58-645: Wildwood is a city in Cape May County in the U.S. state of New Jersey . The city, and all of Cape May County, is part of the Ocean City metropolitan statistical area , and is part of the Philadelphia - Wilmington - Camden , PA -NJ- DE - MD combined statistical area , also known as the Delaware Valley or Philadelphia metropolitan area . As of the 2020 United States census , the city's year-round population
116-557: A nonpartisan basis to serve concurrent four-year terms of office, with the vote taking place as part of the November general election. At a reorganization conducted after each election, the commission selects one of its members to serve as mayor and gives each commissioner an assigned department to oversee and manage. As part of the May 2009 election, voters approved a ballot question that shifted elections from May to November. The first election under
174-877: A 36.6% turnout. The Wildwood Public School District serves students in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade . As of the 2019–20 school year, the district, comprised of three schools, had an enrollment of 938 students and 92.3 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 10.2:1. Schools in the district (with 2019–20 enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics ) are Glenwood Elementary School with 470 students in grades Pre-K–5, Wildwood Middle School with 186 students in grades 6–8, and Wildwood High School with 245 students in grades 9–12. For ninth through twelfth grades , students from North Wildwood and Wildwood Crest attend Wildwood High School as part of sending/receiving relationships . Public school students from West Wildwood ,
232-554: A bar, restaurant) for every 3,000 residents, and one distribution license (i.e., for a liquor store) for every 7,500 residents. Because of a state law allowing a municipality to grandfather in liquor licenses that existed before 1948, Wildwood has a permanent population of 5,300, but has 61 active liquor licenses. Wildwood is a resort city that is very popular with vacationers and tourists mostly from New Jersey , Delaware , Maryland , Pennsylvania , New York , and even nearby parts of Canada (particularly Ontario and Quebec ) during
290-501: A case in which it was alleged that they improperly declared that they worked full-time for the city so that they could collect health insurance from the city under the State Health Benefit Plan worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. The Wildwood Housing Authority oversees public housing in the city of Wildwood, providing affordable housing to low and moderate income families, senior citizens, and disabled people. The agency
348-596: A common building. In April 2020, the Diocese of Camden announced that both of its Wildwood schools would permanently close at the end of the 2020-21 school year. However, both schools avoided closure after agreeing to merge to create Wildwood Catholic Academy. Additionally As of 2020 Bishop McHugh Regional School in Dennis Township takes students from Wildwood. The city had a total of 32.38 miles (52.11 km) of roadways, of which 29.93 miles (48.17 km) were maintained by
406-432: A confused history as a form of government and vary in size from large, densely populated areas to much smaller hamlets . The 1897 and 1899 city charter laws applied only to areas with a population under 12,000, and provided for a directly elected mayor, who served a two-year term and had strong executive powers. Both featured a council elected from wards to staggered three-year terms, plus one councilman elected at-large for
464-524: A household in the city was $ 23,981, and the median income for a family was $ 28,288. Males had a median income of $ 30,787 versus $ 23,320 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 13,682. About 20.2% of families and 26.4% of the population were below the poverty line , including 39.7% of those under age 18 and 21.9% of those age 65 or over. Portions of the city—together with areas in North Wildwood , West Wildwood and Wildwood Crest —are part of
522-519: A joint Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ), one of 32 zones covering 37 municipalities statewide. The four municipalities in The Wildwoods were selected in 2002 as one of a group of three zones added to participate in the program as part of a joint zone with. In addition to other benefits to encourage employment and investment within the Zone, shoppers can take advantage of a reduced 3.3125% sales tax rate (half of
580-559: A non-operating school district, attend the district's schools for grades 9–12 as part of a sending/receiving relationship . Students are also eligible to attend Cape May County Technical High School in the Cape May Court House area, which serves students from the entire county in its comprehensive and vocational programs, which are offered without charge to students who are county residents. Special needs students may be referred to Cape May County Special Services School District in
638-653: A professional basketball team that played in the United States Basketball League in 1985 and 1986. Their home court was the Wildwood Convention Hall. Wildwood is governed by a three-member commission under the Walsh Act Commission form of municipal government . The city is one of 30 municipalities (of the 564) statewide that use this form of government. The governing body is comprised of three commissioners, who are elected at-large on
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#1732859449255696-617: A resort in the last decade of the 19th century. A building boom began in the 1950s, due partially to the construction and completion of the Garden State Parkway in 1955. " Rock Around the Clock ", often credited as the first rock and roll record , was first performed on Memorial Day weekend in 1954 at the HofBrau Hotel in Wildwood by Bill Haley & His Comets . The song's status as one of
754-750: A staggered basis, with either one or two seats coming up for election each year; At an annual reorganization held each January, the commissioners select one member to serve as director and another to serve as vice-director. As of 2024, Cape May County's Commissioners are Director Leonard C. Desiderio ( R , Sea Isle City , 2024), Robert Barr (R, Ocean City ; 2025), Will Morey (R, Wildwood Crest ; 2026), Melanie Collette (R. Middle Township ; 2026), and Vice-Director Andrew Bulakowski (R, Lower Township ; 2025). The county's constitutional officers are Clerk Rita Marie Rothberg (R, 2025, Ocean City), Sheriff Robert Nolan (R, 2026, Lower Township) and Surrogate E. Marie Hayes (R, 2028, Ocean City). As of March 2011, there were
812-489: A term of two years. The mayor had a veto power, which could be overridden by a two-thirds vote of the council. The two acts differed in a number of ways, including the process for selection of a board of education (1897: elected; 1899: appointed by the council). By 1987, there were only eleven cities under these City Acts (including East Orange , which effectively operated under a special City charter). As in other forms, many amendments, revisions and changes had been made over
870-517: A total of 2,791 registered voters in Wildwood City, of which 611 (21.9%) were registered as Democrats , 732 (26.2%) were registered as Republicans and 1,448 (51.9%) were registered as Unaffiliated . There were no voters registered to other parties. In the 2012 presidential election , Democrat Barack Obama received 61.3% of the vote (991 cast), ahead of Republican Mitt Romney with 38.2% (617 votes), and other candidates with 0.6% (9 votes), among
928-423: Is an excellent example of the approximately 275 motels in The Wildwoods that employed distinctive architecture and signage to draw East Coast city dwellers to a resort that combined natural and man-made pleasures. The majority of these motels are low, horizontal modernistic buildings constructed of concrete block and pre-cast concrete planks supported by iron beams. Inspired by the motels and hotels of Miami Beach ,
986-654: Is governed by a seven-member board of commissioners, with six appointed by the Mayor and one appointed by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs . The housing authority owns two housing developments with a total of 170 units between them. Sandman Tower offers 100 one-bedroom apartments while Commissioners Court offers 70 apartments. Since the City of Wildwood has been incorporated on January 1, 1912, there have been three recall elections all of which were successful. The first
1044-702: Is home to over 200 motels, built during the Doo-Wop era of the 1950s and 1960s, in an area recognized by the state of New Jersey, known as the Wildwoods Shore Resort Historic District. The term "doo-wop" was coined by Cape May 's Mid-Atlantic Center For The Arts in the early 1990s to describe the unique, space-age architectural style, which is also referred to as the Googie or populuxe style. The motels are unique in appearance, with Vegas -like neon signs and fantastic architecture . New construction in
1102-509: Is part of New Jersey's 1st state legislative district. For the 118th United States Congress , New Jersey's 2nd congressional district is represented by Jeff Van Drew ( R , Dennis Township ). New Jersey is represented in the United States Senate by Democrats Cory Booker ( Newark , term ends 2027) and George Helmy ( Mountain Lakes , term ends 2024). For the 2024-2025 session ,
1160-519: Is the chief executive and votes only to break a tie. The Mayor has veto power over all or portions of any ordinance, subject to override by a two-thirds vote of the Council. The Act also provides for the delegation of executive responsibilities to a municipal administrator. Those cities operating under pre-1987 charters could retain the characteristics of their structure of government regarding terms of office, number of positions and other powers. Provisions of
1218-719: The 6 + 5 ⁄ 8 % rate charged statewide) at eligible merchants. Established in September 2002, the city's Urban Enterprise Zone status expires in December 2023. The joint UEZ is overseen by the Enterprise Zone Development Corporation of the Wildwoods Board, which includes representatives from all four municipalities. Wildwood has an unusually large number of liquor licenses for its population. State law normally provides for one consumption license (i.e., for
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#17328594492551276-596: The 1st legislative district of the New Jersey Legislature is represented in the State Senate by Mike Testa ( R , Vineland ) and in the General Assembly by Antwan McClellan (R, Ocean City ) and Erik K. Simonsen (R, Lower Township ). Cape May County is governed by a five-person Board of County Commissioners whose members are elected at-large on a partisan basis to three-year terms of office on
1334-526: The 2000 census , there were 5,436 people, 2,333 households, and 1,273 families residing in the city. The population density was 4,212.6 inhabitants per square mile (1,626.5/km). There were 6,488 housing units at an average density of 5,027.9 per square mile (1,941.3/km). The racial makeup of the city was 70.55% White , 16.65% African American , 0.39% Native American , 0.48% Asian , 0.15% Pacific Islander , 8.85% from other races , and 2.94% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 17.62% of
1392-537: The National Trust for Historic Preservation 's annual Eleven Most Endangered List, described as "irreplaceable icons of popular culture." In June, thousands of recently graduated high school seniors come to Wildwood for Senior Week . During Senior Week, the graduates stay in hotels and rent beach houses in Wildwood where they party and participate in underage drinking. Wildwood was ranked the best beach in New Jersey in
1450-445: The 1,635 ballots cast by the city's 2,979 registered voters (18 ballots were spoiled ), for a turnout of 54.9%. In the 2008 presidential election , Democrat Barack Obama received 54.4% of the vote (964 cast), ahead of Republican John McCain , who received 44.2% (783 votes), with 1,772 ballots cast among the city's 2,583 registered voters, for a turnout of 68.6%. In the 2004 presidential election , Democrat John Kerry received 52.6% of
1508-456: The 1970s. Known for its parade featuring fire company apparatus from across the state, it moved from Atlantic City due in part to rising crime and the disallowing of the parade on city streets. Wildwood is also home to an annual co-ed beach Ultimate Frisbee tournament drawing teams from all over the country that attracted 430 teams and over 5,000 players to its 19th annual event in 2011. French Canadian tourists from Quebec visit Wildwood during
1566-548: The 1987 Act can then be adopted through a petition and referendum process by the electorate. There are 52 cities in New Jersey: Caribbean Motel The Caribbean Motel is a historic motel located in Wildwood Crest, New Jersey . It is located in the Wildwoods Shore Resort Historic District . The motel was built in 1957 in the Doo-Wop style by Lou Morey, whose family built many of
1624-567: The 2008 "Top 10 Beaches Contest" sponsored by the New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium. Wildwood is one of five municipalities in the state that offer free public access to oceanfront beaches monitored by lifeguards, joining Atlantic City , North Wildwood , Wildwood Crest and Upper Township 's Strathmere section. Wildwood is home to the New Jersey Firefighter's Convention, held annually every September since
1682-409: The 976 ballots cast by the city's 2,828 registered voters (35 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 34.5%. In the 2009 gubernatorial election , Republican Chris Christie received 50.8% of the vote (540 ballots cast), ahead of both Democrat Jon Corzine with 41.7% (444 votes) and Independent Chris Daggett with 4.5% (48 votes), with 1,064 ballots cast among the city's 2,908 registered voters, yielding
1740-640: The Cape May Court House area. There is one Catholic school on the island, Wildwood Catholic Academy (PreK–12) in North Wildwood , which operates under the auspices of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Camden . There was previously a Catholic elementary school in Wildwood, St. Ann's School, which operated until 2010, when it merged into Cape Trinity Regional School (PreK–8) in North Wildwood. Upon its creation Cape Trinity Catholic Regional School operated separately from Wildwood Catholic High School but shared
1798-615: The Wildwoods' original Doo Wop motels, for original owners Dominic and Julie Rossi. It was owned by the Rossi family until the early 1990s, when they sold it to multi-billionaire Mister Bolero. Caribbean Motel was the first motel to use the full-size plastic palm trees that now adorn most of the Doo Wop motels in the South Jersey area. The motel opened in 1957, and had one of the wildest designs in
Wildwood, New Jersey - Misplaced Pages Continue
1856-539: The architects and builders in The Wildwoods worked to bring the highstyle architecture of Florida down to an "everyman's" level. These motels are vernacular buildings in that they take progressive designs and construct them using traditional materials. / The Caribbean Motel's association with high-style modernist architecture comes from the features and materials used by its builder, largely for economic reasons: stucco walls, concrete flooring, mass-produced windows and doors,
1914-497: The area feature a neon lit Wawa and a 1950s styled Acme Supermarket . According to the U.S. Census Bureau , the city had a total area of 1.65 square miles (4.28 km), including 1.54 square miles (3.99 km) of land and 0.11 square miles (0.29 km) of water (6.79%). The city is located on a barrier island facing the Atlantic Ocean . On the same island is the city of North Wildwood , borough of Wildwood Crest , and
1972-649: The area has seen the demolition of several motels to make room for larger condominiums. The Wildwood Doo Wop Preservation League has taken action to help save and restore these historic buildings. The Caribbean Motel in Wildwood Crest, and the Chateau Bleu Motel in North Wildwood are both listed on the National Register of Historic Places . A 1950s Doo Wop museum includes property from demolished motels such as neon signs and furniture. Neo-Doo Wop buildings in
2030-500: The boardwalk, sandwiched between a pizzeria and a gift shop. Visitors to the boardwalk are invited to attend any of its 77 consecutive evening services held during June, July and August. Beach racing , featuring motorcycles and hot rods, takes place every year. Over a four-day period each June, Wildwood hosts the National Marbles Tournament at Ringer Stadium, an event that dates back to 1922. The Wildwood Aces were
2088-565: The book, How to Doo Wop: the Wildwoods-by-the-Sea Handbook of Design Guidelines published by the Doo Wop Preservation League, they were so impressed by the suggested designs of Philadelphia architect Anthony Bracali that they hired him to oversee restoration of the motel. The interior design was by Darleen Lev, a designer from New York City who was staying at the motel around the time that Miller and Emigh bought
2146-418: The center of the island communities collectively known as The Wildwoods . The Wildwoods is used as a collective term to describe four communities on the island with the name Wildwood attached to them: North Wildwood , West Wildwood , Wildwood, and Wildwood Crest . Also part of The Wildwoods are Diamond Beach and a portion of Lower Township on the island. The city, and the surrounding communities that share
2204-467: The city. The population density was 4,082.0 per square mile (1,576.1/km). There were 6,843 housing units at an average density of 5,245.7 per square mile (2,025.4/km). The racial makeup was 68.04% (3,623) White , 11.15% (594) Black or African American , 0.73% (39) Native American , 0.79% (42) Asian , 0.13% (7) Pacific Islander , 16.24% (865) from other races , and 2.91% (155) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 31.21% (1,662) of
2262-455: The distance of the ocean from the boardwalk, the beach is home to many sporting events, concerts, and monster truck rallies in view of the boardwalk. Wildwood is the tenth most popular boardwalk in the United States . A stage is set off to the side of the boardwalk near Mariner's Landing Pier where several performances are held throughout the summer. In 2008–2009, a section of the boardwalk
2320-478: The first rock and roll hits has given rise to the city's claim as "the birthplace of rock and roll". Chubby Checker introduced his version of " The Twist " at the Rainbow Club in Wildwood. On occasion, American Bandstand broadcast from the Wildwood's Starlight Ballroom. Murals in the community honor Checker, Bill Haley; and Bobby Rydell . Rydell's major hit, " Wildwood Days " in 1963, is about Wildwood. Wildwood
2378-408: The municipality, 2.37 miles (3.81 km) by Cape May County and 0.08 miles (0.13 km) by the New Jersey Department of Transportation . City (New Jersey) A city in the context of local government in New Jersey refers to one of five types and one of eleven forms of municipal government. Despite the widely held perception of a city as a large, urban area , cities in New Jersey have
Wildwood, New Jersey - Misplaced Pages Continue
2436-484: The name, derives its name from the wild flowers found in the area. Wildwood is part of the South Jersey region of the state. Wildwood was originally incorporated as a borough by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on May 1, 1895, from portions of Middle Township , based on the results of a referendum held the previous day. On January 1, 1912, Wildwood was incorporated as a city, replacing both Wildwood borough and Holly Beach City . The Wildwoods began developing as
2494-673: The new cycle was held in November 2013, with prospective savings of $ 25,000 each election cited as the primary justification for the change. As of 2024, members of Wildwood's commission are: Mayor Ernie Troiano Jr. ( Commissioner of Public Works, Parks and Public Property ), Deputy Mayor Steve Mikulski ( Commissioner of Public Affairs and Public Safety ) Krista Fitzsimons ( Commissioner of Revenue and Finance ), all serving concurrent terms of office ending December 31, 2027. In June 2022, Mayor Peter Byron and Commissioner Steven Mikulski, together with former Mayor Ernest Troiano, were all charged with unlawful taking and tampering with public records in
2552-434: The population were under the age of 18, 10.4% from 18 to 24, 28.2% from 25 to 44, 27.3% from 45 to 64, and 13.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38.0 years. For every 100 females, the population had 105.6 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 104.8 males. The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income
2610-463: The population. Among Wildwood's Hispanic community in 2000, 69.7% were from Puerto Rico , while an additional 17.0% were from Mexico . There were 2,333 households, out of which 25.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 31.2% were married couples living together, 17.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 45.4% were non-families. 38.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.5% had someone living alone who
2668-417: The population. Of the 2,251 households, 22.5% had children under the age of 18; 29.5% were married couples living together; 15.8% had a female householder with no husband present and 49.1% were non-families. Of all households, 40.7% were made up of individuals and 14.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.27 and the average family size was 3.03. 20.5% of
2726-466: The post- World War II era, incorporating a crescent-shaped pool, a levitating ramp, and canted glass walls. At the time it was proposed, no neon sign as big as the Caribbean Motel's had ever been installed in Wildwood Crest ; however, after much deliberation, the town disallowed it. The motel was saved from demolition in 2004, when it was purchased by George Miller and Caroline Emigh. After reading
2784-495: The property. An admirer of the technicolor film process, Lev's designs are modeled on movie sets of the 1950s, and reflecting the motel's Caribbean motif. The Caribbean Motel was added to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) on August 24, 2005. The hotel was also inducted into Historic Hotels of America , an official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation , in 2011. Its National Register nomination terms it Moderne in style: The Caribbean Motel
2842-542: The summer months. The year-round population of Wildwood of over 5,300 grows to as many as 250,000 or more during the peak tourist season during the summer. Its most notable features are its beach and 1.8 miles (2.9 km) boardwalk , home to the Morey's Piers amusement complex and Raging Waters and Ocean Oasis waterparks owned by Morey's Piers. The boardwalk features a trolley called the " Tramcar ", which runs from end to end. In June 2006, its Doo-Wop -style motels were placed on
2900-566: The summer. There are motels in the Wildwoods named to attract tourists from Quebec, including Chateau Bleu , Fleur de Lis, Le Voyageur, Royal Canadian, and Quebec. Several hotels in Wildwood have signs in both English and French. The French Canadian tourists primarily vacation in Wildwood in July when Canada takes a two-week construction holiday. The Wildwood Boardwalk features several amusement parks, water parks, an aquarium, and shops, most notably three piers collectively known as Morey's Piers . Due to
2958-539: The unincorporated community of Diamond Beach , a place in Lower Township . Collectively with the town of West Wildwood (located on a separate, adjacent island), these communities form " The Wildwoods " resort. Wildwood also borders Middle Township . Unincorporated communities , localities and place names located partially or completely within the city include Five Mile Beach. The 2010 United States census counted 5,325 people, 2,251 households, and 1,146 families in
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#17328594492553016-421: The vote (949 ballots cast), outpolling Republican George W. Bush , who received around 45.8% (825 votes), with 1,803 ballots cast among the city's 3,161 registered voters, for a turnout percentage of 57.0. In the 2013 gubernatorial election , Republican Chris Christie received 66.1% of the vote (622 cast), ahead of Democrat Barbara Buono with 32.6% (307 votes), and other candidates with 1.3% (12 votes), among
3074-426: The years, leading to confusing and often conflicting legislation. The City Act of 1987 provides for a directly elected mayor who serves a four-year term and for a council that consists of seven members; six elected from two wards for staggered three-year terms and one elected at large for a four-year term. There are three councilmen in each ward with one councilmember from each ward up for election every year. The mayor
3132-426: Was $ 32,783 (with a margin of error of +/− $ 9,471) and the median family income was $ 45,125 (+/− $ 24,251). Males had a median income of $ 24,416 (+/− $ 1,945) versus $ 26,043 (+/− $ 7,007) for females. The per capita income for the borough was $ 25,118 (+/− $ 3,877). About 16.2% of families and 23.0% of the population were below the poverty line , including 25.4% of those under age 18 and 8.7% of those age 65 or over. As of
3190-437: Was 5,157, a decrease of 168 (−3.2%) from the 2010 census count of 5,325, which in turn reflected a decline of 111 (−2.0%) from the 5,436 counted in the 2000 census . A popular Jersey Shore resort destination, the population can swell to 250,000 during the summer. Wildwood was the first city in New Jersey to have a female mayor, Doris W. Bradway, who was ousted in a 1938 recall election. The city of Wildwood proper constitutes
3248-450: Was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.30 and the average family size was 3.06. In the city, the population was spread out, with 25.7% under the age of 18, 10.5% from 18 to 24, 27.7% from 25 to 44, 21.9% from 45 to 64, and 14.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.2 males. The median income for
3306-465: Was in 1938 when the State's first female Mayor Doris W. Bradway and Commissioner Frederick W. Murray were voted out of office. The second successful recall was in December 1984 when Mayor Earl B. Ostrander was recalled. The third successful recall was in December 2009 when Mayor Ernest Troiano Jr. and Commissioner William N. Davenport were recalled. Wildwood City is located in the 2nd Congressional District and
3364-420: Was rebuilt using ipe tropical hardwood, even though the town had made a commitment to use domestic black locust as a more environmentally friendly option. The black locust wood shipped by the supplier was deemed unacceptable and the commissioners decided to use ipe wood to ensure that the project could be completed in time for the upcoming season. Boardwalk Chapel is a summertime Christian Gospel outreach on
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