Shore town to offer parking directly on the beach
AP photo
Officials in Wildwood have approved an ordinance to allow parking directly in a designated area on the sands of the city’s wide beach.
The new beach parking lot will be located next to the Wildwood Convention Center and a local pier at Baker Avenue.
According to a city news release, parking will at the attended lot will be limited to four-wheel drive vehicles and cost $10 with special event parking at $20.
City Commissioner Pete Byron says the decision is based on other beach communities that have allowed beach parking.
“Other Jersey beach resorts offer parking on the sand,” he said in a prepared statement. “Wildwood’s world-famous beach is the perfect place to offer residents and visitors alike the opportunity to leave their vehicle on the sand while enjoying a day at the beach.”
The commissioner tells CBS3 that the parking area will be in a quieter area that is less frequented.
Byron says beach parking in Brigantine in Atlantic County has generated more than $600,000 in 2014. The city has offered beach parking limited to four-wheel drive vehicles at $185 a season since 2007
The commissioner says the revenue generation will reduce the tax burden on city residents.
“For Wildwood taxpayers, $600,000 equals approximately four cents in tax savings per $100 of assessed value,” he said, adding that Wildwood’s beach size can accommodate even more vehicles than other beaches and spur even more property tax savings.
Wildwood expects the parking area to open by the second week of July.
Related: Why Wildwood’s beaches are so big
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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