Leeann

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Middle Township’s existing affordable housing units include Green Heron Point on Railroad Avenue. The Township is working to finalize a plan for fair housing within the municipality.

Cape May Court House, N.J. – Following the outcome of a late September case management conference between Middle Township representatives and the Fair Share Housing Center, Mayor Tim Donohue announced continued progress toward finalizing the Township’s affordable housing plan. The parties met in the presence of Special Master and retired Superior Court Judge Steven P. Perskie.

“We appreciate the effort of all parties to continue good-faith negotiations as we work to finalize a plan that meets the Township’s realistic future needs for reasonably affordable housing accommodations in our hometown,” Donohue said.

The Township entered into negotiations with the Fair Share Housing Center in 2019 to address its obligation under fair-share housing formulas.

The Township agreed to provide further details on the nature of proposed inclusionary zoning and the timing of proposed redevelopment projects. Both parties agreed to work cooperatively toward reaching a final agreement on the plan in November.  A status conference is scheduled for Nov .12.

“Despite the efforts by some to derail our steady progress (through a politically motivated, false narrative), we are on track to reach a fair settlement,” Donohue said.  “We are grateful that our hard work toward a sound agreement has been recognized and that Middle Township’s immunity from builder’s remedy lawsuits has been preserved throughout these negotiations.”

Builder’s remedies can permit developers to construct multi-family housing with affordable housing allocated outside the scope of local zoning regulations.

Per Atlantic City Electric:

Our final phase of our reliability project around our Rio Grande substation is starting weather permitting, this Wednesday, October 20^th,  for safety reasons we will be closing the bike path north of Satt Blvd. from approximately 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Our contractor, Riggs Distler, will be performing this overhead portion of this work Monday through Friday for approximately 4 weeks.

The next phase will be the underground portion of the project also being performed by Riggs Distler, just north of our Rio Grande substation and this work will last approximately two weeks.

Gandy cites sustainable growth in Middle’s ratable base

Township reports $22.8 million in tax ratables added in 2021
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The former Pier One in Cape May Court House was redeveloped into three storefronts: A Verizon store, Starbucks and Taco Shop.

Cape May Court House, N.J. – Despite economic headwinds resulting from the pandemic, Middle Township continues to see steady growth in its ratable base, according to Deputy Mayor Ike Gandy.

Gandy, who serves on the Township’s Planning Board and has oversight of Construction, Zoning and Public Works, cited the governing body’s commitment to quality, sustainable development that is well balanced between commercial and residential projects.

“Our philosophy has been that a well-run town will attract and retain well-run businesses,” Gandy said. “By striving to keep the municipal levy flat, maintaining excellent municipal services and committing to the long-range improvement of our roads, drainage and infrastructure, we send a message to quality investors that Middle Township is a great place to set up shop and to call home.”

Middle Township added $22.8 million in tax ratables in 2021, reported Tax Assessor Lee Ann Russ.  This followed a strong 2020, when $22.4 million in additional ratables came on the tax rolls.

“A steady and sustainable increase in our ratables base alleviates the tax burden on all of our existing businesses and residents,” Gandy said. “An expanding ratable base allows us to absorb increased cost in salaries and operations without increasing the municipal tax rate.”

The moderate and steady increase in the ratable base, along with a balanced mix of residential and commercial development, led to quality growth in the municipality without overburdening the Middle Township Police Department, municipal services or the Township’s school system.

“By always putting Middle Township first in all of our decision-making, we are building momentum for positive change,” Gandy said. “We credit that approach for Middle’s healthy increase in population in the 2020 census.  We are committed to keeping this good work going and keeping Middle Township a place where folks are proud to live and eager to make investments.”

Middle’s Olde Tyme Harvest Festival is back with music, food trucks and many vendors

Event returning in a big way after COVID cancellation in 2020

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 The Olde Tyme Harvest Festival will fill the area around Mechanic Street with Halloween and community spirit on Oct. 23.

If you plan to visit the Olde Tyme Harvest Festival on Oct. 23, come hungry.

At least 15 food vendors will serve up barbecue and bacon, ice cream and pie, and other festival favorites in the Middle Township municipal parking lot. Strategic snack lovers might want to line up early for one of the 500 free mini cupcakes from A Piece of Cake; the treats are first come, first serve.

Walking around the rest of the festival, set up along and around Mechanic Street, is sure to burn some calories. The event, returning for its 23rd year after a 2020 COVID cancellation, will feature carnival rides and inflatables, and more than 80 vendors selling crafts and more.

Entertainment will include the bands Animal House, Independence Day and the Middle Township High School Band. Local dancers from Turning Pointe and Atlantic Coast also will perform. Costume contests for pets and kids will add some holiday-themed fun. (Registration required by 11:30 a.m. on the day of the event.)

“The Harvest Festival celebrates everything that’s great about Middle Township — community, support for local businesses, and plenty of family-friendly fun,” said Mayor Tim Donohue. “We know our residents and vendors are excited for this special tradition to return, and so are we!”

Events will run from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. The rain date is Sunday, October 24, from 12 to 5 p.m.

The Olde Tyme Harvest Festival started as a small event back in 1998, as part of Middle Township’s bicentennial celebration. The Harvest Fest has grown over the years to include dozens of vendors and thousands of visitors.

Vendors who would like to sell food or merchandise at the event should contact Special Events Coordinator Nancy McDevitt at 609-465-8728 or nmcdevitt@middletownship.com.

Lower Township MUA awards bid for Del Haven Water project in Middle

An important deal has been sealed in the years-long process to bring fresh water to the Del Haven section of Middle Township.

The Lower Township Municipal Utilities Authority, which is planning the project in partnership with Middle Township, awarded the bid for construction at its Oct. 6 meeting.

The work for the Del Haven Water Main Extension Project went to low bidder P&A Construction Inc., for $9,973,266.

Construction is expected to take around nine months, and will mark the end of a long effort to supply fresh water for more than 1,000 Del Haven households.

“We truly appreciate the LTMUA’s partnership and perseverance in keeping this project moving during challenging times,” said Deputy Mayor Ike Gandy, who attended the virtual Oct. 6 meeting. “Now this step of awarding the work ensures we’ll soon have shovels in the ground on this vital project. We are looking forward to providing a safe, reliable source of drinking water for the Del Haven community.”

Saltwater began intruding in the bayfront community’s well water years ago. The possibility of connecting Del Haven households to a safe drinking water source within Middle Township was explored, but it would have been too expensive. After the Lower Township Municipal Utilities Authority brought water to the Villas community near the Middle Township border, officials believed that a similar option could work for Del Haven.

Over the course of two-and-a-half years, and with the support of the state, Middle worked on a plan to bring water from Wildwood to the Lower Township MUA, through Lower Township and up Bayshore Road into Del Haven. In 2019, Middle Township authorized a water supply and distribution agreement with the Lower Township MUA.

The last leg of the Del Haven water project hinges on a supply chain hampered by COVID-era delays. The construction requires 62,500 feet of PVC pipe, 192 valves, 116 fire hydrants, 921 water service connections, and other materials that are taking much longer than usual to receive.

Based on vendor estimates for supply availability, construction will start in the first quarter of 2022.

Shortly before work begins on each street, property owners will receive a wooden stake and instructions to place the stake in the spot at the front of their property where they want workers to install a water meter pit – a vault that holds and protects the water meter.

All property owners in the area impacted by the agreement are required to connect to the new water system, and will pay $175 per quarter. The project includes installation of fire hydrants that will enhance public safety.

Middle Township taxpayers will not be impacted by the water main extension project.

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Middle Township Senior Center Director Receives 2021 Women of Wonder Award

Marilyn Miller has worked at the De Vico Senior Center since 2005. Her dedication to the center’s members earned her a 2021 Women of Wonder award.

 Those who work with Marilyn Miller already know the Middle Township senior center director is something special. Now there is official confirmation: Miller is one of three recipients of the 2021 Women of Wonder awards, sponsored by the Atlantic Cape Community College Foundation and the Cape May County Women’s Commission.

The award recognizes influential women in Cape May County for their “outstanding and selfless dedication to helping others reach their full potential.”

Miller and the other winners will be honored at a Nov. 10 luncheon at the Flanders Hotel in Ocean City. The event will raise funds to help at-risk high school students attend Atlantic Cape Community College. The luncheon also will honor retired Marine sergeant Doris “Doie” Barnes, who turned 100 on July 30.

The other Women of Wonder award recipients are Michele Gillian, executive director of the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce, and Chase Jackson, executive director of the Ocean City Arts Center.

As the director of the Samuel S. De Vico Senior Center in Middle Township, Miller coordinates activities and events for 200 members. She began working at the center as an activities coordinator in 2005. She was employed in health care settings at Cape Regional Medical Center and Crest Medical in Wildwood Crest before joining the Senior Center.

Middle Township Mayor Tim Donohue said Miller’s dedication inspired him to nominate her for a Women of Wonder award. He kept the nomination a surprise, and Miller only found out about it after she won.

“I have spoken with a number of Senior Center members, and each one of them believes Marilyn is extraordinary, always putting the needs of others first and treating them like family,” Donohue said.

But Donohue noted that it was during the pandemic that Miller provided the most vital of services to seniors – staying in touch. In the early days of New Jersey’s stay-at-home order, Miller offered regular telephone calls from Senior Center Advisory Board members and volunteers to seniors, ensuring they had access to food and supplies, along with friendly human contact.

“This was a godsend during a time of isolation, particularly for seniors who live alone,” said Donohue.

Months into the state-mandated closure of the senior center, Miller found a way to safely offer classes in the facility’s parking lot – everything from Zumba and Tai Chi to an outdoor painting class. She also has helped seniors make COVID vaccine appointments.

The Township presented Miller with a “Middle Matters” Award in March 2021 for her extra efforts to support seniors during the pandemic.

With the Senior Center reopened, Miller is back to providing members with activities such as lunch and a movie, line dancing, computer games, bingo, and more. Under her leadership, wellness has become a focus at the Senior Center. She coordinates exercise classes including yoga, chair cardio and Zumba, and the center offers blood pressure screenings.

Miller said she is delighted to receive acknowledgment for work that she considers so important.

“I was raised to respect older people, and to appreciate their knowledge and the experiences and stories they are so willing to share. They are a living history, and I am so happy to be able to work with them.”

Notice of Night Closure for 96^th Street Bridge (C.R. 657)

Borough of Stone Harbor and Township of Middle

      The 96^th Street Bridge along Stone Harbor Boulevard leading into the Borough of Stone Harbor will be undergoing structural repairs to the bascule span (movable span) during nighttime hours Monday thru Thursdays beginning on September 20^th and extending until September 30th.  Traffic will not be able to pass over the bridge between the hours of 8:00pm to 6:00am during those nights. There will be no closures Fridays thru Sundays during that period.  The contractor will be fortifying beam 3 as part of ongoing emergency repair work to address small cracks that were discovered as part of a recent interim bridge inspection procedure. Due to the nature of the work, the bridge cannot remain open as work proceeds. Thru traffic wishing to access Stone Harbor via Stone Harbor Boulevard will be detoured during these work times with access to Stone Harbor directed to Avalon Boulevard.  Local traffic wishing to access businesses and residences up to the west side of the bridge will be permitted to proceed along Stone Harbor Boulevard. The bridge will re-open at 6:00am the morning of the night closures.

Traffic heading north on the Garden State Parkway wishing to access Stone Harbor at exit 10 will be redirected to proceed north on the Parkway to exit 13 and proceed east on Avalon Boulevard (C.R. 601) to Ocean Drive (C.R. 619). Traffic will then be directed south along Ocean Drive to Stone Harbor. Traffic travelling south on the parkway will be directed to take exit 13 onto Avalon Boulevard as well. Traffic heading east on Court House South Dennis Road (C.R. 657) will be advised to either take Route 9 north to Avalon Boulevard or to take exit 10 north onto the Garden State Parkway to Avalon Boulevard. Stone Harbor traffic wishing to head west along Stone Harbor Boulevard will be directed north along Third Avenue /Ocean Drive (C.R. 619) and west along Avalon Boulevard (C.R. 601) to the Garden State Parkway.

The proposed work is part of ongoing emergency repair work that is intended to maintain and prolong the life of the bascule span until a planned replacement of the span and upgrades to the bridge   commence.

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Anthony Anderson named to Middle Township Zoning Board

Anthony Anderson will be appointed to Middle Township’s Zoning Board on Sept. 8

 Middle Township will appoint lifelong resident and community activist Anthony Anderson to the Zoning Board at the Sept. 8 Township Committee meeting.

Anderson is a 2001 graduate of Middle Township High School, and has worked in sales and marketing for the past 18 years.

The Anderson family has deep roots in the community. Anderson’s father, Claudius Anderson Jr., worked for many years in the Superior Court. His mother, Betsy, has had a long career as the bookkeeper at the Shore Club (formerly Wildwood Golf Club).

“My parents raised me with a commitment to give back to our community,” Anderson said. “I look forward to the opportunity to join the Zoning Board and help do the work to ensure our hometown is developed in a sustainable way that benefits all of our residents.”

Anderson serves as the President of the Progressive Black Initiative and helped found the organization in 2020. PBI’s mission is to empower people to overcome hardships, create opportunities for growth, and strengthen rapport between law enforcement and community.

“I’ve gotten to know Anthony well in this past year,” Mayor Tim Donohue said. “He is someone who is involved in community service for all the right reasons. We have come together on projects to find common ground to do work in Middle Township and beyond.  A voice like his is needed on our Zoning Board. He’s going to be a great addition to this key decision-making body.”