Wildwood Considering A Beach Fee
WILDWOOD, NJ (CBS) -- One of New Jersey's few free beaches may not be free much longer. Wildwood is considering the imposition of a beach fee as soon as next year.
Mayor Ernie Troiano says he's simply heeding a demand from the people who elected him. Lower their taxes. So he's looking at every alternative to foot the two million dollar annual bill to man lifeguard stations and keep the beach clean. Mind you, the idea is far from set in stone just yet.
"We have to get a study done. We have to report that study to the public. The bid may have to go to a referendum to vote," Troiano says.
None of which will happen before fall at the earliest. Neighboring towns North Wildwood and Wildwood Crest are also fee-free for now, although Troiano believes if his town imposes a charge the others would quickly follow suit. He says he's gotten a ton of e-mails from vacationers in favor of the idea—if that will improve the cleanliness of the beach. Seems more people are leaving their trash behind these days.
Reported by David Madden, KYW Newsradio
