Leeann

Middle Township announces steps to affirm fair housing commitment

‘Mandatory set aside’ for multi-unit developments is under consideration

Middle Township plans to adopt a resolution at its June 21 Township Committee meeting that solidifies its commitment to voluntary compliance with fair housing obligations.

The Township also is weighing a “mandatory set aside” ordinance that would require a certain percentage (either 15 or 20 percent) of all developments of five or more new residential units be reserved for affordable housing.  This measure would apply only to new development within the sewer service area.

The actions come after the Fair Share Housing Center (FSHC) filed a court motion against the Township. The court filing challenges the Township’s immunity from builder’s remedy lawsuits. Such litigation can allow developers to construct multi-family housing with an affordable housing set-aside outside the scope of local zoning regulations.

However, the Township maintains that its immunity from the lawsuits remains in place based on good-faith efforts to resolve outstanding issues.

Middle Township entered into negotiations with the Fair Share Housing Center in 2019 to address the municipality’s obligation under New Jersey’s Third Round Housing Formula.

That portion of the state regulations establishes the cumulative affordable housing need for 1999 through 2024, and assigns each municipality its fair housing obligation.

Under New Jersey Law, municipalities are required to comply with their constitutional obligation to create a “realistic opportunity” for their “fair share” of the regional need for affordable housing. By complying voluntarily, towns avoid being forced to comply through exclusionary zoning lawsuits.

Municipalities with approved affordable housing plans are immune from builder’s remedy lawsuits. Middle Township’s immunity has been based on the complex work of developing an affordable fair housing plan while continuing to negotiate with FSHC.

The Township’s planners are collecting recently available housing and demographic data from the latest U.S. census and related statistics. The information will be used in the final Housing Element of the Township’s Master Plan. At 72 square miles, Middle Township is much larger geographically than most New Jersey communities, which is another factor in the planning process.

The planners are also working with Township administration to collect information and documentation demonstrating the Township’s affordable housing “credits” based on prior affordable housing developments, such as the Conifer Apartments Complexes, Habitat for Humanity homes, ARC group homes and several others. The Township is also negotiating with FSHC to structure an agreement that provides Middle with a number of credits for the various mobile home parks in the Township.

The Township’s team is hopeful that the outstanding issues with FSHC can be resolved without having to litigate the pending motion.  Middle Township is preparing a draft settlement agreement and hopes that it will be finalized with FSHC within 60 to 90 days.

Middle Township’s De Vico Senior Center to reopen soon for indoor programs 
Welcome-back event and activities planned for July 6

Zumba class rocking the lot at The Samuel De Vico Senior Center

The Tai Chi class enjoyed practicing outside last fall

Now that COVID restrictions have lifted, Middle Township residents are ready to get back to normal. Businesses are open, restaurants are serving, sports are in full swing, and indoor recreational activities are about to join the mix.

The Samuel De Vico Senior Center on West Romney Place in Cape May Court House has been offering outdoor-only activities since last fall. But that’s about to change. On Tuesday, July 6, the Township’s senior center will host a “Welcome Back” event from 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. Members, community, and friends are invited to stop in and meet with members of the Senior Advisory board, Mayor Tim Donohue, and Committeeman Jim Norris. Refreshments and takeaways will be provided.

This event also marks the relaunch of the center’s full schedule of events and activities, including Chair yoga, Zumba, Cardio Sit & Fit, line dancing, Tai Chi, and Move & Groove. More leisurely activities such as card games, art classes, Bingo, and health and wellness presentations are also returning. Printed monthly schedules will be available as well as signup sheets for any upcoming events requiring pre-registration. Annual memberships are available for $6.

“I am constantly working to fill the calendar with new and exciting activities and programs that are enjoyable, educational, relaxing, and engaging for the seniors,” said senior center director Marilyn Miller.

“We are so excited get the De Vico Senior Center fully up and running for our seniors again,” Mayor Tim Donohue said. “Director Marilyn Miller has done a great job keeping everyone engaged and the outdoor classes in recent weeks have been great to see. We have had an opportunity to spruce up the building interior and look forward to seeing the space buzzing again!”

Committeeman Jim Norris, who oversees the Recreation Department, also had praise for Miller.

“Marilyn has done such a great job for our seniors during the pandemic, but everyone is chomping at the bit to get back in the building. We can’t wait to see everyone safely back in action at our facility again!”

The center’s outdoor classes, which became popular during the COVID-related closure, will continue through the summer and into fall, weather permitting.

Take the survey: Middle Township wants residents’ input on open space planning

Residents can respond to community feedback survey through June 30

Middle Township recently renovated Railroad Avenue Park in Rio Grande. A $5,000 grant from Atlantic City Electric will help the Township evaluate planning for open space and recreation.

Cape May Court House, N.J. — Middle Township is open to ideas about how to use its open space.

The Township received $5,000 through Atlantic City Electric’s Sustainable Communities Grant program last fall. Now officials seek public input as part of the process, and are circulating a community feedback survey through June 30.

Middle Township received the 2020 Sustainable Communities Environmental Stewardship Grant, which specifically funds the evaluation and enhancement of the existing Open Space and Recreation Plan. The analysis is intended to help identify areas that could be improved, preserved or conserved without changing the character of the community.

“A Steering Committee was developed to review and discuss the current plan. After meeting and sharing thoughts and ideas, it became clear the public was the missing piece,” said Nancy Sittineri, Director of Grants and Economic Development.

The 10-question community feedback survey asks residents to choose their preferred uses of open space, such as for recreation, agriculture, wildlife habitat, access to waterways and to “maintain rural character of the Township.”

Respondents are polled about their recreational interests and what types of public spaces they believe Middle Township needs. The survey also asks residents how they would recommend improving current recreation facilities.

“We encourage all residents interesting in sharing their vision for the future of our shared open spaces to take the survey,” Mayor Tim Donohue said.  “We are committed to preserving the unique rural nature of Middle Township as we encourage responsible and sustainable development in our Town Centers.”

Expanding recreation already is a priority in Middle Township, which has renovated Railroad Avenue Park, rebuilt Avalon Manor Fishing Pier and extended its bike path over the past year.

Atlantic City Electric launched the open-space grants with its program administrator Sustainable Jersey. The program awarded $75,000 in funds to 11 municipalities last year.

Residents can fill out the survey by using the link: surveymonkey.com/r/7RLNZS9.

Notice of lane restriction along  Avalon Boulevard (C.R. 601)

Beginning Monday morning June 7, 2021 and continuing until Thursday, June 17, 2021, the Ingram’s Thorofare Bridge along C.R. 601 will be restricted to a single lane with alternating traffic Monday thru Thursdays between the hours of 5:00am to 5:00pm.  Motorist will be able to cross the bridge, however, travel will be limited to a single lane as workers complete bearing replacement work below the bridge deck.

During the closure of one of the bridge lanes, traffic will alternate around the construction zone and be controlled traffic directors. The road will remain open, however, motorists should expect delays. This traffic pattern will be in place throughout the two-week period of construction. Two-way traffic on the bridge will resume between 5:00pm thru 5:00am on the working days, and there will be no lane restrictions on Friday, Saturday or Sundays. All work on the bridge will be completed by June 17, 2021.

Middle Twp. Employee of the Month credited with helping residents navigate change
Police Records Office Manager recognized for valuable guidance on new online firearms system

Middle Township Police Records Office Manager Sandy Wilson helps process hundreds of firearms applications each year. A recent switch to an online system had some residents struggling, but Wilson patiently walked them through the steps.

When Middle Township residents needed help figuring out the state’s new online firearms permit system, Sandy Wilson had their back.

The Police Records Office Manager fielded a steady stream of phone calls after the New Jersey State Police transitioned to a digital application process in September 2020.

At the same time, Middle Township was experiencing a dramatic surge in gun applications similar to what was occurring at the state and national level. New Jersey’s gun permit requests more than quadrupled to 442,214 in 2020 over the previous year. Middle Township recorded a 66 percent increase in applications last year.

For her role in managing the heavy volume along with the new system, Wilson was named Middle Township’s Employee of the Month. She will receive a certificate at the Township Committee meeting on June 7.

Wilson was nominated for the honor by Middle Township Police Department Administrative Assistant Kendra Karstens.

“Sandy deserves to be recognized for the amount of time and attention that she has spent adapting to recent changes in New Jersey laws that completely replaced how she receives, processes and issues gun permits,” Karstens said. “I personally have observed numerous phone calls where Sandy has gone above and beyond in kindly assisting tech-challenged residents with explaining the online application process and walking them through it, sometimes step by step.”

Processing firearms applications was one of the first tasks Wilson learned when she joined the Township as a clerk in 2014.

“When assisting residents, I try to be as helpful and resourceful as possible. If I don’t know the answer to a question they have, I will go out of my way to find the correct answer,” she said. “It not only helps the resident, but also helps me gain my own personal knowledge.”

One of the favorite parts of her job is getting positive feedback from constituents.

“When I can end a phone call or walk away from an interaction with a resident and have them say, ‘Thank you for all your help!’ that to me is rewarding,” Wilson said.

Even with the added volume of work over the past year, Wilson has ensured that residents quickly receive records such as change-of-address cards.

Karstens said she is not surprised that her “absolutely amazing colleague” keeps up with it all.

“It is because of Sandy’s dedication to the MTPD Records Department, coupled with her continuous hard work, that allows us to continue giving the residents of Middle Township this exceptional level of service.”

 Middle Township announces lineup for free Summer Concert Series

Popular events return to Ockie Wisting Recreation Complex

The Summer Concert Series returns to the Ockie Wisting Complex on Tuesdays from July 6 to Aug. 31.

Middle Township’s Summer Concert Series didn’t miss a beat last year. The outdoor events proceeded with social distancing and other COVID safety protocols.

But with many restrictions lifted, this year’s concerts are expected to bring bigger crowds back to the Ockie Wisting Recreation Complex.

The Township originally planned a seven-show concert series, but has added an eighth musical act.

“We are thrilled to announce that through the generosity of several local business owners, we have been able to add the Sensational Soul Cruisers to our 2021 Summer Concert lineup,” Mayor Tim Donohue said. “This legendary band will be bringing the Motown sound and Rockin’ the Ock to start our Concert Series!”

The events will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays from July 6 to Aug. 31, except for Aug. 3, when National Night Out festivities will be held at the Goshen Complex.

Middle Township expects to expand on the number of food trucks and vendors that took part last summer.

Here is the lineup of musical acts, many of which are returning favorites to the Summer Concert Series.

July 6 – Sensational Soul Cruisers

July 13 – Best of the Eagles

July 20 – Animal House

July 27 – Shot of Southern

August 10 – Independence Day

August 17 – The Big House Band

August 24 – Don’t Call Me Francis

August 31 – Rocktologists

Concertgoers who arrive early can take in some of the fun features at the Ockie Wisting Complex, which includes walking trails, a wildlife observation deck, boardwalk and fishing pier at the pond, picnic area and playground. There’s also a regulation-size disc golf course and soccer fields.

The concerts will be live streamed on Middle Township’s Facebook page.

Notice of Temporary Closure of Ingram’s Thorofare Bridge and Detour of Avalon Boulevard (C.R. 601)

On Tuesday night, June 1^st, 2021, the Ingram’s Thorofare Bridge will be closed between the hours of 7:00pm thru 5:00am in order to allow for the planned resurfacing of the bridge approaches.  As a result, Avalon Boulevard (C.R. 601) will be closed to thru traffic during these hours. The roadway and bridge will re-open after those hours and remain open thereafter.  In addition, for the week of June 1^st, only one lane of the bridge will be open between the hours of 7:00am to approximately 4:00pm Monday thru Friday in order to provide access for under deck work. Traffic backups will be minimized thru the use of traffic directors who will override the existing traffic signals in order to balance traffic waits, however, motorists are advised that there will be travel delays.

Motorists heading south on Route 9 and wishing to access Avalon via  Avalon Boulevard will be required to continue heading south along Route 9 until they arrive at the Stone Harbor Boulevard intersection (C.R. 657). They will then be directed east along Stone Harbor Boulevard/ 96^th Street to Third Avenue (C.R. 619) in Stone Harbor. They will then be directed north along C.R. 619 to Avalon. Traffic exiting the Garden State Parkway at exit 13 and wishing to head east to Avalon will be directed west to Route 9 to follow the same detour. Northbound traffic approaching Stone Harbor Boulevard and wishing to access Avalon will be directed onto Stone Harbor Boulevard at exit 10.

Motorist heading north along Route 9 wishing to access Avalon via Avalon Boulevard will be directed to head east at the Stone Harbor Boulevard intersection. Once in Stone Harbor, motorists will be directed north along Third Avenue (C.R. 619) toward Avalon.  Traffic on the barrier islands wishing to utilize Avalon Boulevard to access the Garden State Parkway or Route 9 will be directed south on C.R. 619 to 96^th Street, where they will be directed west along Stone Harbor Boulevard to Route 9 and the Parkway.

Local traffic will be permitted to access Avalon Boulevard up to the Ingram’s Thorofare Bridge from either side, but will not be permitted to cross the bridge. Please note that due to the current load restriction of the 96^th Street Bridge (C.R. 657), vehicles over 15 tons will not be able to access Stone Harbor/ Avalon  until traffic resumes on the Ingram’s Thorofare bridge at 5:00am the following morning.  Please plan accordingly and obey all traffic control devices and speed limits.

Middle Township Trash and Recycling Service for the 2021 Memorial Day Week will be as follows:

Monday will be picked up on Tuesday

Tuesday will be picked up on Wednesday

Wednesday will be picked up on Thursday

Thursday will be picked up on Friday

Friday will be picked up on Saturday

Middle approaches major milestones in Del Haven water project

Residents in the Del Haven area will receive fresh water through a partnership between the Lower Township MUA and Middle Township.

The timeline for a project supplying fresh water to around 1,000 Del Haven homes will go into high gear this summer.

As with many large infrastructure projects across the country, the schedule was adjusted to address product shortages and permitting delays related to the COVID-19 shutdowns.

Middle Township officials, who are planning the initiative in conjunction with the Lower Township Municipal Utilities Authority, will begin advertising the project for bid on June 21. Bids will be reviewed about a month later.

The next stage in the process will be construction. It is expected to begin in late September and last around nine months.

The timeline allows for the current shortage of PVC pipe to be resolved. The pipe is a critical material in the project.

The Del Haven Water Project is designed to bring a resourceful solution to a complex problem. Residents in the bayfront community of Del Haven rely on well water, but saltwater has been entering the wells for many years. The situation has left the community without a reliable source of drinking water.

Without an easy way to connect Del Haven to the water-supply infrastructure, residents seemed stuck.  But Mayor Tim Donohue suggested a partnership with the Lower Township MUA a few years ago, after learning about a similar arrangement that helped a community on Middle Township’s border.

Middle Township reached out to the Lower Township MUA and Wildwood Water Utility about a partnership.

An ordinance authorizing a water supply and distribution agreement between Middle Township and Lower Township MUA passed in 2019. The intricate plan will bring water from Wildwood to the Lower Township MUA, and then from Lower Township up Bayshore Road into Del Haven.

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

The arrangement will not increase debt for Middle Township or its taxpayers.