Wildwood mayor reacts to MTV's ‘Jersey Shore' relocation reports

WILDWOOD, N.J. (WTXF) - Wildwood's mayor says recent reports that the hit show 'Jersey Shore' would be filming in the popular beach town were news to him.

Mayor Ernie Troiano Jr. joined Good Day Philadelphia Thursday to discuss the reports.

The mayor told FOX 29 he had conversations with MTV in the spring about the show possibly filming in Wildwood. He said those conversations focused on the cast coming to Wildwood as they sought to change their image to become more 'family oriented.'

"They wanted to come to Wildwood because they thought it was more family oriented," Mayor Troiano said.

Troiano says the town's chamber of commerce and business district weighed in on the conversation and said they did not want the show to film in Wildwood. Troiano says the conversation ended at that point.

Troiano says no permits to film have been issued, but the show can't be stopped from filming on private property if they were to film in a house.

US Weekly reported Thursday that the cast was told they could not film in Seaside Heights any longer. They added the show was looking to film in Wildwood instead, and would be moving into a house there on July 15.

The Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority (GWTIDA) has issued the following statement in response to recent reports regarding MTV's "Jersey Shore" show possibly being filmed in the Wildwoods:

"While the Wildwoods, NJ embraces the opportunity to provide a beautiful seaside beach and Boardwalk location for filmmakers, TV shows and social media to film here, it does not welcome the message that the MTV show "Jersey Shore" presents to its viewers. The Wildwoods' family-friendly atmosphere, beautiful award-winning beaches, Boardwalk fun and Doo Wop ambience does not align with the show's overall theme and message. Our resort destination is geared toward good, clean fun for families and multi-generational vacationers who enjoy our beaches, boardwalk and one-of-a-kind attractions.

The Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority, on behalf of the Island's three municipal governments, along with the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Wildwood Hotel-Motel Association, the Wildwood Downtown Business Improvement District, and the Boardwalk Special Improvement District are united in their opposition of the filming of MTV's the Jersey Shore in the Wildwoods."