Leeann

Notice of Great Channel Bridge closure and detour of Ocean Drive (CR 619)

Beginning on Monday, February 27^th  and extending until Friday March 3^rd,  the Ocean Drive Bridge over Great Channel, which connects Middle Township to the south end of Stone Harbor, will be closed due to construction. During active construction hours, typically from 7:00am until 3:30 pm, those motorists wishing  to use Ocean Drive (Cr 619) and cross over the bridge will be detoured around the work zone, as this section of Ocean Drive will be closed to through traffic. The bridge and roadway are being closed in order to allow barge mounted cranes the ability to drive new piling that are part of a planned fender replacement project. The bridge will be re-opened at night.

Motorist wishing to travel north on Ocean Drive and access the south end of Stone Harbor will be detoured west onto US Route 147  to the Route 9 intersection.  They will then be directed north along Route 9 to Stone Harbor Boulevard (CR 657) where they  will be directed east along Stone Harbor Boulevard back to Third Avenue (CR 619).

Motorists traveling south on Third Avenue (CR 619) and wishing to continue heading south to US Route 147 will be directed west at the 96^th Street intersection onto Stone Harbor Boulevard (CR 657). Motorist will travel west on Stone Harbor Boulevard to the Route 9 intersection.  Motorists will then be directed south on Route 9 to the intersection of Indian Trail Road (CR 618) where they will be directed east onto US Route 147.

Local Traffic will be permitted approaching the Great Channel Bridge, however, no traffic will be permitted to cross the bridge during the periods of active construction.  The detour will end on or about March 3^rd.

Township Offices are currently experience technical issues with the phone system.   Verizon has been working on the issue and hope to have this resolved soon.  We will post once the phone system has been fixed.

You may contact Departments via email (click the Directory button):

Thank you for your patience

NOTICE OF DETOUR- DIAS CREEK ROAD (CR 612) RESURFACING PROJECT

The planned drainage improvements along Dias Creek Road (CR 612) are continuing with the phase 2 drainage improvements commencing on Wednesday, February 15, 2023.  The phase 2 work will include the portion of Dias Creek Road from Galloping Way west to Springers Mill Road (CR 643).  Due to the limited available paving width, the drainage operation will result in the closure of thru traffic along the entire length of Dias Creek Road.

Over the next three weeks, thru traffic wishing to head west on Dias Creek Road toward U.S. Route 47 will be detoured onto Hand Avenue (CR 658) where they will continue to head west to U.S. Route 47.  Southbound and northbound U.S. Route 47 traffic wishing to access Dias Creek Road heading east either from Springers Mill Road or accessing Dias Creek Road directly will be detoured onto Hand Avenue and head east toward the intersection of Dias Creek Road and Mechanic Street.  From that location they will be able to continue heading east on Hand Avenue toward U.S. Route 9 or north onto Dias Creek Road toward Mechanic Street (Cr 615).

Dias Creek Road will remain open to local traffic only during this drainage operation.  All residents will have access to their homes at all times.  School buses, emergency vehicles, and trash trucks will be able to enter the work zone. All motorist entering the work zone should proceed with caution and should expect delays. The detour is expected to last for about 3 weeks.

Middle Township Senior Center receives $25,000 donation

Funds will be used for a drop-down movie screen, seating, and other needs

opens in a new window

Middle Township residents recently enjoyed a pizza and painting event at the Samuel S. De Vico Senior Center.
Seniors will soon have a theater experience at the center through a generous donation that will fund a drop-down screen and seating.

Middle Township can soon roll out the red carpet for seniors, thanks to a generous $25,000 donation that will fund a drop-down screen, auditorium seating, and other items for the senior center.

The donation is from Cascade Corp., a nonprofit, private foundation that is part of Del Mar Healthcare, Inc., based in Del Mar, Calif. The healthcare foundation supports nonprofits that assist the elderly with housing, health, and financial needs.

Businessman and philanthropist Don Ambrose, the founder and president of Del Mar Healthcare, Inc., previously owned two nursing homes in Cape May Court House until the buildings were sold in 2014.

Ambrose reached out to Director Marilyn Miller to ask how he could help the Samuel S. De Vico Senior Center. Miller mentioned that residents had been wanting a drop-down screen to watch movies at the center. The screen is estimated to cost $10,000, and Ambrose donated an additional $15,000 that will be applied to other senior center needs.

“One of our goals is for older adults to thrive and live their best lives,” said Ambrose. “We see the senior center helping many achieve this, and we hope the donation enables the center to continue enriching the residents’ lives.”

Miller is moving forward with plans for the movie screen and said it should be installed by the spring. She said the drop-down screen’s multiple uses will encourage participation by making it easier for seniors to see and hear information.

“This is wonderful, I’ve been hoping to get this done for a while,” said Miller. “The drop-down screen will be instrumental in helping senior citizens with visual and audio needs. They can watch movies, but it also can be used when they play bingo or have guest speakers.”

Miller said the senior center provides many opportunities for members of the community.

“It is important for senior citizens to get out of the house and socialize,” said Miller. “The senior center has activities that are good for the mind, body, and soul. We offer meditation and yoga classes, line dancing, Zumba, bingo and much more. There is something for everybody.”

Middle Township appoints new Municipal Court Administrator

opens in a new window

Stacy-Ann McPherson (second from left) was sworn in as Middle Township’s Municipal Court Administrator at the
Township Committee meeting on Feb. 6. McPherson began working with the township in 2014 as a records clerk for the police Department.

Stacy-Ann McPherson was appointed as the Municipal Court Administrator for Middle Township at the Feb. 6 Committee meeting. Previously the Deputy Court Administrator, McPherson replaces Deborah Becker, who retired after a 25-year career with the Township.

McPherson began working with the township in 2014 as a records clerk for the Police Department. She went on to work for the Municipal Court and became the Deputy Court Administrator in 2019. She received her Municipal Court Administrator certification in 2020 and has an associate’s degree in criminal justice.

As the Municipal Court Administrator, McPherson ensures the court runs smoothly by preparing dockets, answering community members’ questions, and assisting the staff. Her favorite part of the job is being able to ease citizens’ concerns about the court process.

“Most people come to court filled with worry or anxiety about the process,” said McPherson. “I enjoy talking to them about what to expect and helping them relax. In general, there is a stigma about going to court, so I try to prepare people and make them more comfortable with the experience. I let them know it really is like a normal day, they just talk to a few more people.”

McPherson moved to Middle Township in 2001 and feels honored to work with her community.

“Middle Township is home,” she said. “I love working with the Township. My coworkers are wonderful and there are so many opportunities for career growth.”

For more information about Middle Township and the courts, visit opens in a new windowmiddletownship.com.

Recreation Aide Tim Johnson named Middle Township’s Employee of the Month

Supervisor praises Johnson’s enthusiasm for providing opportunities for community youth

opens in a new window
Johnson is known among his colleagues for his strong work ethic and always being willing to lend a hand.

Tim Johnson’s supervisors describe him as a behind-the-scenes contributor to the success of the Middle Township Recreation Department.

The Recreation Aide’s quiet dedication benefits everyone who participates in the men’s basketball league, in-house basketball program, open gym for adults and youth, and the coed volleyball league.
Johnson has launched or assisted with each of those programs.

Along with his strong work ethic and commitment, Johnson is always ready to help others. All of these admirable attributes led to his selection as Middle Township’s Employee of the Month.

“I am very surprised. It is an honor to be recognized,” said Johnson, who began working for the Township in 2013. “I love interacting with the youth and families of the community.”

Even on his days off, Johnson steps up to help. Business Administrator Kimberly Osmundsen shared a recent example, saying Johnson pulled into the parking lot of the Martin Luther King Center when he saw her waiting there. When he learned that Osmundsen was waiting for the center to open, he offered to drive home to get his key.

“Tim is a role model to the youth who use the recreational centers in Middle Township,” said Osmundsen, who nominated Johnson for Employee of the Month. “His hard work and dedication to our
visitors and taxpayers should be recognized.”

Recreation Director Dustin Sturm said Johnson works almost every night and weekend mornings for the youth sports programs, and calls the aide a “major asset” for the Recreation Department and local youth.

“Tim seeks ways to positively impact the community,” said Sturm. “We always have conversations on what we can do better, because we both agree the job is never done when it comes to providing
opportunities to the younger generation of Middle Township. It is easier to run and create new programs when you have employees like Tim.”

Johnson will be recognized as Employee of the Month at the Feb. 6 Township Committee meeting.

County paving projects progress in Middle Township

Work is underway on Dias Creek Road, and Goshen Road improvements are expected later this year

opens in a new window

Construction equipment is set up along Dias Creek Road, where paving and drainage work will continue through May.

Middle Township is coordinating with Cape May County on resurfacing projects along Dias Creek Road and Goshen Road that are designed to enhance safety.

“We are pleased to see these important projects moving forward on two of our key county roadways,” Mayor Tim Donohue said. “These have been especially challenging projects when it comes to regulatory requirements of the state of New Jersey. We appreciate the efforts of County Engineer Bob Church to seek creative and innovative solutions to these challenges.”

Construction began in late January on Dias Creek Road from Galloping Way Drive west to Route 47. The $3.3 million county resurfacing project will include significant drainage improvements to address ponding along the roadway and the installation of a 5-inch-thick base course and surface course paving.

The county project also will cover curb and guiderail replacement, new traffic striping, raised pavement markings and other traffic awareness upgrades.

Detours will be in effect on portions of the road throughout construction. As drainage improvement work continues for the next four weeks from Pine Ridge Road to Route 47, thru traffic will be detoured from Springers Mill Road to Route 47. Another phase of drainage work between Galloping Way and Springers Road will immediately follow and will require a detour of thru traffic along the entire length of Dias Creek Road. Residents will be notified ahead of milling and paving operations that affect access on surrounding roads. Work on Dias Creek Road is expected to wrap up by early May.

A major resurfacing project for Goshen Road is in the design phase, with plans to begin construction later this year, pending timely approval of permits and a state Department of Transportation review. Engineers must navigate challenges such as wetlands impact and limited right of way along portions of Goshen Road, which includes both rural and residential areas.

The design will include a reduction of current speed zones to enhance safety and better reflect existing development. The changes also will be more compatible with the current roadway alignment. Reducing speed limits on Goshen Road would avoid the need to elevate the roadway, which would negatively affect private property and regulated wetlands.

The proposed design would extend some lower speed zones and reduce the highest speed on the road from 50 mph to 45 mph.

Beginning on Tuesday, January 31st and extending until Thursday February 9^th the Ocean Drive Bridge over Great Channel, which connects Middle Township to the south end of Stone Harbor, will be closed due to construction. Those motorists wishing  to use Ocean Drive (Cr 619) and cross over the bridge will be detoured around the work zone, as this section of Ocean Drive will be closed to through traffic. The bridge and roadway are being closed in order to allow barge mounted cranes the ability to drive new piling that are part of a planned fender replacement project.

Motorist wishing to travel north on Ocean Drive and access the south end of Stone Harbor will be detoured west onto US Route 147  to the Route 9 intersection.  They will then be directed north along Route 9 to Stone Harbor Boulevard (CR 657) where they  will be directed east along Stone Harbor Boulevard back to Third Avenue (CR 619).

Motorists traveling south on Third Avenue (CR 619) and wishing to continue heading south to US Route 147 will be directed west at the 96^th Street intersection onto Stone Harbor Boulevard (CR 657). Motorist will travel west on Stone Harbor Boulevard to the Route 9 intersection.  Motorists will then be directed south on Route 9 to the intersection of Indian Trail Road (CR 618) where they will be directed east onto US Route 147.

Local Traffic will be permitted approaching the Great Channel Bridge, however, no traffic will be permitted to cross the bridge until this phase of construction is completed.  The detour will end on or about February 9^th.