Latest news with #Donio
CBS News
18-03-2025
- Business
- CBS News
New Jersey nonprofit pushes to save Chateau Bleu Motel in North Wildwood
A piece of North Wildwood's history is in danger of being demolished. The Chateau Bleu Motel is a classic example of the beloved doo-wop architecture that the Wildwoods are known for. The 19-room resort has a unique carport, blue signage and a heart-shaped swimming pool. "One of the finest examples of mid-century resort architecture on the island and really the entire Northeast," said John Donio, president of the Doo Wop Preservation League. Donio said the motel has been a family favorite for generations. It opened in 1962 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. "This is a home to a lot of people year after year. It's generational, so families come down with their kids, their grandchildren, and it's also affordable," Donio said. Now, Donio and others are pushing to save the property. The city said a sale is pending, and developers applied to North Wildwood's Planning Board to knock down the motel and replace it with three single-family homes. Only 92 of what once were hundreds of doo-wop motels remain in the Wildwoods. "Not only is the shore losing historic buildings, but we're also losing hotel rooms. Houses are indeed ratables, but a resort town should have a balance of houses and hotels," said Taylor Henry, president of the Wildwood Historical Society. CBS News Philadelphia reached out to the developer for comment about the plans but hasn't heard back. Meantime, volunteers with the Doo-Wop Preservation League are drafting design concepts of their own. The hope is the developer will come up with designs that fit seamlessly with Wildwood's '50s and '60s vibe. "It's a real gem, and it's part of the history and fabric of this community," Donio said. North Wildwood's Planning Board is expected to vote on the application at Wednesday night's meeting. If approved, there is no timeline on when the Chateau Bleu would be demolished.
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Jersey shore property owners express concern about Canadian tourism for summer season
The Brief Anyone who has spent any kind of time vacationing at the Jersey shore knows Canadians tourists frequent the beaches in the summer. Shore business owners are concerned over exchange rate, inflation and anti-American sentiment. Canadians account for 10 percent of tourism revenue in Wildwood according to officials. WILDWOOD, N.J. - Canadians make up a large portion of booking in Wildwood for decades, thanks to the fine sand and lively boardwalk. But, property owners in Wildwood are worried anti-American sentiment coupled with concern over the exchange rate and inflation, may keep Canadian tourists away from the Jersey shore. What we know For decades, they've become some of the most faithful visitors to the Jersey shore. Canadian tourists have been flocking to the beaches and boardwalks since the 1960's and people who host them want to keep it that way. Issues like inflation, federal tariffs targeting Canada and the exchange rate to the US dollar may impact Canadian summer travel to the shore. The backstory It's hard not to notice the influence Canada has on the Wildwoods. In the summertime, Canadian license plates can be seen all over town. Hotels called the Canadian flags fly outside of hotels named the "Royal Canadian" and "Quebec" pay homage to the shore's most favorite international visitor. What they're saying "We have the same families that come down year after year and they bring their kids. When they grow up and they bring their kids," said hotel owner John Donio. He owns several hotels including the Daytona Inn and Suites on Atlantic Avenue in Wildwood. "We have seen Canadian bookings on our sheets. But for the long term we're not 100 percent sure yet and we won't until the end of summer," Donio continued. By the numbers Business owners down the shore have been relying on Canadian tourists every summer for decades. Canadian tourism surged after COVID but this summer season new worries like anti-American sentiment and the 70 cents to the US dollar exchange rate may impact the number of tourists coming south in the summer. In Wildwood, local officials say Canadian's make up 10 percent of tourism revenue and actively market in Quebec and Ontario. Cape May County Tourism has a whole section on its website dedicated to Canadians that's written in French and had an office in Montreal until the mid-90's. Many hope the lure of the shore continues for our neighbors to the North. Big picture view "I will routinely see Canadian license plates showing up in late June all the way until the end of summer" said Louis Belasco, Executive Director of the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement Development already have been some scattered reports of Canadian cancellations for the summer season. But in Wildwood marketed as an affordable getaway with free beaches, boardwalk and nightlife, business owners just hope Canadians keep the longtime vacation tradition alive. "I think right now we are in a wait and see type of mode. But for any Canadians that might be watching today we're still the same old Wildwood," said Day is 81 days away.
