North Wildwood voters reject name change to Anglesea
The famous Wildwoods sign in Wildwood, N.J. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
North Wildwood voters have rejected changing the municipal name to Anglesea.
The non-binding referendum, placed on the ballot after 100 people signed a petition this summer, was rejected by 60.64% of the voters, according to data from the Cape May County Clerk.
A city study found that changing the name would cost between $20,000 and $30,000 to reprint municipal assets with the Anglesea name.
“I have heard both positive and negative feedback regarding a possible name-change, but the most common question I have received so far has been how much will it cost,” stated Mayor Patrick Rosenello in a release issued in September. “The study conducted by our Administration Department helps to shine light on that question, and gives the residents more information on the overall costs incurred by the city, before they go to polls this November.”
[RELATED: Should North Wildwood change its name to Anglesea?]
Anglesea was founded as a fishing village in 1885 but renamed itself North Wildwood in 1906, as a means to tie in with Wildwood’s growing popularity as a swanky resort town.
But the name Anglesea is still very much associated with North Wildwood.
Anglesea Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 has been putting fires out since 1897, The Anglesea Pub has been operating since 1885, and in July, North Wildwood hosts its annual Anglesea Blues Festival.
North Wildwood is on a barrier island that includes Wildwood, West Wildwood, Wildwood Crest, and Diamond Beach, a portion of Lower Township.
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NewsWorks’ Jana Shea contributed to this report.
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