Wildwood Mayor Suggests Major Boardwalk Upgrade

Wildwood's mayor has proposed a massive upgrade to the infamous boardwalk.

Shore News Today reports Mayor Ernie Troiano suggested a $20 million project to the Board of Commissioners at an October 12th meeting.

The upgrade would include replacing the boards from the Convention Center north to Lincoln Ave. (just before Splash Zone,) and also from Oak Ave. (on the other side of Splash Zone) to 26th Ave.

In addition to replacing the wooden boards, he has suggested replacing the beams as well, claiming they are deteriorating and are a safety issue.

The town would need to seek long-term bonds, grants, and loans to fund the project.

The mayor also acknowledged that there is a controversial environmental aspect of the proposed upgrade. Troiano wants to replace the yellow pine boards with hardwood from the Brazilian rainforest, a product which is considered environmentally unsustainable.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, several New Jersey towns drew criticism when they attempted to replace their boardwalks with tropical rainforest wood. Ocean City faced the same issue just two years ago.