Wildwood Crest Rejects Costly Bids for Landscaping, Nesbitt Center Upgrades

Wildwood Crest, N.J. -- The Wildwood Crest Board of Commissioners turned down bids for two projects at their May 28, 2025, meeting, citing unmet criteria. A single landscaping bid for Higbee and Morey fields, priced at $18,000, was rejected for exceeding budget estimates. The proposal covered services like weeding and fertilization, requiring a licensed pest treatment provider, but the cost was deemed too high. Mayor Don Cabrera noted the borough aimed to enhance the fields but found the bid unaffordable.
A separate bid for plumbing and electrical upgrades at the Nesbitt Center was also dismissed. The bidder failed to provide required subcontractor registration, rendering the proposal nonresponsive. The Nesbitt Center, formerly the tourist information office, is being considered for lease as a cafe-style business, but its current setup, limited to a toilet and front desk, needs significant work to support such a venture. Cabrera said the borough must either invest in upgrades or adjust expectations for the space. Wildwood Crest now faces the choice of seeking new bids for both projects. The decisions reflect careful financial oversight as the borough balances community improvements with budget constraints, aiming to serve residents while exploring new uses for public spaces.