Wildwood council forwards demolition moratorium concept to planning commission while preservation plan is completed

The Wildwood City Council on Monday agreed to send a proposal to place a temporary stay on demolitions of historic assets to the Planning & Zoning Commission for a public hearing while the city completes its first Historic Preservation Plan.

Director Gunich told the council that recent demolition requests threatened irreplaceable buildings in the city, citing the Mary Cliff residence at LaSalle Institute and the J.P. Connell House. "We have at least 2, if not more, significant historic assets under threat," Gunich said, and urged the council to authorize a public hearing so Planning & Zoning can consider a moratorium while the plan is finalized.

The department described the moratorium as a time-limited tool: the stay would end once the preservation plan is adopted. Gunich said the plan — prepared with grant support — will inventory preservation incentives and programs, and that the first draft is expected for Historic Preservation Commission review in October with completion required by the Department of Natural Resources grant schedule in 2026. "The moratorium is not unlimited," he said.

Councilmember Rambo moved to forward the moratorium concept to Planning & Zoning; Councilmember Albers seconded the motion and council approved it without a recorded split. Council members who spoke asked practical questions about the legal authority and impacts on property owners. Councilmember Marsh asked if a city can legally bar demolition of structurally unsafe buildings; Gunich responded that nuisance code tools exist to address unsafe, uninhabitable structures, but the current historic-preservation process is voluntary and provides only a 60-day window in some cases for incentives and negotiations.

Gunich and staff asked that the proposed moratorium be considered at a public hearing so the community and property owners can weigh in before any final action by council. City attorneys and planning staff will assist Planning & Zoning in drafting the ordinance language and public-notice steps.

If the moratorium is advanced it would be procedural: the council will receive a Planning & Zoning recommendation after the public hearing before deciding whether to adopt a moratorium and the specific time limits or exemptions.