Domed sports facility planned at Jersey Shore airport

When Robert Buglak made the Jersey Shore his home nearly three years ago, he brought with him to Cape May County an unfulfilled goal of building a multi-use sporting facility in the Philadelphia area.

Inspired by his middle-school-aged kids now among other active children at the Jersey Cape, the real estate developer wants to bring his dream only a few miles away from his Wildwood home.

That dream is in the form of an 80,000-square-foot domed sporting facility he believes can have multi-purpose uses. While it would provide local children a place for sports and other activities, Buglak believes it could add to the county’s interest in expanding the scope of its tourism-based economy.

“Everyone I’ve talked to said this is something this community needs, this is something this county needs,” Buglak told NJ Advance Media.

The facility took a step toward being built last month after Delaware River and Bay Authority commissioners approved a 20-year lease agreement for about three acres of land at the Cape May County Airport in Lower Township, which it manages.

The investors were led to the site through members of the local business community.

Buglak said the deal allows for a pair of five-year extensions, leaving open the possibility of a 30-year lease.

“Our organization’s vision is to be not only an innovative leader in transportation but also a catalyst for partnered growth and prosperity in both states,” the authority said in a statement Monday. “Together with our partners in Cape May County, we’ve worked hard to transform Cape May Airport, creating an environment for businesses to develop and prosper.

“The sports complex has significant community support and the airport is a central location for easy access. We’re pleased to able to help facilitate this project for the region’s benefit.”

The airport has been a hub for economic expansion in past years. The iconic Cape May Brewery has its facilities there, and some of the land is being used by the county’s Tech Village, attracting new companies to the Jersey Cape.

Meanwhile, both authority and county officials last year also broke ground on a new $7.4 million airport terminal next to the Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum. The terminal is expected to open for pilots this year.

Under a resolution approved by the authority commissioners in December, the investor group will be leased three acres of land along Breakwater Road beside a water tower. The investor will pay $0.25 per square foot and a 4% worth of transaction rent of any property sale or refinance, according to the resolution.

Buglak said they were attracted to the land because, being on airport property, it is exempt from permitting under the Coastal Area Facility Review Act, commonly known as CAFRA. The group is preparing to have follow-up meetings with civil engineers and planners over the next several months.

Buglak said the project still awaits Lower Township’s approval before the project can commence. The team, he said, has held initial meetings with the township to discuss the proposal.

If approved, the dome could be erected within six months.

Township officials did not return a request from NJ Advance Media for comment.

Renderings depict a bubble-type athletic dome towering over the adjacent street. The site would also include a parking lot.

Inside, visitors would find a synthetic turf for field sports, including soccer and lacrosse, Buglak said. The space would also include a turf court where basketball could be played.

The team is also considering an indoor track in their plan.

Buglak said he and his partners are interested in pitching the facility’s use to area schools’ sports programs.

The facility could also be used for non-sporting activities, including music festivals, Buglak said.

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Eric Conklin may be reached at [email protected].

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