Two more set for demolition...

[Al Alven]

It's definitely a lack of vision for the island's future, that's for sure.

But, years from now, when it becomes apparent to everyone that the island had been raped of its character and culture, these politicians will be long gone.

Short term gain is all that matters to them, and they could care less that the true spirit of the Wildwoods is being "sacrificed" for such means.

[FlyinGN]

heyyy easy there shore girl.. This guys blonde

[Crippled_Visions]

I think what's happening in the Wildwoods is a good thing. There is a lot of interest in the island and it's going through a re-birth. Let's face it, the island was getting pretty run down....someone needed to do something about it. Wildwood has gone through many changes over the years...this is just another chapter.

[AnthonyV]

I can't answer for anyone living in Wildwood or North Wildwood but if there was anything in Wildwood Crest that looked remotely as if it were getting "run down" I would have sold my home at that time...Oddly enough, what's going to convince me to sell probably in 2006 and ove to another Jersey Shore town is the undoing of the Crest's original half town/half resort atmosphere.

The interest generated in this island came via the sudden interest in its collection of authentic motels back in 1997, and the studies that were conducted here by major corporations, scholars, and architecture students that brought about the creation of the Doo Wop Preservation League.

Whenever you read or heard a major story about this island it was the motels that served as THE catalyst for each and every story written about the Wildwoods over the last 7-8 years. That's where the rebirth of the Wildwoods was developed and where it materialized.

In fact, you couldn't read, hear, or see anything reported about the Wildwoods without noticing the motels were often highlighted as a major part of that story.

Today, I don't feel that it's these new condos that have continued to generate an interest in Wildwood, but rather the controversial loss of the many classic shore motels that have been demolished to build them and the battle that has resulted to save some of them.

[shoregirl]

Well Crippled Visions (good name - your vision is indeed crippled), as you stated Wildwood is entering "another chapter", and guess what? This will NOT make the best sellers list!!! Al I agree with you whole heartedly - the island is indeed being RAPED. These half _ss politicans will be gone by the time all of this ruinization of this wonderful resort is completed, and it is true, all they are interested in is the "fast buck" for the lining of their pockets. Once you take away the reason that makes this resort stand out amongst the other bland, dull, look-alike "clapboard" dwellings of other seashore resorts, the "vacationers" and their $$$$$ will cease. As I keep saying over and over again - they are slitting their own throats. But the voters have the power to get rid of them and if they feel as we do - hopefully they will. Once they destroy the wonderful architecture that made this island known for over 60 years, there is no getting it back. Let our children and grandchildren enjoy the wonder and beauty of days gone by, when life was actually fun and worth it. Today the kids use to seeing buildings that all look alike, and have no idea what it was like to actually relax and enjoy yourself at the shore, and be carefree. But there again the parents are to blame for that - handing the kids everything that they want, but that's another story!!!! Make the kids work from the time they are at least 13 or 14, and the "brat" population might disappear like are lovely motels/hotels. That disappearance of spoiled brats though - would be a good thing!!!

[Al Alven]

Crippled_Visions said:

I think what's happening in the Wildwoods is a good thing. There is a lot of interest in the island and it's going through a re-birth. Let's face it, the island was getting pretty run down....someone needed to do something about it. Wildwood has gone through many changes over the years...this is just another chapter.

History has shown that it is the nature of a shore resort town to go through various stages of “re-birth” as the years go by, and time, tastes and trends evolve. Wildwood, to be specific, has reinvented itself in many ways, since the beginning of the 20th century alone.

I agree that the Wildwoods are entering a new chapter; it would be a blatant case of denial for anyone to argue otherwise. But, whether you agree or disagree (as 99 percent of those here do) with the way the island is changing now, I think the important factor here is to note that the change is occurring too rapidly for the resort’s own good.

There is no way that the politicians (particularly in the Crest) could have accurately taken stock of the kind of longterm effect this massive condoization of the island is going to have. It is simply irresponsible of them to allow the landscape of the Wildwoods to be transformed so quickly, so rapidly, without absolute knowledge of the kind of impact this trend is going to have.

I’m not even thinking about the value and cultural importance of the classic mid-century architecture while making this point. It doesn’t matter what is being torn down and what is being built in its place, the fact of the matter is, controversial, wholesale changes have been made to the island in one offseason (to the point that many longtime visitors will not recognize large, formerly familiar areas), and it is simply a case of “too much, too soon.”<br>
As for the Doo Wop motels, well, it’s simply a downright shame that they are being disregarded so heartlessly and so swiftly, when a market for them continues to exist, and cultural interest in their preservation remains so high. Every elected official has a duty to help his or her town maintain and build upon its history and cultural significance. Outright disregarding these factors is an abomination.

I disagree that the Wildwoods, by and large, have become “run down.” But, even if you hold such an opinion, why not aim to rectify the situation by improving conditions, rather than leveling historically important structures to the ground and “starting all over” with new, face-less buildings, devoid of any sense of the cultural significance that once stood there?

I would completely understand, for instance, if the Satellite Motel was demolished, only to be replaced by a new condo entity that carried on that institution’s architectural and historical integrity in a neo-Doo Wop manner. To destroy such a wonderful icon and, with it, another symbol of the Wildwoods’ unique nature, only to erect bland, cookie-cutter condos is an outright insult to the people (residents, visitors or otherwise) who hold the island’s character so dear.

Again, change is fine… as long as it occurs in moderation, and is done with a sense of the Wildwoods’ tradition in mind. That’s why us pro-Doo Wop folks laud the preservation of places like the Caribbean and Lollipop motels, and the original creation (and proposed expansion) of the Starlux Hotel and other new developments that echo what the Wildwoods are about.

Like it or not, these old motels are treasured, because they are testaments to the character and storied history of the island. I know if may sound like I’m repeating myself, but the point can not be made enough. Cookie-cutter condos say nothing, other than “someone is making a quick buck” and “hi, I’m completely devoid of any semblance of character.”<br>
The Doo Wop motels, on the other hand, say so much more. And that, in essence, is what this debate is all about. There is no reason for this condoization (and, thus, the loss Wildwoods’ legacy) to be happening so fast. There needs to be, in the very, very least, a “cool down” period, so that developers, politicians, business owners, residents and vacationers alike can take stock of the true direction the island is headed in.

Anything less, again, is irresponsible, and is certainly not in the best interests of the Wildwoods.

[shoregirl]

Al - what a wonderful response!!!! You should indeed be on the city council for Wildwood!!! I was so impressed with your letter. Your words are what stands TRUE for those of us that truly love the island!!!! My husband and I have been coming to Wildwood for all 30 years of our marriage since 1975. My husband has been coming to Wildwood all of his life since 1949, and I have been coming to Wildwood since 1953. We would love to get together with you when we are on the island Al. My husband knows every inch and the history of the island from end to end!!!!! We will be arriving on Thursday afternoon 5/5 and staying until 5/9 for the Mother's Day/ Car Show weekend. Let me know if you'll be around, ok?

[ContessaAnisha]

shoregirl said:

These half _ss politicans will be gone by the time all of this ruinization of this wonderful resort is completed, and it is true, all they are interested in is the "fast buck" for the lining of their pockets.

Actually, the ones 'lining' their pockets are the the motel owners that are being offeren amazing prices for the properties they own. I would find it hard to turn down a few million dollars for a place I only paid a few thousand for a few years ago. As a Capitalist nation, we can't regulate what and to whom we are allowed to sell to. If someone has a place in Wildwood, and wants to sell, who are we to say 'You can't do that'?

[shoregirl]

ContessaAnisha - married to a developer are we??? ( If you are not a true Wildwoodian then you have "no clue" what all of this means.

[ContessaAnisha]

Shoregirl...having lived in Wildwood for over 25 years, I suppose I could call myself a 'Wildwoodian'.

..and as the wife of a developer, you should understand that the owners are only doing what they feel is right for them and their families. Yes, seeing some of the old places go is sad...but we cannot regulate who may sell their business and to whom they may sell. That's all I was saying.

[shoregirl]

ContessaAnisha - I understand what you are saying - and I do somewhat agree - most of the owners bought their motel/hotel establishments back in the late 40's to early 70's. Prices then in the 50's and 60's were in the range of 15,000 to 30,000 - so being offered millions for them is appealing to say the least. I can understand that. But, as it has been stated in here by many of us, you can still sell your properties but have "certain" stipulations attached for preservation and growth. What upsets my husband and I the most is the "foreigners" that come over to our lands and get the grants and money to buy these businesses ONLY to make the quick buck and destroy what the good "Americans" hold near and dear to our hearts. I could just see "their" governments letting us go over to their lands (like we'd want to) ULK!! and buy up properties!!!

[wildre]

The owners of these motels should learn to be more selective to whom they sell. It appears they could care less what becomes of their legacy. Not just take the highest bid, if they have any pride in their properties at all. Too often they see the $$$$$ and nothing more.
Which makes sense(with some owners) when you look at how rundown they've allowed their properties to get over the years.
It was always the money with them. I doubt they ever really cared about DooWop or the Island, except how it effected their bottom line.
They sold out and moved on.

re

re

[AnthonyV]

Ironically, many of these one time motel owners are currently embattled in legal action because they have not seen anywhere near the total amounts of money promised by developers.

I heard that this morning from two older men who sold their motels a few ago who have seen only a small portion so far of their sale. From what they were saying, they weren't the only ones that this has happened to either!

One guy was super pissed because the developer finsihed the condos before he's even seen 1/4 of the money owed to him! This was over at a car parts store on the corner of Rio Grande and Rt 9.

[shoregirl]

That's funny!!! Maybe if enough owners hear of this - the greedy will think twice before thinking they are going to be MILLIONAIRES!!!! I hope they lose their shirts!!!! ) Some things come back to "bite" you in the _ss!!!

[MMM]

shoregirl said:

But, as it has been stated in here by many of us, you can still sell your properties but have "certain" stipulations attached for preservation and growth.

I agree with this - while I'd love for owners of motels to wait for the right person to buy it from them when they want to sell, the more important thing is there aren't laws protecting these properties.

...come over to our lands and get the grants and money to buy these businesses

What grants are you speaking of? I am interested in buying the Singapore, but I'm most likely going to need a deposit. A grant from the Government would likely help me to be able to buy it - for a deposit/start-up/repairs/etc.