Wildwood officials are looking beyond police and speed humps to combat late-night racing and rowdiness on Jackson and York streets west of U.S. 301 and the railroad tracks near the downtown area.
A workshop meeting of the Wildwood Commission will be held April 17 to develop a comprehensive approach that may include targeting landlords and adding lighting. City staff members from several departments are working together on the plan.
Speed humps were installed last year on Jackson Street and Deputy Police Chief Paul Valentino said Monday night he is beefing up the police presence in the area, where there have been several shootings.
“We’re going to keep working diligently until we get it right,” Valentino said, adding that the department has assigned additional units to the area. “We’re going to keep up a presence and keep vigilant.”
Mayor Ed Wolf said some residents have complained while others may be afraid to speak up, feeling like hostages. He said more lighting may not solve the problem.
“They’re going to shoot it out,” he said. “That’ll be a feather in their cap.”
Wolf said pressuring landlords and possibly acquiring some buildings may be more effective.
“We need to get control of the property,” he said.
Commissioner Julian Green said the problem has hindered growth in the area even as Wildwood is adding homes elsewhere.
“The West Side has not grown,” he said. “I can’t remember the last permit.”
