The County Open Space Board advanced funding of up to $2,500,000 on Sept. 16 for a proposed extension and reconstruction of the Heather Road fishing pier in Wildwood Crest.

The board voted to move the application forward after a presentation by the project's consultants and Wildwood Crest officials; Commissioner Bobby Barr made the motion and Dr. Ira Niedweske seconded. All voting members supported advancing the project; Chairman Peter Lomax abstained. During the presentation, Mr. Lomax temporarily stepped down as chair and Mr. David Craig presided over the item.

The project as presented would extend the pier roughly 1,300 linear feet and widen decking to 12 feet, add new railings, lighting, fishing "knockout" areas and a gazebo at the pier end. The consultants said the pier would be ADA accessible. The presenters said the Borough of Wildwood Crest has received $1,100,000 from a Department of Community Affairs grant and is seeking up to $2,500,000 in County Open Space funding; the total estimated project cost was reported as about $7,000,000, with the borough funding the remainder.

Project details presented to the board said the decking material proposed is treated pine, chosen for cost, maintenance and availability; the plans do not include a fish-cleaning station. Restroom facilities shown on the plans are at the Scoop Taylor Complex across from the pier entrance; the consultants also noted portable restroom units are near beach stairwells. Presenters told the board Wildwood Crest would budget for routine maintenance, public works would replace decking as needed, and the borough said it would bond for replacement after any catastrophic event.

Board comments addressed maintenance funding and site amenities; the presentation also showed benches, trash receptacles and a stairway for beach access. No members of the public spoke on the application at the meeting.

The board's vote advanced the application; the meeting record does not specify subsequent administrative steps or a contract timetable.