Overview
- The ordinance introduced April 8 cleared its first reading and now moves to a public hearing and possible adoption on April 22.
- The proposal would bar public access from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. every day, with exceptions for emergency responders, authorized city staff, contractors, vendors, and others approved by the city or police.
- Wildwood Police would enforce the hours and post signs along the Boardwalk, though officials have not yet detailed penalties for violations.
- City leaders say the set hours target loitering and large late-night gatherings to improve safety, and business advocates say few Boardwalk shops make money at 1 a.m.
- The step builds on bollards to block vehicles, a 10 p.m. curfew for minors, and a post‑8 p.m. backpack ban after past crowd problems, reflecting a broader move by beach towns to manage social‑media‑driven surges.