Next Phase of North Wildwood Boardwalk Set to Open by Easter Weekend

Issue #591

January 30, 2026

In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather

🎡Next Phase of North Wildwood Boardwalk Set to Open by Easter Weekend

🅿️ Shore Towns Push Back as NJ Adopts New Coastal Construction Limits

👮Cape May County Authorities Arrest Man in Child Sex Assault Case

Cape May Local Scoop’s Events Are Sponsored By: Shop Local

👇 Here’s what’s going on in the Cape May Local Area👇  

 January 30

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Next Phase of North Wildwood Boardwalk Set to Open by Easter Weekend

North Wildwood’s boardwalk is beginning to show its transformation, with a newly completed section now open to the public. Construction crews began their efforts near Gateway 26, a business that operates year-round. This strategic move allowed continued access to the building while construction progressed nearby. Now that the southern end along 26th Street is complete, crews have turned their attention toward the main entrance and the area surrounding Sam’s Pizza, which is expected to reopen soon.

Work is steadily progressing toward 25th Street and Surfside Pier. From both the boardwalk and the beach, signs of advancement are clear—pilings are firmly in place, support beams are rising, and new decking is ready to be installed. Notably, new ADA-accessible ramps are being constructed at 25th Street, with freshly poured concrete marking an important step toward improved accessibility. This project marks the first full-scale teardown and rebuild of North Wildwood’s boardwalk in the city’s history. Rather than patching old sections, officials are opting for a block-by-block reconstruction over the next several years. With only 10 to 11 blocks in total, this phased approach is designed to ensure longevity and structural integrity. Given the current pace, it’s likely that the entire ongoing section will be ready by Easter weekend. While the sight of exposed beams and construction materials may seem chaotic now, the progress so far suggests a boardwalk built not just for today, but for generations to come. Meanwhile, reconstruction on Wildwood’s portion of the boardwalk is set to resume in October.

Shore Towns Push Back as NJ Adopts New Coastal Construction Limits

Just hours before the end of Governor Phil Murphy’s administration, New Jersey regulators approved a sweeping set of new flood protection rules aimed at addressing the growing risks of climate change. The regulations, dubbed the Protection Against Climate Threats Resilient Environments and Landscape (PACT REAL) rule, mark the culmination of a six-year effort and have drawn both praise and fierce criticism across the state. The new rules expand floodplain maps, introduce stricter elevation requirements for new construction in vulnerable areas, enhance wetland protections, and implement tighter stormwater management regulations. Specifically, new buildings in designated flood zones will need to be elevated by at least four feet above ground level—a reduction from an earlier proposal of five feet, though still considered burdensome by some developers. Environmental advocates have hailed the rules as a major step forward in preparing the state for worsening storms, rising sea levels, and more frequent flooding. Groups like the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters and Environment New Jersey celebrated the long-anticipated adoption as a necessary defense against the accelerating impacts of climate change. However, the rules have sparked sharp opposition, particularly from officials and developers in Cape May County. All 16 municipalities in the county, along with the county government, passed resolutions opposing the regulations. They argue the mandates will significantly raise construction costs, hinder coastal development, and make homeownership less attainable for working families. Cape May officials, while acknowledging the importance of addressing climate change, have called the rules overly harsh and counterproductive. The county has authorized legal action to challenge the regulations. Business and industry leaders have echoed those concerns. They warn that the complex permitting process and increased costs associated with the rules could stifle urban redevelopment, slow the creation of affordable housing, and discourage investment in energy infrastructure.

 

Cape May County Authorities Arrest Man in Child Sex Assault Case

 A Cape May County man has been charged in connection with the alleged sexual assault of a minor following a multi-week investigation by county and state authorities. Brandon Anderson, 33, of Lake View Drive in Woodbine, was taken into custody on Tuesday, January 27, after investigators obtained an arrest warrant stemming from an incident reported late last month. Authorities say the investigation began on December 29 after a report of alleged abuse was made in Cape May County. Following the investigation, Anderson was charged with Aggravated Sexual Assault and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. The case was handled jointly by the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit and the New Jersey State Police Woodbine Barracks. Anderson was arrested without incident and is currently being held at the Cape May County Correctional Center while awaiting further court proceedings. Under New Jersey law, Aggravated Sexual Assault is a first-degree offense and carries a potential prison sentence of 10 to 20 years. The charge is also subject to the state’s No Early Release Act, which requires individuals convicted of certain violent crimes to serve at least 85 percent of their sentence before becoming eligible for parole. Due to the nature of the allegations, authorities have not released details about the victim or the circumstances surrounding the case. Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland has encouraged anyone with additional information to contact the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit or submit tips anonymously.

Cape May, New Jersey, is known for a unique type of gemstone found on its beaches. These "Cape May diamonds" are actually quartz pebbles that have been polished to resemble diamonds. What is the primary origin of these quartz pebbles?

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 Answer to the January 29th Trivia Question

Which famous Victorian house museum in Cape May is believed to be haunted and was featured in the 1981 slasher film The Prowler?

A) The Chalfont Hotel
B) The Carroll Villa
C) The Emlen Physick Estate
D) The John B. McCreary House

Answer: C) The Emlen Physick Estate

The Emlen Physick Estate is a Victorian house museum that has been featured in various media, including the 1981 slasher film The Prowler. It is believed to be haunted by the family of Dr. Emlen Physick

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