North Wildwood is facing $12..8 million in fines from the state, partially for unauthorized work done on the city-owned beachfront over the past few years, according to reports from the Cape May Herald. Some of work includes storm mitigation efforts that are already being challenged in court — like construction of steel and vinyl bulkheads — but also for building gazebos on the pier and removing vegetation from a dune area to create a playground. Other renovations on the pier include adding a new tiki bar, restaurant and stage without approvals, according to the state Department of Environmental Protection.
Attorneys for North Wildwood say they plan to appeal and believe the fines are in retaliation for a counterclaim the city made in civil court asking the DEP to pay back expenses the city put out to protect its coastline.
