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Post by AnthonyV on May 23, 2005 21:05:05 GMT -5
These "people who spend so little time down here" are as financially important to this island as anything or anyone else that has managed to long survive the good and bad times down here over the last few decades - and that certainly includes "locals."
So what if people like anticondo or anyone else dares to dream absurd things. So what? At least they care enough about making this island better, even if their ideas do seem somewhat unreal.
Five years ago anyone thinking that condos would have seriously threatened the existence of these once absurd looking but wonderful 1950s and '60s collection of motels (which were being promoted extensively nationwide at the time and began receiving enormous interest and media coverage) was just as surreal a thought to a lot of people as well I'm sure.
Regardless of how fantastical their ideas might seem, at least anticondos far-out ideas are not responsible for systematically destroying and raping this this island of its quirky character like developers have in just the last seven months alone!
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Post by MMM on May 23, 2005 21:24:44 GMT -5
Some of these ideas are a bit "out there" I guess, but in a sense I could say the same for the recent "developments" in the motel district. I don't believe that the residential areas should turn commercial (like trying to make an Ocean Avenue along Park Boulevard in the Crest), nor should the resort area become a quiet, basically dull community like some other nearby shore communities, with structures erected for that which look like they belong in another town (as has sadly happened as far as some of the buildings go in a few sections of the motel area). The resort aspect is part of the appeal of the town to many people, and a big part of what make the area special. From what I could tell as a mere visitor, the resort area of the Crest has coexisted pretty well with the residential areas. Sure, some of the residents might get a few rude visitors to deal with - that's inevitable I'd imagine, but I'm sure there have been visitors over the years who could say the same about a few residents too. A few of the members here are residents of the Wildwoods, though currently I am not one - "just" a lifelong lover of the area. The visitors do pay extra taxes when staying in the motels, so if paying taxes makes one part of the community, then I guess us shoobees belong too.
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Post by SirCaz on May 23, 2005 21:31:40 GMT -5
Anticondos ideas are entertaining and humorous, thats one reason I enjoy this board. I even think once in awhile crippled vision is funny, a little rough around the edge's but funny. Now for my other 2 cents. As one of "those people" I wonder if Sandy realizes that for me to bring my family to WW it costs me between $2,000 and $2,500 for a one week vacation in a medium prices motel. This includes fuel to get there, food, entertainment, and of course the motel. Sometimes one of my older children also come down at the same time with their family, thats another $2000. in the local treasury. If that is mutiplied by all of "those people" that come to the Wildwoods every year it might help the local economy a little bit. Nuff said.
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sandy
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Post by sandy on May 23, 2005 21:52:13 GMT -5
I do not dispute the financial importance of visitors to the island, and did not suggest that I do. I merely seek some sanity in their highly vocal opinions regarding its proper course, especially when these opinions, if acted upon, would be uncontestably deleterious rather than beneficial, as you suggest. Rathering than "destroying and raping this this island of its quirky character," these measures would merely destroy the beach or the bay. Let's not forget that the Wildwoods are shore towns first and foremost. Indeed, anti-condo and others have a right to their opinions on Wildwood. It is equally my right to question the sensibility of those opinions from the perspective of a local resident. I'm beginning to sense some tunnel vision as to the paramount issue here, as again Doo Wop motels were brought up in response to my post. Let me reiterate: I did not address Doo Wop motels or condos other than to say that I do not support the condo boom. Since you did address that issue, I will say that I do support the discerning preservation and rehabilitation of unique Doo Wop architecture, as well as closer scrutiny of condo design and construction. While I agree that Wildwood's quirky character is an indispensible element of its appeal, I feel that the propagation of new Doo Wop architecture has gotten out of hand. In my opinion, there is no need for the amount of new construction of Doo Wop influenced buildings, signs, sidewalks, streetsigns, hotels, etc. This is a valuable architectural style to be preserved, not irresponsibly and excessively reproduced to the degree that it has been. In total, Doo-Wop has an undeniable place in the historical and visual character of Wildwood, one to be preserved and protected as much as condo development should be limited and regulated. Concerns for it(or for the amount of energy expended by visitors walking on the beach) should by no means supplant those of the environment and the island's aesthetic balance between a history to be preserved and a future to be embraced.
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Post by AnthonyV on May 23, 2005 21:54:28 GMT -5
Sircaz and MMM: Speaking for myself, I have never had any problem with any "visitors" or "vacationers" coming down here year after year. I believe I've said that numerous times on this message board...I just want to dinstinguish myself from what some other "locals" here might feel.
Hell! I 've let families park in front of my drive-way (it's pretty big) or IN my drive way for years when they could not find spots along nearby Atlantic Ave - and YES for nothing! I have however seen some truly vile "locals," people who are my neighbors, take keys, nails, or some othe sharp object to a family's car after they walk off to the beach. I saw "locals" cut or deflate tires, spray Coca-Cola, even pour syrup down gas tanks when someone GOD FORBID parked anywhere near their homes.
One idiot across the street two years ago even went as far as sliding himself under a car and snipped away at the brake lines with heavy-duty cutting pliers to a family's new Toyota van... The SOB was arrested, since the leaking brake fluid got on his hands and ate away at the paint, he had no idea that his prints were everywhere on the car when the cops came, and out of embarassment has since moved to Mariners Cove or somewhere in Diamond Beach a few blocks south.
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Post by AnthonyV on May 23, 2005 22:17:42 GMT -5
Sandy:
Fair enough. But as an obviously intelligent person with a good command of the English language, be realistic for just one minute putting all serious aside...Please?
As absurd as some peoples opinions might seem to you, the actual probability and possibility of anyone ever bringing camels or installing moving sidewalks here is nothing more than just that - someones IDEA. It should not be taken seriously. It's about as realistic building a landing pad for UFOs, but it makes some people happy to think along those lines even if others see it as being senseless.
But the FACT is that you have directed a certain degree of personal insult towards those "people who spend so little time down here" and you most certainly HAVE downplayed their importance to the economic status of this entire island, despite what any bunch of grandiose "locals" might think.
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Post by MMM on May 23, 2005 22:30:10 GMT -5
Sircaz and MMM: Speaking for myself, I have never had any problem with any "visitors" or "vacationers" coming down here year after year. I believe I've said that numerous times on this message board...I just want to dinstinguish myself from what some other "locals" here might feel. You don't owe me any explanations, Anthony. I didn't even see your post until after I wrote and posted mine (even though they have a similarity). I know how you welcome "us" to the Wildwoods, and thankfully there are others like yourself in this regard as well. ...and I would NEVER block your driveway (or Sandy's)! - that's rude.
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Post by MMM on May 23, 2005 22:36:11 GMT -5
I'm beginning to sense some tunnel vision as to the paramount issue here, as again Doo Wop motels were brought up in response to my post. I'm sorry - I didn't intend a sort of tunnel vision response, Sandy. I was trying to relate somewhat how some of the "odd" ideas of changes proposed by some can be compared to some of the IMO questionable changes that have taken place recently in the Crest in the resort area, only worse as those changes aren't just ideas, but have actually happened.
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Post by wildre on May 23, 2005 22:37:59 GMT -5
Sandy, Welcome! I ditto what Anthony said. This thread is titled "Ideas and Strategies" Relax, this is a message board not Spout Off.
re-5 month resident but 12 month taxpayer
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Post by AnthonyV on May 23, 2005 22:45:59 GMT -5
Sandy: Putting all previous discussions aside, I'd also just like to welcome you here as well...But please, try to enjoy yourself?
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sandy
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Post by sandy on May 24, 2005 8:53:46 GMT -5
Anthony and Wildre, thank you for your warm welcome. I assure you that I have been quite entertained.
Anthony: My posts did not address only the ideas of camels or sidewalks. I took issue with a range of things people seem to think would be good for this island, from beach construction to bayfront boardwalks. You yourself suggested the plausibility of a beach tram. Is the beach really so big to warrant mechanizing a traditional sactuary from machines? I would be interested to see the response of residents(and plenty of visitors) to that idea. Also, I think you'd be hard pressed to find any personal insult to visitors to the island generally in my post or where I downplay their economic signifigance. Again, I do not object to their visits. Again, I will say they are the financial lifeblood of this small economy. I do doubt the ability of many, again not all, occassional visitors to form informed conceptions of what is good for this island, be they enacted or merely abstracted, as their experiences here in weeks or months of visiting are simply too limited to assure an inclusive vision of a year round community. Again,they are as entitled to their opinion as I am to critique it.
Wildre: I am in fact spouting off my opinions on this message board, which was designed to serve that very purpose. My opinions in fact do address Ideas and Strategies, specifically those ill-conceived ones of certain clueless people who would have their absurd, destructive thoughts on this island realized if they had their way.
MMM: Tunnel vision was not directed at you. You seem as much a gentleman here as I undoubtedly do not.
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Post by wildwanderer on May 24, 2005 18:49:12 GMT -5
Sandy, take it easy already. Take a breath and listen to what others are saying around you. You have the right to voice your opinions yes, but to completely dominate with your spout offs can get quite boring. This chat board is fun, and full of wonderful memories, not political agendas. I consider myself a visitor of the Wildwood's and I am proud to call this place my second home. While I am not a property tax payer I buy goods, gas, groceries, clothes and of course a significant amount to stay in Wildwood. We come to Wildwood freely and could at any time pick Delaware or Maryland but we don't. Try writing to the local newspaper to spout off maybe you'll get the recognition you so seem to need.
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Post by FlyinGN on May 24, 2005 20:47:18 GMT -5
yea sandy why are you so uptight?? Its a free country and anyone can go to any part they wish.. You own your property.. not the island.
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Post by MMM on May 24, 2005 21:49:10 GMT -5
...suggested the plausibility of a beach tram. Is the beach really so big to warrant mechanizing a traditional sactuary from machines? I would be interested to see the response of residents(and plenty of visitors) to that idea. There actually was a beach tram of sorts in North Wildwood at one time. I'm not sure if they still have it. IIRC, it was a tractor that pulled a "car" behind it that carried people out closer to the ocean, and back again, though I wouldn't swear to it. I always stay on the beach in the Crest, and I'm a little foggy as to whether it still exists and exactly what form was/is.
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Post by SirCaz on May 24, 2005 22:39:27 GMT -5
I think some kind of slow moving beach tram would be great. My wife has had back surgery and will have to walk with a cane for the rest of her life, try walking across the Crest beach with one of those. She does it every year because she loves the beach that much. Even if they had a beach taxi to take her to the beach and back I would be happy to pay the fare. If a beach tram was driven slowly and considerate of others on the beach I could no reason anyone would have to complain. Maybe just a short route south of the boardwalk during the day? Might be a profitable enterprise for someone who wants to invest in something other than condos.
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