Cape May Court House, NJ — At the December 16th Commissioners meeting, the Cape May County Board of Commissioners approved Resolution 676-25, authorizing the execution of a Shared Services Agreement with the Borough of Wildwood Crest to support the Heather Road Fishing Pier Replacement and Expansion Project. With total estimated project costs of $7.37 million, the County approved a funding contribution not to exceed $2.5 million through the Cape May County Open Space Program.
The project will fully reconstruct and significantly expand the existing Heather Road Fishing Pier, which has become landlocked, no longer reaching the ocean due to years of sand accretion. The new design will extend the pier approximately 1,250 feet into the Atlantic Ocean, restoring its function as a true fishing pier while enhancing public access, safety, and accessibility.
According to the approved project application, the reconstructed pier will be widened to 12 feet, elevated to accommodate the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and NJDEP dune system and emergency public safety vehicles, and designed to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. A widened terminal “bump-out” area will provide additional space for fishermen, sightseers, and visitors, while separating fishing activity from pedestrian use. The project also includes new decking, lighting, benches, water stations, interpretive signage, and other public amenities designed to enhance the visitor experience and long-term durability of the structure.
The Heather Road Fishing Pier is a popular community destination located along the Wildwood Crest Promenade near Scoop Taylor Park and other recreational assets. The project aligns with the Borough’s Master Plan goals and long-standing public input calling for restoration of fishing access and improved waterfront connectivity. Environmental reviews conducted as part of the application indicate that the project will not adversely impact protected coastal habitats or wildlife, and construction will adhere to strict dune-protection requirements.
“This is exactly the type of project the Cape May County Open Space Program was created to support,” said Commission Director Len Desiderio. “The Heather Road Fishing Pier will once again serve residents and visitors as a true recreational fishing and sightseeing destination while improving accessibility, safety, and resilience along our coastline. This investment illustrates the Board’s commitment to enhancing recreation, promoting tourism and improving the quality of life in Wildwood Crest and throughout Cape May County.”
In addition to County Open Space funds, project funding is also provided through a combination of a New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Boardwalk Preservation Fund grant and local matching funds from the Borough of Wildwood Crest. The County’s contribution represents the maximum allowable share under the Open Space Program guidelines.
Commissioner Bobby Barr, the Board of Commissioners’ liaison to the Cape May County Open Space Board, emphasized the regional value of the project.
“This pier is more than a local improvement. It’s a regional asset,” Commissioner Barr said. “By restoring fishing access, improving ADA compliance, investing in long-lasting infrastructure, and preserving the natural history of recreational fishing for our area, the County is helping ensure that Wildwood Crest’s oceanfront pier remains accessible, inclusive, and attractive to visitors and residents for decades to come. The Open Space Board was proud to recommend this project for funding.”
Construction is anticipated to begin in early 2026, pending final state permitting, with completion targeted for summer 2026. The project was designed by DeBlasio & Associates of Wildwood, NJ.
For more information about the Cape May County Open Space Program and funded projects, visit the County’s website at: https://www.capemaycountynj.gov/…/Open-Space-Farmland…
