Why do they believe in the Wildwoods?

The start of the 21^st century brings with it new opportunities and a renewed interest in the Wildwoods. Local government, business and tourism leaders are emphatic in their faith in the future of the Wildwoods.

"Over the past two or three years, Wildwood has seen a reverse in an economic downturn it experienced in the preceding decade," explained Wildwood Mayor Duane Sloan.

Local government, business and community groups are resolute in their goal of turning the Wildwoods, and specifically, the island’s downtown shopping district, into the thriving retail zone that visitors from all over the world enjoyed for many years.

With the construction begun on a new convention center set to open in 2001, there have already been many applications for renovation and development of convention-related activities, according to Sloan. "There will soon be redevelopment of the downtown through re-institution of two-way traffic and development of a themed entertainment district downtown and year-round businesses," Sloan said.

To attract new businesses to the resort, every facet of the Wildwoods community strives to make opening a business in the heart of the island – the downtown – as simple as possible. Local banks offer special improvement loans for downtown retailers, area business organizations lend assistance and guidance, and local governments have instituted tax abatement programs as incentive to investors.

"Investment in the Wildwoods is increasing to the point to where we’re now seeing a definite economic upswing, more than just revitalization," said the mayor.

With an expansive beach, hundreds of amusement rides and attractions, and a multitude of restaurants and hostelries, "Wildwood’s assets are unparalleled to any other beach resort. Other towns have niche markets, but there is no other place on the East Coast that compares with Wildwood’s beaches and Boardwalk," Sloan said. "The recent addition of the futuristic/retro movement, known locally as ‘Doo Wop’ has given the Wildwoods their own niche, and the community is actively pursing this movement. It involves creating an atmosphere, and that has become an important part of our renaissance."

Many investors are looking at Wildwood as ‘up and coming,’ according to Sloan, because of the national exposure the Doo Wop culture has received. "It has attracted investment and the Doo Wop atmosphere has begin to obtain an inertia on its own."

Those familiar with economics know that every town has a cycle, and Wildwood has just begin its upward cycle, Sloan points out.

"It’s become known throughout the region that Wildwood is the place to be for investment. It’s not just theory – it’s happening! Actually, the time to get in on the ground floor has passed, but there is still plenty of opportunity. There’s much more chance for upward movement in Wildwood than in any other resort, and that chance is quickly becoming a reality."

"We are developing a new Master Plan to take into account where we see Wildwood going, and we are passing economic development initiatives to enable faster permitting and less government red tape to get projects done.

"In Wildwood, we’re business-friendly and doing everything we can to help developers and provide them with well-suited improvements," continued Sloan.

"In the past year, we’ve seen something I haven’t seen since I was a teenager: a level of investment to the city that is exciting. The amount of money being put in to the Wildwoods is phenomenal, which shows that people are believing in our town.

Wildwood’s Truest Believer
Duane Sloan
Mayor of Wildwood

(To find out more about investment opportunities available in the Wildwoods, contact Main Street Wildwood at (609) 729-6818)

Look for this feature highlighting the Wildwoods every week in Catamaran Media publications. To become a part of this feature stating why you believe in the Wildwoods, call Main Street Wildwood at 729-6818.

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