North Wildwood Boardwalk Set for MAJOR Revamp
North Wildwood residents and visitors can look forward to strolling along a revamped boardwalk in the near future, thanks to a significant grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA).
The department announced on Jan. 26 that it would be awarding a generous $1.1 million grant to facilitate the reconstruction of three blocks of the beloved boardwalk.
North Wildwood Boardwalk Set for MAJOR Revamp
This project, set to be matched with over $2 million in local funds, aims to address various structural issues plaguing the boardwalk. From timber replacements to essential electrical upgrades and lighting fixture installations, the initiative seeks to enhance both the safety and accessibility of this iconic seaside attraction.
One of the key highlights of the reconstruction effort includes ensuring compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
This will involve the construction of ADA-compliant ramps, stairs, and improved beach access, ensuring that individuals of all abilities can fully enjoy the boardwalk experience.
The City of North Wildwood is currently in the process of finalizing plans for the reconstruction project. Phase 1, slated to commence in Fall 2024, will focus on the northern end of the boardwalk between 16th and 18th Avenues.
With an estimated cost of $3.5 million, Phase 1 aims to address immediate structural concerns while laying the groundwork for further enhancements.
In the meantime, the city is taking proactive measures to monitor and reinforce any areas of the boardwalk requiring immediate attention. Additionally, in preparation for the upcoming reconstruction, a new ADA-accessible ramp will be constructed on the beach side of 22nd Ave., just north of Seaport Pier.
This initiative, largely funded by the NJ DCA Small Cities Grant, is expected to be completed by summer 2024, further enhancing accessibility for all visitors.
While the overall cost for the full reconstruction project in North Wildwood is estimated at approximately $34 million, the city has been proactive in seeking additional funding avenues to alleviate the financial burden.
In addition to the grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the city has secured support from the NJ Urban Enterprise Zone.
Furthermore, North Wildwood has applied for additional grants, including the PROTECT Grant with the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Boardwalk Preservation Fund with the NJ Department of Community Affairs.
Although news on these potential awards is pending, the city remains committed to securing the necessary resources to ensure the successful completion of this vital infrastructure project.
Overall, the reconstruction of the North Wildwood boardwalk signifies a significant investment in both the city’s infrastructure and its vibrant coastal community.
Through careful planning and strategic partnerships, North Wildwood is poised to usher in a new era of accessibility, safety, and enjoyment for residents and visitors alike along its picturesque shoreline.
This is only one of the many projects taking place all over North Wildwood. Some of these projects are talked about in our latest article, North Wildwood 2024 Project Updates.
The Wildwood Video Archive stopped by the North Wildwood boardwalk just this week to film a pre-construction drone video, even though it won’t start until the fall.
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