The City is committed to providing and ensuring access to all of its services and programs. Please direct any accessibility questions or concerns to the City's ADA coordinator,

Todd Burkey, ADA Coordinator
609-522-2030 ext.1300
Email tburkey@northwildwood.com
M-F 8:30-4:30

Parking for Persons with Disabilities

NORTH WILDWOOD -- The New Jersey statutes concerning parking for people with disabilities (39:4-207) were enacted in 1984 and amended in 1989. And yet, many drivers are unaware of the specifics.
In June 2009, The New Jersey Summit on Accessible Parking was held in Freehold, NJ to clarify the law.
A panel of representatives from the NJ Department of Community Affairs, NJ Motor Vehicle Commission, NJ Traffic Officers' Association, NJ division on Civil Rights, and NJ Division of Disability Services addressed topics like "Requirements for Accessible Parking," "Enforcement Issues," and "Parking Pay Stations and Overtime Parking."

It boils down to a few simple points.

People may park in a space designated for the physically disabled only if they have the appropriate placard or license, in addition to the identification card issued by the Division of Motor Vehicles, and only when the person with the qualifying disability is driving or is a passenger.

If there is a meter at the space, the person must put the appropriate amount of money in the meter. If they plan to stay up to, or beyond the meter's capacity, they must pay the "first pull," in other words, fill it to capacity. However, they do not have to put in additional money when this runs out--up to 24 hours.
In this way, people with disabilities pay for the space, but are exempt from making additional trips to the meter, which is more difficult for them than able-bodied drivers.

Some people with disabilities were present at last year's Summit and told the audience that they want to pay their fair share at parking meters.

A pamphlet produced by the Department of Human Services (DHS) states: "Reserved parking for persons with disabilities ensures safe and equal access to goods and services."
This is particularly important in our resort City, where all should be able to enjoy the beach and boardwalk without undue difficulty.

The law is designed to ensure accessibility and fairness for people with true mobility problems. It therefore authorizes municipalities to establish handicapped spaces in front of residences, schools, hospitals, public buildings, and in shopping and business areas.

It also prohibits the able-bodied from using someone else's placards, mandating fines for such abuse.
It also authorizes eligible people with disabilities to request law enforcement officers to arrange for removal of vehicles unlawfully parked in handicapped spaces.

For more information, or to apply for license plates or placards for persons with disabilities, visit New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, www.state.nj.us/mvc.

North Wildwood Awarded $290,400 Grant to Improve Community Center

North Wildwood - The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (NJDCA) awarded the City $290,000 to fund ADA improvements to the North Wildwood Community Center, 900 Central Ave.

The City has also provided a funding match of $72,600 towards the total project cost of $363,000.

The improvements will be made to ensure compliance with both state and federal laws. Amenities at the recreation area include a gymnasium, a fitness room, locker rooms, meeting rooms, a game room and a computer lab.

North Wildwood Mayor Bill Henfey said, "All of our residents - including individuals with handicaps - should be able to enjoy everything the facility has to offer."

Remington, Vernick & Walberg Engineers prepared and submitted the application to the NJDCA at no charge to the City.

This project is under construction and has a completion date of May 26, 2011. The work consists of ADA improvements to the Recreation Center. The improvements include bringing the restrooms into full ADA compliance. The men's and women's locker room bathrooms are also being renovated. A new ADA compliant shower has been constructed in each locker room. The kitchen has been fully remodeled to current ADA compliance standards. All work surfaces and appliances have been renovated or relocated to meet ADA requirements. The two access ramps have been reconstructed and ADA compliant handrails are being installed. New railings have also been installed along the gym exit platform.