Wildwood Boardwalk Redevelopment: What You Need to Know
The Wildwood Boardwalk is getting ready for a potential transformation.
A newly released Preliminary Investigation of an Area in Need of Redevelopment (AINR) has analyzed the conditions of 134 properties spanning 29 city blocks along the boardwalk—stretching from Cresse Avenue to 26th Avenue—to determine whether the area qualifies for redevelopment under New Jersey’s Local Redevelopment and Housing Law (LRHL).
Wildwood Boardwalk Redevelopment What You Need to Know
This draft report is over 100 pages long, and we read it all so you don’t have it.
This study, prepared by Clarke Caton Hintz, a firm specializing in architecture, planning, and landscape design, was commissioned by the City of Wildwood to identify challenges, opportunities, and strategies to enhance the boardwalk’s long-term economic vitality.
The findings could pave the way for significant improvements in infrastructure, business development, and visitor experience, ensuring the boardwalk remains a premier destination for years to come.
Addressing Misinformation: What This Study is NOT
We understand that there is misinformation circulating about the Area in Need of Redevelopment (AINR) study for the boardwalk area between Cresse Avenue and 26th Avenue. Let’s be very clear:
This is NOT a condemnation study.
This is NOT about taking anyone’s property.
This has NOTHING to do with the DEP dune project.
From the very beginning, the Board of Commissioners has made it clear that this process is not intended to take private property. Instead, it is designed to create a structured framework for improvements that will benefit both property owners and the community.
What Does This Study Actually Do?
The AINR designation allows for:
A Redevelopment Plan with clear, structured guidelines for future development.
Financial incentives to help property owners improve and redevelop their properties.
Also See: Wildwoods Construction Update – Feb 2025
The Redevelopment Process (Required by NJ Law)
The redevelopment process, as required by New Jersey law, involves multiple steps with public input at every stage. It begins with the governing body requesting the planning board to conduct a study. The planning board then investigates the area and holds a public hearing to gather community feedback. Based on the findings, the planning board makes a recommendation, and the governing body determines whether any part of the area qualifies for redevelopment.
If approved, the governing body either creates a Redevelopment Plan or directs the planning board to draft one. After further review, the governing body adopts the plan, and a redevelopment entity is appointed to oversee its implementation.
Key Findings: What’s Working and What’s Not?
The Wildwood Boardwalk has long been the heart of the city’s tourism economy, lined with amusement parks, arcades, restaurants, hotels, and entertainment venues that draw millions of visitors each summer. However, the study found several major challenges that may threaten the long-term sustainability of the boardwalk’s commercial district.
1. Large Areas of Underutilized Space
- Nearly 30% of the study area consists of surface parking lots, many of which are outdated and disrupt the visual continuity of the boardwalk experience.
- Ten blocks contain parking lots that occupy more than 50% of the available space, reducing opportunities for new businesses, attractions, or public amenities.
- Many of these lots sit vacant during off-peak seasons, making them inefficient land use areas that could be repurposed for year-round benefits.
2. Vacant or Underperforming Properties
- Several properties along the boardwalk and Ocean Avenue have been flagged as vacant, in poor condition, or underutilized.
- Empty storefronts, deteriorating facades, and outdated infrastructure are prevalent in certain sections, particularly near Rio Grande Avenue, Montgomery Avenue, and Schellenger Avenue.
- Some commercial spaces have struggled to maintain long-term tenants due to fluctuating seasonal business models, limiting economic stability.
3. Aesthetic and Infrastructure Concerns
- Many buildings feature unappealing rear facades, visible utility pipes, cluttered storage areas, and exposed staircases, which detract from the overall visitor experience.
- The lack of landscaping, poor lighting, and minimal pedestrian-friendly design elements in some areas contribute to an inconsistent visual appeal.
- Several businesses, especially near Oak Avenue and Cedar Avenue, have outdated storefronts that do not align with modern boardwalk aesthetics.
- Boardwalk maintenance concerns, including uneven planks and aging structures, have raised safety issues for pedestrians.
4. Public Spaces and Connectivity Issues
- The boardwalk remains a pedestrian-heavy destination, but some sections lack clear wayfinding signage, shaded areas, and public gathering spaces.
- Street-level connections between the boardwalk and Ocean Avenue need improvement to encourage foot traffic to adjacent businesses and hotels.
- Some areas suffer from poor stormwater management, leading to puddling, water damage, and structural wear on certain parts of the boardwalk and nearby streets.
- Opportunities exist to create more seating areas, bike-friendly pathways, and interactive public spaces to enhance the visitor experience.
What Could Change on the Wildwood Boardwalk?
While no formal redevelopment plan has been adopted yet, the study outlines several potential opportunities for revitalization.
These include upgrading infrastructure and streetscapes, encouraging mixed-use development, enhancing public spaces and amenities, attracting new businesses and entertainment options, and preserving Wildwood’s historic charm.
Balancing Growth with Preservation
While the redevelopment study identifies opportunities for revitalization, city officials stress the importance of preserving the character and legacy of the Wildwood Boardwalk.
Mayor Ernest Troiano, Jr., Deputy Mayor Steve Mikulski, and Commissioner Krista McConnell emphasize that any changes must:
- Support Wildwood’s unique tourism identity
- Respect existing businesses and property owners
- Enhance, rather than replace, the boardwalk’s core attractions
What’s Next for the Wildwood Boardwalk?
The public hearing process will allow residents and business owners to weigh in on how redevelopment should proceed. As plans evolve, the community will have opportunities to shape the future of one of the Jersey Shore’s most beloved destinations.
Whether through new businesses, infrastructure upgrades, or enhanced public spaces, the goal remains clear: to ensure that the Wildwood Boardwalk continues to thrive for generations to come.
Stay tuned for updates as Wildwood moves forward with its redevelopment journey!