Our Ages

[FlyinGN]

I, like Al, is optimistic that maybe the best hotels will actually live on for a long time.. .. And like Anthony said these hotels.. built over 50 years ago, where never meant to last this long under the harsh seaside salt air and harsh winters. I guess its a blessing that so many did last this long.

Enjoy em while we can.. Thats what we are doing....

Frank

[Al Alven]

AnthonyV said:

I re-read your last post Al and kind of see and understand your opinions more clearly now...No, I don't think those motels were ever built to last probably as long as they have. I also believe that their life-span is limited to a large and certain extent.

But I also think that a lot of these motels should have been replaced with newer motels to take their place - not condos. In fact, I would almost welcome any hotel chain to come in and build rather than have these condos here. Such an ordinance could have easily been passed and put into place years ago here in the Crest, but it never happened even after it was suggested a few times at open public meetings! According to town records, it was never even seriously considered or discussed by any officials as a serious alternative after it was brought up as an alternative.

Hell, I'm waiting for limiting the demolition to come up as a resolution that can be voted on and decided by Crest residents! I'll be long gone from this town before that ever happens I'm sure.

Anthony,

I agree that the most disheartening thing about the loss of so many great “Doo Wop” structures is the reality that alternatives to replacing them with anything but bland, lifeless condos never seem to even be discussed.

The fact that this condo trend has taken off so quickly and so rampantly is indicative of the overall desire of developers (particularly of the Crest) to transform the island. I have no other explanation for such a dramatic physical overhaul.

Condos are a prime money-maker, apparently. I can’t claim to know the first thing about real estate, so I am not truly qualified to speak on the matter. But, geez, the fact that they are going up so fast (and in such unbelievable quantities) tells me that they are cheap to build and designed to bring in the maximum dollar NOW.

These new condos and townhouses represent anything but an investment in the Wildwoods’ future. New developments like the Nouveau Wave and the Wildwood Beach Hotel, however, are being planned with the island’s longterm growth in mind.

That is another reason why I am optimistic about the eventually stemming of the condo era. If the many 1950s era motels were not physically built to last for years, what of these cheapo structures? What if the neo-Doo Wop highrise developments prove to be successful, as I believe they will be?

The demand then for more motel/hotel rooms on the island could grow. And what would stand in the way of a condo development owner from taking the wrecking ball to a recently-built residential building to build a new motel/hotel? If the demand (and, thus, the money) looks to be there, it could happen.

Every time I talk to someone from the DWPL on this matter, I get the sense that they believe we are entering a very exciting, transitional time in the Wildwoods. Sure, they are always looking to put an optimistic slant on what is going on, but there is a genuine sense that the island’s fortunes are already beginning to turn around.

[AnthonyV]

Al and Frank,

Let me give this matter some more time and perhaps I'll come around to changing the way I'm feeling about the future mostly in Wildwood Crest. The truth, no matter how you want to try feeling better about it, is that there is a great sense of concern and urgency down here. It's almost like many residents are feeling dominated and controlled by the tremedous ease in which developers are going about their business systematically tearing apart the heart and soul of the Crest - which was pretty found in the motel district for so many years.

I'm sure the DWPL feels excited about what is going to happen in Wildwood with the arrival of new hotels, but I don't get that type of excitement here where I live...As a matter of fact, nothing could be further from feeling excited; SHOCKED would be a better word.

[choochoochuck]

Momto, why don't you belive I'm thirteen...first off I drive down with my parents...my dad actually died a year ago, and I love history and I remember when I had to do a project on the Jersey shore last year and we had to choose a historic landmark I choose the Lollipop Motel and I found this site. So, I'm sorry if you don't believe me.

[Al Alven]

To be completely honest, Anthony, I guess I’m still trying to digest all of the changes that have happened over such a short period of time, particularly down in the Crest.

Perhaps my overly optimistic nature is more of a defense mechanism than a realistic take on what is going on. I can freely admit that, because all of this still seems like it is a bad dream.

I have been down to the Wildwoods at least a half dozen times this winter, and I have witnessed many of the “changes” first hand. Literally stood there on the corner, watching the Blue Jay and Tally Ho motels get reduced to rubble one day. Watched as the Carousel came down. Passed many, many empty lots where great motels once stood, before condo construction began.

It’s been extremely disheartening, but I don’t think it will all fully hit me until the summertime. When I drive down Atlantic and Ocean Avenues and witness the lack of neon where a once-great Doo Wop motel stood just a year ago… When I pass by a formerly familiar area of the Crest and realize that I feel “lost”… When it sinks in how much of my past has literally become history…<br>
… Well, that’s likely when all of this will truly hit home. When I see bland, lifeless condos in the places of these great institutions, I’m sure outright sadness and, well, anger will come to the forefront of my emotions.

I value your perspective to the utmost, Anthony. As a longtime resident of the Crest, your sense of the matter at hand is unparalleled. Therefore, I can’t imagine how all of this must make you feel. I can praddle on and on about my “optimistic” hopes for the island, but I know that, really, it doesn’t mean a thing when most signs seem to indicate more of the same for the foreseeable future.

You’re right… the most promising signs of hope are taking place in Wildwood proper. Aside from the renovation and expansion of a small number of motels in the Crest this offseason (Caribbean, Cara Mara, Shalimar, Cape Code, etc.), the news as been nothing but bleak down there.

North Wildwood is experiencing the same
“condoization” issues as the Crest, just at a considerably slower rate. Here’s hoping that the positive changes occurring in Wildwood prove to be successful, and somehow have a ripple effect on the rest of the island.

[bikerchik]

momto2, you really made Chuck mad now. You better apologize. Would you believe I'm 7 years old?

[momto2]

ok whatever.. people can't take a joke... god.. I think it's time for me to leave this forum...

[choochoochuck]

I'm sorry I'm just realized confused...momto...do you think I'm 13 or not...I'm just wondering. I hope your not mad or anything.

[momto2]

I'm not mad if you're 13 fine, your posts just make you sound older.
Have you been to OC MD?

[MMM]

Al said:

If the many 1950s era motels were not physically built to last for years...

Interestingly, there was a post from Anthony not long ago where he spoke with some demolition people and was told most of the buildings being demolished seemed to be in very good condition, at least structurally IIRC.

[Crippled_Visions]

Al said:

Everyone,

It is apparent that Crippled Visions, like DEVIL and Church Lady before her/him, is primarily here to stir up trouble. Comments made in this and other posts by this character have been blatantly distasteful and offensive.

As difficult as the temptation to do so may be, please do not respond to CV or any other poster who attempts to hijack our discussions here. The sooner they are ignored (and the sooner we notify moderator Mike) the sooner they will disappear.

I am all for fun and humor, but there is a time and a place for such things. There is also the matter of crossing the line of decency and common courtesy.

As we continue to build a strong sense of community on this message board, the last thing we need to do is feed into trolls such as this, and their desire to disrupt our well-intentioned discussions.

momto2, I am sorry that you had to be subjected to such rude and vulgar comments by this person. Hopefully, you will not have to worry about it any longer.

Unlike Church Lady, I am sincere with my posts. My family does own a house, not a condo (not that I care), in North Wildwood. I've been to Wildwood every summer of my life and I do like it there. I could just care less about doo wop...sue me.

And maybe some, not all, of my posts are offensive. I guess I just like to have a little more fun than you Al.

[SirCaz]

"And slowly they turn their backs on the one who is no longer there!

[Crippled_Visions]

SirCaz said:

"And slowly they turn their backs on the one who is no longer there!

You don't have the will power. You already broke down!

[Doowopper]

I don't see you can like Wildwood and Care less about Doo-Wop which has been there since the early 50's. Doo Wop IS Wildwood. Wildwood is famous because of Doo-Wop. Without it, it will die like OC and the others.

[choochoochuck]

Mom, I've never been to OC, MD I've heard a lot about it and scene pictures though.