

A beach and playground consisting of .33 acre are located at 791-795 W. Glenwood, and provides the public with unobstructed water views.

A park and gazebo is located at 651 W. Glenwood.  Next to the park is a basketball court on Neptune Avenue.

On Lake Road at the southern tip of the island is a park with benches and unobstructed water views.

6.2       Recreation Goals

Goal:  Pursue opportunities for new recreational facilities.

Objective:  As development takes place in the area adjacent to North Drive, there exists opportunities to create walking paths/wildlife look-outs along and through the Conservation District areas.  Pursue State Green Acres funding, and research other funding souces.

Objective:        Pursue locating and developing a multi-use athletic field.

Objective:        Maintain and enhance existing recreational facilities.

Element 7 Recycling

The New Jersey Mandatory Source Separation and Recycling Act establishes a goal of fifty (50%) percent reduction of municipal solid waste and a sixty (60%) percent reduction of all solid waste through source separation and recycling.  The Cape May County Solid Waste Management Plan was updated in December 2006 and sets forth designated recyclables within the County.  In order to comply with State goals, each municipality is required to update the recycling element in its municipal master plan after adoption of a new recycling ordinance.

West Wildwood is committed to meeting the State’s mandated recycling goals.  Recycling will reduce the municipality’s expense of solid waste disposal, conserve energy and valuable resources, extend the life of the Cape May County landfill, and has the potential to produce revenues from the sale of recyclable.  In January 2008, the Borough adopted a new recycling ordinance in order to expand the list of Designated Recyclable Materials, consistent with the County Plan update.

Designated Recyclable Materials collected curbsides by the municipality (Category 1) include:

•       Paper products

•       Glass, metal and plastic (1 or 2) food and beverage containers

•      Plastic bottles and jugs;

•      Christmas trees, leaves, grass.

Fifteen other categories of Designated Recyclable Materials (Category 2) are to be recycled by the individual generator through drop-off programs offered by the Cape May County Municipal Utilities Authority (MUA).  These include:  all vegetative material; metals; electronic waste;  motor, kerosene, and heating oil;  wood pallets and crates;  batteries;  propane tanks;  contaminated soil;  commercial cooking grease;  asphalt and concrete;  auto and truck bodies;  tires;  used oil filters;  anti-freeze;  rechargeable and lead acid batteries.

The Category 1 recyclables are taken by the municipality (contract) to the Cape May County Municipal Utilities Authority’s Recycling Center, where they are separated and marketed to end users.  If the value of the recyclables is greater than the MUA’s cost to process and market, West Wildwood receives a rebate check from the MUA.

It is mandatory for all residents, owners of commercial establishments as well as public entities within the Borough to separate Designated Recyclable Materials from all solid waste.  The Mandatory Recycling Ordinance sets forth the regulations relative to whom, when, where, and how materials are collected.  Enforcement regulations are also set forth in the Ordinance.

Recycling education will take place at least two times per year by the municipality.  For multi-family units, including condominium complexes and motels, the management or owner is responsible for setting up and maintaining the recycling system.  Notification to guests or owners shall be issued at least every six months by the owner or manager.

Recycling compliance is the responsibility of each residential or commercial property owner.  Any Category 2 materials generated within the Borough that are recycled, must be reported quarterly by the generator.

New developments of at least three (3) single family homes, or any commercial development of 1,000 square feet or more, requires a recycling plan as part of a planning board application.  The plan must include a detailed analysis of the expected composition and amounts of solid waste and recyclables generated at the proposed development.  The plan must also include locations on the site plan where recycling will be stored so that the Recycling Coordinator can ensure sufficient size, convenient location, other attributes such as signage that will lead to a successful recycling program.

In addition, prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, a hauling contract for the collection of recyclables must be provided if the Borough does not provide such service.

Any other construction or demolition that takes place in the Borough must also submit a Designated Recyclables Material plan.   The plan addresses how material will be collected and transported to a recycling facility during construction.

Enforcement of the Mandatory Recycling Ordinance is carried out by the Municipal Recycling Coordinator and the Public Works Supervisor.  The Cape May County Health Department is also empowered to enforce the Ordinance.