Leeann

Notice of Upcoming Roadway Work – Avalon Boulevard (in the area of Leonards Lane & Old Avalon Blvd)

In response to requests by both the residents of Avalon Manor and the Township of Middle to provide for additional warning for vehicles approaching the Leonard’s Lane intersection along Avalon Boulevard, the County prepared a plan to include rumble strip arrays and traffic markings approaching the intersection. These enhanced traffic markings are schedule to be installed beginning at 7:00am on Wednesday, July 10th.

The nature of the work will require a lane shift and/or alternating traffic with flaggers. The anticipated operation will take about 4 hours to complete. Please plan travel accordingly.

MIDDLE TOWNSHIP SUMMER CONCERT SERIES RETURNS JULY 9^TH

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Middle Township’s Summer Concert Series returns to the Robert “Ockie” Wisting Recreation Complex in Rio Grande for six concerts, beginning Tuesday, July 9^th.

“Middle Township is excited to offer another great series of summer concerts.  We are fired up to Rock the Ock,” Mayor Chris Leusner said. “We have an awesome lineup of bands on Tuesday nights, along with a variety of food trucks and vendors. There is fun for the whole family in a beautiful setting.  Bring your coolers, chairs, and blankets.  And your dancing shoes!”

The Summer Concert Series is made possible in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts / Department of State, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Cape May County Board of County Commissioners through the Division of Culture & Heritage.

“Township Committee is grateful for the generous support of the New Jersey Council on the Arts,” Committeeman Jim Norris said. “We also want to recognize the sponsorship of Engineering Design Associates and thank EDA for their donation of $2,000 to support the 2024 summer concerts.”

SUMMER CONCERT LINE UP 2024

July 9^th – 40 North Country – Opening night will feature 40 North Country, voted the best country bar bands at the Jersey Shore 2021, 2022, 2023. Grab your cowboy boots and hat and join in the line dancing lessons.

 July 16^th – Brian McConnell – Nashville recording artist Brian McConnell brings his guitar and original music to the stage. McConnell has shared performances with Garth Brooks, Luke Coombs, Brad Paisley, and many more.

July 23^rd – Subliminal Message – Celebrate Christmas in July with Santa and the Subliminal Message Band! Bring an unwrapped toy to support the MTPD Annual Toy Drive. Subliminal Message Band is one of South Jersey’s top cover bands, playing everything from blues, to funk, to Motown, to reggae, to 90s alternative, and much more!

 July 30^th – Animal House Band – Get on your feet for the Jersey Shore’s favorite party dance band!

August 6^th – No concert – Join us for National Night Out at the Clarence Davies Sports Complex in Goshen.

August 13^th – Independence Day Band – Local favorites covering the greatest hits of the 80’s and 90’s and today!

August 20^th – The Mugshots – Legendary, North Jersey cover band. Performing classic rock hits from artist such as REO Speedwagon, Rush, Journey, Led Zepplin, and more.  The Mugshots feature the world-class vocals of lead singer Kristina Rigamonti.

MIDDLE TO PROCLAIM JULY 1^ST ELIZABETH MENDEL – MISS NEW JERSEY DAY

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Mayor Chris Leusner announced that Middle Township Committee would pass an official proclamation declaring July 1st as Elizabeth Mendel—Miss New Jersey Day. Mendel was crowned as the New Jersey Representative to the Miss America Organization on June 8th.

Elizabeth was raised in Cape May Court House by parents Steve and Jacqueline Mendel. She has a twin sister named Emily. She graduated from Middle Township High School in 2020 and now attends Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA, where she is studying business, marketing, and sales. She plans to join her family’s business, Sand Jamm 5Mile, upon graduation.

“We could not be prouder of Elizabeth and all she has accomplished,” Mayor Leusner said. “We are blessed to live in a community full of great families that foster the amazing qualities we see personified in our Miss New Jersey 2024.”

Mendel’s crowning continues a trend of Miss New Jersey winners from Middle Township. She joins Alyssa Sullivan-Cristelli in 2021 and Augostina Mallous in 2022.

Mendel, who held the title of Miss South Jersey, is a strong advocate for Eating Disorder Awareness. Elizabeth has been bravely honest when discussing her own struggles and plans to use her platform as Miss New Jersey to bring further awareness to this important issue through her service initiative, “Image Is Everywhere.”

Mendel will be honored at the Township Committee Meeting on July 1st at 6 pm.

ARMY CORPS PLANS TO UPLIFT MARSH IN MIDDLE TOWNSHIP

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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has announced a plan to repurpose dredge sediments from the Intracoastal Waterway to fortify and uplift low marsh areas at Scotch Bonnet Island (next to the Wetlands Institute). The project is a collaboration between the Institute’s scientists, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, NJ DEP, and several universities. Researchers are monitoring these marshes and designing innovative strategies to reduce the impact of sea level rise and maintain the health and vibrancy of the salt marsh.

“We welcome this good news for the future of our vital salt marshes,” Middle Township Mayor Chris Leusner said. “One need only look at a map of our town to realize that nearly a third of our seventy-two square miles is encompassed by this critical ecosystem.  The salty smell of the wetlands means home to us.”

According to the Wetlands Institute’s website, tidal marshes flourish on the brink – normal daily flooding brings life, but repetitive deep flooding systematically damages them. When the sea level rises faster than the marsh surface can build, marshes fail, degrading into mudflats or open water.

“This marsh has fallen below the suitable ranges for low marsh,” said Steven Rochette, Public Affairs Officer for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Philadelphia District, in an email to Township officials. “The project builds on other similar successful projects that we’ve constructed as part of our ongoing Seven Mile Island Innovation Lab.”

In the fall, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will move forward to dredge a portion of the New Jersey Intracoastal Waterway behind Seven Mile Island.  These dredged sediments will be utilized to uplift the salt marsh by spraying a thin layer of sediment in low-lying areas.  Work is expected to begin in early October.

POLICE ACADEMY GRADS BOLSTER MTPD RANKS

Mayor Leusner (center) and MTPD leadership (right) welcome seven new officers.

A packed house of families, supporters and fellow officers attended the June 7th graduation of Class #56 from the Cape May County Police Academy. The MTPD was well-represented with five full-time officers and two Class II officers successfully completing the rigorous trainingrequirements.

The Mission of the Academy is to achieve excellence in performance through quality education, physical fitness, discipline, and integrity. The 21 week, 840 hour Residential Basic Course for Police Officers and the 460 hour Special Police Officer Class Two program includes courses in professionalism, ethics, the criminal justice system, the criminal and motor vehicle laws, laws of arrest, search and seizure, interviews, confessions and Miranda, traffic enforcement, narcotics, criminal investigations, juvenile law, physical training, unarmed defense, emergency response, weaponry, stress management, water rescue and community relations.

“Police Departments across the country have struggled maintaining staffing levels in the past few years.” Middle Township Mayor Chris Leusner said. “I’m proud of our department’s forward-thinking efforts to recruit and advance top-quality candidates who meet the high standards for continued excellence demanded by the MTPD.”

Two Middle Township graduates received special recognition during the ceremony.  Patrolman Joshua Moyer was chosen as President of Class #56.  Moyer also received the award for Academic Excellence. Patrolman Ty Petit earned the Sharpshooter Award for top cumulative score on the firearms range.

“The challenging and comprehensive training provided by the Cape May County Police Academy demands commitment and excellence of every candidate for graduation,” MTPD Police Chief Jennifer Pooler said. “These graduates come to us prepared to confidently face the complexchallenges of modern-day law enforcement. We welcome them to the MTPD family and expect them to carry on our commitment to protect and serve the people of Middle Township with honor and integrity.”

Middle Township Police Department Class #56 Graduates
Full-Time Officers

Michael Bailey

Wilson Laraquente

Joshua Moyer

Ty Petit

Daniel Wright

Officers Receiving Class II Certification

Owen Bryan

Zachary Linz

20th Mayor’s Cup Drumfish Tournament Helps Fund Middle Recreation

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Angler Roy Trainor brought home the winning drumfishaboard Determined

The Middle Township Mayor’s Cup Drumfish Tournament hit the waters of the Delaware Bay from May 17th to May 19th. Thirty-five boats registered to participate in the 20th Annual Tournament. A portion of the registration fees are allocated to support youth sports programs in the Department of Recreation.

The Captain’s Meeting and Dinner was held at Menz’s Restaurant to review rules and assign boat numbers. Fishing lines hit the waters at noon on May 17th.  The catch was officially weighed in and judged at Jim’s Bait and Tackle in Cape May at noon on May 19th.

The Tournament Committee overseeing the weekend competition:

The final results were as follows:

1st Place: $5,350.00

Boat: Determined

Angler: Roy Trainor

Fish #1: 76.3 lbs

Fish #2: 86.2 lbs

Total Combined Weight: 162.5 lbs

2nd Place: $2,850.00

Boat: Rafkin

Anglers: Dave Ross, Mark Glassford, Chris Phraner, Jesse Bowman, Mark Deniz, Chuck Leaming & Tom Kennedy

Fish #1: 69.3 lbs

Fish #2: 60.8 lbs

Total Combined Weight: 130.1 lbs

3rd Place – $1,800.00

Boat: Little Yipps

Anglers: Craig Stocker, Chris Denham, Bob Cantz, Kevin Robson & Jarek Gomola

Fish #1: 65.8 lbs

Fish #2: 62.6 lbs

Total Combined Weight: 128.4

“I was excited to take part in this great Middle Township fishing tradition in my first year as Mayor,” Mayor Chirs Leusner said. “I want to thank all the captains and crew for their participation. Congratulations to Roy Trainor and the crew of Determined for bringing home the big one!”

The event was organized by the Middle Township Special Event Committee, led by Anna Becica and Lisa Cermanski. Several Township Team members volunteered their time to seek donations, plan and coordinate tournament events, and ensure a good time was had by all.

In total, $9,458 was raised in support of youth sports in the Township. Committeeman Jim Norris, who oversees the recreation department, said the event would not be possible without the efforts of the volunteer team.

“Organizing and running such a high-quality tournament requires a year-round commitment to planning and fundraising,” Norris said.  “Over the past 20 years, the Mayor’s Cup Tournament has raised nearly $100,000 to support youth sports in our hometown.  On behalf of Township Committee, I want to publicly recognize our Special Events Team, our generous sponsors and all the volunteers that make this great tournament possible.”

DEL HAVEN ROAD PAVING FINAL CHAPTER IN WATER PROJECT

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Work has begun to restore several roads impacted by the Del Haven Water Project that brought a safe, reliable water supply to the area from the Lower Township MUA.  Nearly 1000 properties, many that had struggled with poor quality water for years, will now have access to LTMUA system. Temporary road repairs were made throughout the multiyear project.

On December 4, 2023, Township Committee awarded the road restoration contract to South State, Inc., of Bridgeton, NJ.  The $645,903 contract calls for a 2-inch mill and pave of the full length of the affected roadways to restore the roads to their original condition.

“We are happy to see these major infrastructure improvements nearing final completion,” Deputy Mayor Ike Gandy said. “This historic expansion of water service to the Del Haven/Green Creek area will ensure a healthy water supply, increase property values and reduce homeowner insurance rates for area property owners.”

Gandy, who oversees public works in the Township, thanked the residents for their patience throughout the project.  The road restoration work is expected to be completed by July 1^st.

The following roads will be impacted:

Oak Avenue

Sunray Road

Eldredge Avenue

Delaware Avenue

Colgate Street

5^th through 9^th

Pine Avenue

Rutledge Road

Millman (west end)

Middle Township Appoints Tracey Super as Next Police Chief

Current Chief Jennifer Pooler to Retire July 1^st

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Middle Township Committee voted unanimously to promote Captain Tracey Super to the position of Police Chief, effective July 1^st, 2024.  Current Chief Jennifer Pooler will retire effective the same date.

Captain Super joined the MTPD as a police officer in 2006.  He was promoted to Detective in 2012 and moved to Sergeant in 2016.  Super joined the leadership team of Chief Leusner as a Lieutenant in 2021, overseeing the Major Crimes and Street Crimes Units. Super also served as the MTPD Accreditation Manager, implementing the department’s re-accreditation by the New Jersey Law Enforcement Commission.

In June 2023, Super was promoted to Administrative Captain, responsible for administrative oversight of the MTPD under the leadership of Chief Pooler.

“As I look to retirement, I have full confidence that Captain Super will fill the role of Police Chief with distinction,” Chief Pooler said. “Tracey and I have worked side by side for nearly two decades, along with former Chief Chris Leusner. Our shared commitment to excellence and to protect and serve our hometown will carry on under Tracey’s leadership with the support of our excellent command staff.”

Captain Super holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from Stockton University.  He completed the NJ State Chiefs of Police Association Command and Leadership Program in 2018 and graduated from the F.B.I. National Academy (Session 228) in December 2023.

Mayor Chris Leusner retired as Police Chief on June 1, 2023.  Leusner now serves as Director of Public Safety.  The Mayor emphasized that while the MTPD has seen major changes in its command structure, the department’s mission and focus is unwavering.

“For many years, with the support of Township Committee, we have worked hard to be forward-thinking in our strategic planning for the MTPD,” Leusner said.  “A key component of that planning is our commitment to recognizing strong leaders and providing the tools and training for those officers to meet their full potential. The names may change but the quality and dedication of our leadership team does not. I congratulate my good friend, Tracey Super on his promotion to Chief and look forward to partnering with Tracey to continue the good work of the MTPD.”