New Panini Café to open for “sneak peek” during Downtown Wildwood Christmas events - December 2nd & 3rd

Last month, we reported on the arrival of The Panini Café on Pacific, a new concept sandwich shop in the heart of Downtown Wildwood that will officially open next spring.

At the time, co-owners Shawn McGuigan and John Deluca were busy making preparations, in hopes of hosting a preview event to coincide with Christmas festivities at neighboring Byrne Plaza this Friday, December 2 and Saturday, December 3.

“The sneak peek is now a go,” McGuigan informed Wildwood 365 earlier this week. “We’ll be open during the Christmas parade and tree-lighting ceremony on Friday as well as the all-day event at the park on Saturday, and welcome everyone to stop in and say hello.

“We won’t be serving up paninis just yet, but this will give us a chance to introduce ourselves to the community and offer everyone a small taste of our upcoming menu.”

McGuigan confirmed that the shop will be open from 5 to 8:30 pm on Friday night and 9:30 am to 3 pm on Saturday.

Items for sale will include coffee, hot chocolate and soda, along with large chocolate chip cookies, hot dogs, hot sausages and fries (all of which will be part of the regular menu next year).

“Our goal is to become a go-to sandwich shop and a big part of the community,” said McGuigan. “So this is just the first of many events [at Byrne Plaza] that we plan to be open for. We hope you stop in to see us this weekend!”

For more info on the Panini Café on Pacific, as well as employment opportunities, visit www.paninicafeww.com. For additional updates and photos, follow the shop on Facebook.

See also: The Panini Café on Pacific set for Spring 2023 opening

Lainey Wilson joins 2023 Barefoot Country Music Fest lineup

PRESS RELEASE

New Jersey's original country music fest announces ACM New Female of the Year

WILDWOOD - The Northeast's largest outdoor country music fest, in conjunction with Southern Entertainment, announces singer/songwriter Lainey Wilson as a performing artist at next year's Barefoot Country Music Fest. 

The third annual Barefoot Country Music Fest is set to take place June 15-18, 2023. Major headliners including Blake Shelton, Kid Rock, Darius Rucker, Jon Pardi, Parker McCollum and Michael Ray are also slated to perform alongside 40+ national, regional and local artists throughout the weekend.

American country music singer and songwriter, Lainey Wilson was raised in the small town of Baskin, Louisiana. Lainey became interested in music at a young age. After learning a few chords from her father on the guitar, Wilson began writer her own songs. In 2006, she released an EP on MySpace titled "Country Girls Rule." After high school, Wilson moved to Nashville to pursue her career in the country music industry.

After 10 years of chasing her dreams, Wilson earned the enthusiasm of the industry as Billboard's "Top New Country Artist of 2021" and the 2022 "ACM New Female of the Year." Her first PLATINUM Certified ACM Song of the Year, "Things A Man Oughta Know," continues to captivate audiences with her signature Bell Bottom Country sound and aesthetic.

The Barefoot Country Music Fest is honored to have Lainey Wilson perform on the Miller Lite Main Stage along some of today's hottest stars on the shores of Wildwood in June of 2023.

For more information on Lainey Wilson and the opportunity to purchase tickets, visit www.BCME.com.

Jon Pardi to headline 2023 Barefoot Country Thursday Night Kick-Off Concert

The Northeast's largest outdoor music fest announces Jon Pardi with special guest Michael Ray...

PRESS RELEASE

WILDWOOD ━ The Northeast's largest outdoor country music fest, brought to you by Southern Entertainment, announces CMA and ACM award-winner, Jon Pardi, as the headlining artist for the Planet Fitness Thursday Night Kick-Off Concert, powered by WildwoodsNJ.com. 

Joining Pardi on the Miller Lite Main Stage is special guest, Michael Ray, as well as major headliners, Blake Shelton, Darius Rucker, Kid Rock, Parker McCollum and 40+ national, regional and local artists throughout the weekend. The Barefoot Country Music Fest is set to take place June 15-18, 2023.

American country music singer/songwriter, producer, and California native, Jon Pardi started writing music at the age of twelve. Shortly after high school, Pardi moved to Nashville to pursue his music career. With more than 10 years in the industry, Pardi has garnered numerous #1 singles, including “Head Over Boots,” “Dirt On My Boots,” “Heartache on the Dancefloor,” “Heartache Medication,” and more. His latest album, Heartache Medication, solidified Jon Pardi’s place as country music’s neo-traditionalist icon. 

Pardi continues to “apply new ideas to country’s old sounds” (Los Angeles Times) and “bring authenticity back into Country music” (People). His fourth album, ‘Mr. Saturday Night,’ dropped in September 2022.

Michael Ray is an American country music singer/songwriter from Eustis, Florida. He grew up playing music alongside his grandfather who taught him guitar and inspired him to get involved in music. After graduating high school, Ray began playing his own music as a disc jockey and in 2010, he independently released his first album. After more than 10 years in the industry,  Michael Ray has built an impressive foundation with four #1 songs – RIAA Platinum-certified “Think a Little Less,” RIAA Platinum-certified “Whiskey And Rain,” RIAA Gold-certified “Kiss You in the Morning,”and RIAA Gold-certified “One That Got Away”. 

Michael Ray continues to influence the country music industry with his ability to bridge vintage and modern country. The Barefoot Country Music Fest is excited to host Pardi and Ray on the Wildwood shores in June 2023. 

The ever popular BCMF Black Friday Sale ends November 25 at midnight, plus fans can lock in their tickets for only $39* down with payment plans and defer payments until January 2023. Learn more at www.BCMF.com  

* https://barefootcountrymusicfest.com/black-friday-sale/

About BCMF: 
Barefoot Country Music Fest™, (BCMF), the Northeast’s largest outdoor country music fest, is located in Wildwood, NJ, between the famous Morey’s Piers on the beach. BCMF is host to the industry’s biggest stars with 30+ artists slated for June 16-19, 2022, bringing a unique blend of today’s country headliners, regional stars, up-and-comers and locals favorites. With the combination of country music and the scenic Wildwood’s backdrop, this family-friendly, four-day fest is a summer vacation destination.

About Southern Entertainment:
Southern Entertainment is a full-service event and production company. Our unwavering commitment to excellence has led us to produce over 500 events across the United States. We specialize in planning, marketing and executing a wide range of concerts, festivals and other live music events with some of the music industry’s biggest stars.

About Jon Pardi:
CMA and ACM winning Singer/songwriter/producer Jon Pardi has earned numerous #1 singles, including “Head Over Boots,” “Dirt On My Boots,” “Heartache on the Dancefloor,” “Heartache Medication,” and more. His latest album, Heartache Medication, solidified Jon Pardi’s place as country music’s neo-traditionalist icon, earning critical praise including spots on Rolling Stone’s “Best Albums of the Year” and The Los Angeles Times “Best Albums of the Year” (#4) list as the only country artist/album represented. A “hero in the making” (Variety), Pardi is noted for his “long-lasting mark on the genre” (Music Row) and his impressive ability to carve out his own path creating “the kind of country music multiple generations came to know, and love can still work on a mass scale” (Variety). Pardi continues to “apply new ideas to country’s old sounds” (Los Angeles Times) and “bring authenticity back into Country music” (People). For more information, visit www.jonpardi.com.

About Michael Ray: 
For Michael Ray, music is his grandfather singing and sweating on a rural Florida stage. It’s the childhood refuge he found during the pain of his parent's divorce. It’s family and stories, history and hope. Ray says music saved him, but it did even more: Music made him. In five short years, Ray has built an impressive foundation: four No. 1 songs – RIAA Platinum-certified “Think a Little Less,” RIAA Platinum-certified “Whiskey And Rain,” RIAA Gold-certified “Kiss You in the Morning,” RIAA Gold-certified “One That Got Away” – plus “Get to You” and “Her World or Mine,” brings his tally to four Gold-certified singles. Ray has garnered over 1 billion global streams, over 650,000 album equivalents, over 100 million YouTube views, and has performed at the Grand Ole Opry over 65 times. Now, two hit albums into that all-too-rare blend of critically acclaimed and commercially successful career, Ray has released Higher Education, a seven-song collection produced by GRAMMY-nominated producer Ross Copperman. 

Proof that heartbroken wallowing can feel good if it swings, “Whiskey And Rain” marked his first multi-week No. 1, cementing Ray as the ideal bridge between vintage country cool and modern country’s best sounds. The latest single “Holy Water” from Higher Education is currently climbing the charts at Country radio. The Warehouse Sessions live EP is available now and Ray recently released a cover of Tracy Lawrence’s “Time Marches On” from his upcoming The Bootleggers Sessions EP. For more information, visit MichaelRayMusic.com or follow him on Instagram and Twitter @MichaelRayMusic and Facebook.com/MusicMichaelRay.
 

Sleigh the Season with Morey's Piers' Annual Holiday Sale

‘Tis the Season to save up to 25% on Wild Passes, Water Park Passes, Flex Combos, Ticket Cards, and more!

PRESS RELEASE

THE WILDWOODS – Morey's Piers, located on the boardwalk of the Wildwoods, NJ, launches its annual holiday sale. Shake off the snowflakes with thoughts of coaster rides, super-soaking slides, fresh ocean tides, and hot Curley’s fries. Now through January 6, 2023, savvy shoppers can save 25% on Wild Passes, ticket cards, water park admission, and more.  

The classic seaside attraction's signature Wild Pass offers unlimited summer fun for $318.75, a savings of over $100 from the retail value of $425. The Wild Pass consists of one ride wristband per day, valid for rides on all three piers, and all-day access to both beachfront water parks: Ocean Oasis Water Park and Beach Club and Raging Waters Water Park. Additional Wild Pass savings are available for seniors 65 and older. In addition, enjoy additional perks, including discounted friend and family tickets, food and beverage discounts, and more. 

The Wild Water Park Pass, a pass for water park admission only, is priced at $198.75 (regularly $265). The Wild Water Park Pass is good for one all-day water park wristband per day. Enjoy additional perks, including discounted friend and family tickets, food and beverage discounts, and more. 

Multi Visit Pass, a pass that entitles the holder to (4) visits during the 2023 season. Pass is valid for a water park OR pier wristband plus 15% off food, beverage, and retail for $157.50 (regularly $210). Enjoy additional perks, including food, beverage, and retail discounts.

Visit moreyspiers.com/wild-pass-perks for a complete list of Wild Pass Perks.

Pier and Water Park Passes: Purchase an individual water park admission for $50.25/ticket (regularly $67/ticket). Flex passes are also available for $86.25/ticket (regularly $119.83/ticket). They are valid for one (1) guest to gain access to Morey's Piers amusement rides plus Raging Waters and Ocean Oasis water parks on the day of redemption. Rides and water park admission may be used on separate days.

Gift givers will also find an array of thoughtful stocking stuffers, such as:

• Winter Holiday Ticket Cards: Discounted ride tickets that never expire. Purchase 80 tickets for $69.05, 160 tickets for $127.73, or 300 tickets for $182.97. Ticket cards can be used by more than one person.
• Starlux Mini Golf Family 4 Pack: Enjoy 18 holes of golf in the heart of Wildwood for $51 (savings of $17). All four players MUST be present at the time of redemption and MUST play together.
• Midway Games 10 Pack: $50 in Morey's Piers gameplay for only $40. Receive (10) tickets, each valid for up to $5 in gameplay. Valid at most game stands throughout Morey's Piers.
• Tram Car Ticket Book: Includes 25 one-way rides on the tram for $75.

Order online by visiting moreyspiers.com/tickets. Pricing does not include applicable tax. Hours of operation and opening dates are subject to change. For more information on Morey's Piers, visit www.moreyspiers.com. 

About Morey's Piers

Morey's Piers, located on the boardwalk in the Wildwoods, New Jersey, is a classic seaside amusement park, family owned and operated since 1969. Voted the best seaside amusement park in the world by Amusement Today and #1 Best Beach Boardwalk by Family Vacation Critic Morey's Piers has over 100 rides and attractions spanning over eighteen acres along six beach blocks and includes three amusement piers and two beachfront water parks. Convenient to the major population centers of the Northeast, yet a world apart, Morey's Piers, along with Morey Hotels & Resorts, combines the pure joy of an amusement park, the sights and sounds of a classic boardwalk, outstanding accommodations, together with the rhythm of beach life. Visit them at Surfside Pier, featuring the Ocean Oasis Water Park and Beach Club at 25th Avenue, Mariner's Pier, featuring Raging Waters Water Park at Schellenger Avenue, and Adventure Pier at Spencer Avenue. For more information, visit www.moreyspiers.com or phone (609) 522-3900, or like us on Facebook. You can also follow us on Twitter and YouTube.

Annual parade, tree lighting ceremony highlight Downtown Wildwood Christmas in the Plaza - December 2nd & 3rd

One of the most anticipated events of the holiday season, the Greater Wildwood Jaycees Christmas Parade, will take place on Friday, December 2, immediately followed by the City of Wildwood Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Byrne Plaza (Pacific Avenue between Oak & Cedar Avenues).

These traditions will be a part of Downtown Wildwood Christmas in the Plaza, set for Friday, December 2 and Saturday, December 3 at Byrne Plaza. 

The annual parade steps off from the North Wildwood Recreation Center (16th & Central Avenues) at 6:30 pm. The route will proceed south along Central Avenue, then turn onto Pacific Avenue down to Spicer Avenue. From there, the parade will turn back to culminate at Byrne Plaza.

Awards will be presented for floats, in addition to a decorated business lighting contest at approximately 7:30 pm. The tree lighting will follow at 8 pm, sponsored by the Wildwood Business Improvement District.

Downtown Wildwood Christmas in the Plaza will feature free carnival rides and holiday merchandise vendors at Byrne Plaza, on Friday from 5 - 9 pm and Saturday from 10 am - 3 pm.

Saturday's festivities will also include live music by the John Walter Band and story time with Mrs. Claus.

For more information on these and all holiday-related events in the Wildwoods, visit www.wildwoodholiday.com.

Parker McCollum joins the 2023 Barefoot Country Music Fest lineup

PRESS RELEASE

WILDWOOD - The Northeast's largest outdoor country music fest, in conjunction with Southern Entertainment, announces singer/songwriter Parker McCollum as a performing artist at next year's Barefoot Country Music Fest.

The third annual Barefoot Country Music Fest is set to take place June 15-18, 2023. Major headliners including Blake Shelton, Kid Rock and Darius Rucker are also slated to perform alongside 40+ national, regional and local artists throughout the weekend.

Texas native and ACM's "New Male Artist of the Year," Parker McCollum is an Americana and country singer-songwriter and the owner of PYM Music. This multi-instrumentalist began playing the violin in elementary school and later went on to learn the guitar and harmonica. By the age of thirteen, he began writing his own songs and in 2013, he released his first single. His full-length debut album, The Limestone Kid, was released in February 2015. 

McCollum earned his first-ever number one hit with his Platinum-selling premiere single, "Pretty Heart." His follow-up single, "To Be Loved By You," also hit number one on the charts. Parker continues to make waves in the country music industry with over 40 sold out shows nationwide. 

The Barefoot Country Music Fest is thrilled to have Parker McCollum perform on the Miller Lite Main Stage along with some of today's hottest stars on the shores of Wildwood in June 2023.

The ever-popular BCMF Black Friday Sale ends November 25 at midnight. Fans can lock in their tickets for only $39* down and deferred payments until January 2023. Learn more at www.BCMF.com.

*http://barefootcountrymusicfest.com/black-friday-sale/

Wildwood Crest to host holiday tree light ceremony - Thursday, December 1st

PRESS RELEASE

WILDWOOD CREST - The Borough of Wildwood Crest will host its annual holiday tree lighting and bayfront decorating ceremony on Thursday, December 1 at 6 pm, along Sunset Lake at Atlanta & New Jersey Avenues.

The event is FREE and open to the public.

The ceremony will include a visit from Santa Claus, holiday-themed music, a performance by the student choir at Crest Memorial School, free refreshments and more.

For further information, call the Wildwood Crest Recreation Department at 609-523-0202.

2nd Annual Christmas in North Wildwood, holiday scavanger hunt set for November 25-27

Christmas in North Wildwood will return this November 25-27, helping kick off the holiday season the weekend after Thanksgiving.

The three-day event is again being hosted by the North Wildwood Business Owners Association, and will feature 10 area businesses (full list below) that will each offer their own unique Christmas-themed events and specials.

New members this year are Sand Jamm 5Mile and The Gym at 10th. 

Throughout the weekend, guests can visit each of the 10 participating businesses to take part in a holiday scavenger hunt. At these establishments, a "passport" will be available, which can be stamped and submitted for a chance to win a $500 Amazon gift card.

Additional information will be available at each location. 

On Saturday, November 26, from 2-8 pm, a special FREE jitney service will travel on a continuous loop to each of these businesses (full route also listed below).

Also on Saturday, revelers can enjoy festivities along Olde New Jersey Avenue in the North Wildwood Entertainment District and the 100 block of East 17th Avenue (in front of Owen's Pub), which will include games, crafts, fire pits, face painting, live music, a visit from Santa & Mrs. Claus, and more.

For additional information, visit www.wildwoodholiday.com.

For updates and info on weekend specials and events being hosted by each participating business, check out this update from North Wildwood Recreation & Tourism's official Facebook page.

Christmas in North Wildwood 2022 ~  Participating Businesses & Jitney Route

1.  Sand Jamm 5Mile - 26th & New Jersey

2.  That Shore Store - 17th & New Jersey

3.  Owen's Pub - 17th Street

4.  The Gym at 10th - 10th & New Jersey

5.  The Surfing Pig - 10th & the Bay

6.  Wildwoods BBQ - 7th & New Jersey

7.  Anglesea Pub - 1st & New Jersey

8.  Elk's Lodge - Olde New Jersey Avenue

9.  Keenan's Irish Pub - Olde New Jersey Avenue

10.  The Inlet - Olde New Jersey Avenue

Click for more info:

Kid Rock joins the 2023 Barefoot Country Music Fest lineup

New Jersey's original country music fest announces multi-platinum award winning artist...

PRESS RELEASE

WILDWOOD - The Northeast's largest outdoor country music fest, in conjunction with Southern Entertainment, announces Kid Rock as a headlining artist at next year's Barefoot Country Music Fest.

The third annual Barefoot Country Music Fest is set to take place June 15-18, 2023. Major headliners including Blake Shelton and Darius Rucker are also slated to perform alongside 40+ national, regional and local artists throughout the weekend.

Kid Rock is a multi-platinum award-winning American rock 'n roll icon and self-taught musician. With more than 30 years in the industry, Rock has sold almost 30 million records worldwide. His music combines multiple genres including rock, hip hop and country. Some of his most popular hits include rap-rock singles like "Bawitdaba," "Cowboy" and his multi-chart hit, "Picture."

"All Summer Long" was a global smash hit which charted at number one in eight countries across Europe and Australia. Rock's worldwide success continues to take precedence with sold out shows and record-breaking ticket sales.

The Barefoot Country Music Fest is thrilled to have Kid Rock hit the Miller Lite Stage on the shores of Wildwood in June of 2023.

The ever popular BCMF Black Friday Sale ends November 25 at midnight. Fans can lock in their tickets for only $39* down and deferred payments until February 2023. Learn more at www.BCMF.com.

*http://barefootcountrymusicfest.com/black-friday-sale/

2022 Turkey Trot set for Thanksgiving Day in Wildwood Crest

Looking to burn some calories before the big meal?

You can do so while supporting a great cause!

The 2022 TJ Hunt Memorial 5K Turkey Trot will be held on Thanksgiving Day - Thursday, November 24 - in Wildwood Crest. The event will include a 5K run and a 1-mile fun walk for all ages. 

All proceeds will benefit the TJ Hunt Memorial Foundation. 

The event will be staged at Crest Pier, located at 5800 Atlantic Avenue. Registration begins at 8 am on-site, with the Trot started promptly at 9 am.

The participation fee is $25 for adults, $10 for those under 18. 

Sponsors are also being sought, with $50 getting your business or family name on the event's official t-shirt.

For more information and to register, visit 609-780-4223 or visit www.tjhuntmemorialfund.com.

Wildwood City Fire Department takes delivery of new ambulance

(Pictured from left to right: Gary Behnke, VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists; Chief Ernie Troiano III; Dave DiGangi, VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists; Deputy Chief Daniel Dunn; and Commissioner of Public Safety Steve Mikulski)

PRESS RELEASE

WILDWOOD - The Wildwood City Fire Department has taken delivery of a new 2022 Ford F-550 Horton Ambulance. This vehicle was purchased utilizing nearly $243,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act funding.

The new ambulance was purchased through VCI Emergency Vehicles in Berlin, New Jersey. It has modern safety features that make the vehicle safer for both firefighters and patients alike. The vehicle is anticipcated to be placed in service within the next month, once it is inspected for approval by the State of New Jersey Office of Emergency Medical Services.

The new ambulance is one of four that the department utilizes to proudly serve our residents and visitors. It replaces a 2014 ambulance that had previously had high mileage. The WFD responds to well over 4,000 fire and emergency medical calls each year. 

The Wildwood City Fire Department wishes to thank our City Commissioners for their continued support of the department. We would also like to thank VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists for their quality work, attention to detail and amazing customer service.

Further details on approval of Boardwalk hotel project; developer agrees to secure necessary parking

On Monday, the Wildwood Planning Board approved the proposed transformation of the structure at 3000 Boardwalk into a five-story hotel, contingent on the ability of the developer to secure additional parking to bring the property into full compliance.

For clarification on the matter, we reached out to Wildwood City Tax Assessor Jason Hesley, who provided us with the following update.

Hesley noted that the property’s owner, Wildwood Hospitality Group, presented a plan for The Wild Resort that included 54-55 parking spaces, both in the lot at the rear of the existing building and underneath it as an underground garage.

“A hotel requires one space per unit and the planned hotel will have 75 total units,” Hesley explained. “The shortfall was addressed at the meeting with the developer agreeing to secure the additional parking at an off-site location.

“The parking is a condition of the approval.”

The project can move forward with construction plans, according to Hesley, but a Certificate of Occupancy will not be issued for the additional (approximately 20) units until the extra parking spaces are attained.

“The project does not have to return to the Planning Board for further approval, but it does need to obtain CAFRA approval,” Hesley said.

The Panini Café on Pacific set for Spring 2023 opening

A new concept sandwich shop is coming to Downtown Wildwood next Spring, bringing a fresh approach with plans to maximize its proximity to Byrne Plaza.

The Panini Café on Pacific will take over the former home of the 3421 Island Grill (which operated just one season) at Pacific & Cedar Avenues, directly across from the area’s communal gathering and events hub. 

“We feel this is something unique and different to bring to Wildwood, and the time was right to take the plunge,” explained Shawn McGuigan, who along with friend and co-owner John Deluca hail from Northeast Philadelphia. “As we like to say, this won’t be your ordinary sandwich shop.

“Paninis will be our main focus, of course. We’re going to have about 17 different panini sandwiches, with a lot of variety. This includes breakfast paninis, along with lunch and dinner, and additional menu items with plenty of favorites.”

A panini is, essentially, a sandwich made with Italian bread, like ciabatta or focaccia, generally served warm after being grilled or toasted. 

According to McGuigan, the shop will be open daily during the summer months, with extended hours and activities on Tuesday and Thursday nights, when Byrne Plaza hosts its Free Family Movies and Music in the Plaza events, respectively. 

“We’re looking forward to being a part of the community and working with the events at Byrne Plaza and staying open for them,” he said. “On Tuesday nights, we’re thinking of doing a special kids’ meal package before the movies. On Thursdays, we’re looking to do a BYOB type of thing, say from 4 to 7. We’ll have different acoustic guitar players, so if people want to bring a bottle of wine, we think it’ll be a cool atmosphere for everyone.

“On Saturdays, we plan to open earlier than usual for the [Downtown Wildwood Farmer’s Market], so we’re really looking forward to being a part of the whole scene.”

The Panini Café on Pacific will have indoor seating for 21 people, with outdoor tables able to accommodate about 20.

A soft opening is being planned for April, with a grand opening event set for Memorial Day Weekend 2023. The shop will be open seven days a week starting June 17.

A sneak peek, however, is coming soon…

“If all goes well, we’ll be opening up for the Christmas parade and event at Byrne Plaza the next day (December 2 & 3),” McGuigan said. “We won’t have paninis yet, but we’ll do coffee, fries, maybe some kind of pastry. It’ll be a good way to introduce ourselves and get the word out.”

The Panini Café on Pacific is in the process of putting together its staff and is looking to hire cooks, counter help, cleaners and delivery drivers. Those interested can apply at www.paninicafeww.com.

For additional info and updates, follow the shop on Facebook.

(Photos courtesy of Chris Martin, Wildwood Pizza Tour)

Massive Boardwalk hotel project approved by planning board, contingent on the addition of parking spaces

A project with the potential to alter the landscape of the Wildwoods Boardwalk took one big step closer to reality this evening, winning approval from the Wildwood Planning Board in a unanimous (8-0) vote at City Hall.

However, the application is contingent upon the acquisition of additional parking spaces. (Update HERE)

The proposed development calls for a hotel - presently titled “The Wild Resort” - to emerge from a dramatic renovation of the existing complex at 3000 Boardwalk, spanning the block between Maple and Glenwood Avenues. 

According to renderings provided by the property's owner, Wildwood Hospitality Group LLC, two additional floors would be added to the current three-story building, bringing the total to five floors and allotment for 75 rooms. With 54-55 parking spaces behind and in a garage underneath the current building, roughly 20 additional parking spots must be secured for the approval of the hotel's desired number of units.

A restaurant and rooftop pool are also included in the plans, along with capacity for seven commercial units fronting the Boardwalk.

The block-long structure was sold by 3000 Boardwalk Sb LLC back in April for $6,200,000, the largest property sale on the Boardwalk to date (eclipsing the $4.1 million sale of the King’s Inn in North Wildwood). 

Centrally and prominently located on the world famous promenade, 3000 Boardwalk dates back to the late 1970’s. It has long been viewed as one of the Boardwalk’s most infamous landmarks, considered an “eyesore” by many due to the ever-deteriorating conditions of the top two floors (consisting of rental units that have been abandoned for years), and other structural and cosmetic issues.

Despite the many problems the building has incurred over the previous decades, retail operations have continued, mostly-uninterrupted, at the Boardwalk level. 

Notable businesses on the block as of last summer included IT’SUGAR Candy Store, Johnny Scoops and Little Angelo’s Pizza Spot, along with four other stores and one game stand. 

At this stage, there is no firm timetable for when work on The Wild Resort will be able to begin, let alone an opening date. With several steps ahead, including the resolution of the parking space issue and a CAFRA report to be filed, no movement is imminent. 

The area directly in front of 3000 Boardwalk is closed to the public this winter due to Phase 2 of the Boardwalk Renovation Project. The ongoing work, which includes replacement of boards and removal of concrete pathways from Maple to 26th Avenue (five blocks total), is scheduled to be completed by May 2023.

Gaiss' Market to host toy drive for up to 200 Lower Township children

The Martinos know how important assistance will be this year for families in need...

PRESS RELEASE

VILLAS, NJ - Helping families in need this Christmas is longstanding Villas business, Gaiss’ Market. The Gaiss’ Market Toy Drive will support needy families in Lower Township, providing one toy for up to 200 children with a party on December 17th.

Toy donations are currently being accepted until December 11th and every person who drops off a toy at the Bayshore Road butcher will receive a coupon for 20 percent off.

Gaiss’ Market was purchased by former employee Anthony Martino along with his wife, Jamie, just before the pandemic in 2020. The Martinos have consistently supported the community and the toy drive will be the biggest community effort yet. 

“When I heard that the Lower Township toy drive would not happen this year due to the organizer retiring, I was really concerned for the kids,” said Tony Martino. “My mother always worked to provide for my sister and I but the toy donation was a big help at Christmas. Knowing how the event benefited my life, I thought why not continue that?”

Requirements for the toy drive are simple. Families must be Lower Township residents, and must pick up toys with their children on December 17th. Children must be between the ages of 1 and 12 years old. All applications will be reviewed and any accepted families will receive a confirmation email. Although most families will be approved, not all families are guaranteed to be accepted.

All details and the application are available at gaissmarket.com/toydrive

During the pickup event each child will have the chance to meet and speak with Santa and Mrs. Claus, receive a goodie bag with small toys and coloring pages, and enjoy hot cocoa with a cookie. Parents will receive one wrapped gift per child to take home.

“We’re confident that we will reach 200 children easily. If we receive enough gifts and donations to be able to provide for more kids, we will keep going,” said Martino. “Gaiss’ will be the toy headquarters and every customer that brings in a new, unwrapped toy will get a 20 percent off coupon for their purchase. We are extremely thankful to have such amazing customers that always support us.”

Gaiss’ Market is located on the corner of Bates and Bayshore Roads in Villas, NJ. The butcher and market features fresh, high quality beef, pork, and poultry, deli meats and cheeses, a wide selection of store recipe dips and sauces, and everything a traditional market sells. The store is open daily at 9 AM.

More information can be found at gaissmarket.com.