Leeann

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.

George Floyd vigil tonight: It’s time to reflect and recommit to positive change …together

For the past decade, under the leadership of Chief Leusner, the MTPD has been committed to building trust in every neighborhood in the Township through our philosophy to protect and serve all residents with dignity and respect.

Township Committee, whether under a Democrat or Republican Administration, has supported this Community Policing model through our words and deeds; prioritizing spending on training and programs designed to keep our community safe and develop a culture that embraces the diversity that gives us strength.

In the aftermath of the tragic death of George Floyd, we pledged to redouble these efforts. To listen. To learn. To work with those truly committed to unity and positive change to find a better path forward together.

The creation of our Police Community Engagement Committee has put those words into action. The group will be holding its first public meeting next month.

As a community, it is proper, appropriate and important that we look back on this past year and remember all that has transpired, the good and the bad, and learn from our experiences.

We need to be honest with each other. We need to continue to try to find that common ground. We need to celebrate progress and admit our mistakes. We need to accept that some days will be better than others. Some days we may need to agree to disagree.

The work must be done. So the work goes on. We can only succeed through unity.

#middleunited

Mayor Tim Donohue

Middle Township is a destination to discover as tourism reopens in NJ

Town boasts expanded recreation sites, abundant nature, wildlife attractions, dining and more

Middle Township is home to a wide array of attractions, from the Avalon Manor Fishing Pier to the Cape May County Park & Zoo.

Cape May Court House, N.J. — As New Jersey stayed home last year, Middle Township was hard at work becoming a better place to visit.

The Avalon Manor Fishing Pier was rebuilt. Railroad Avenue Park in Rio Grande added a dog park and pickleball courts as part of an extensive makeover. Restaurants and businesses continued to open.

Now, with many statewide COVID restrictions easing and tourism returning, Middle Township officials hope visitors will discover the town as a destination. A short drive from the Cape May and Wildwood beaches, the Township also can expand the itinerary of a Jersey Shore vacation.

In addition to recreational opportunities, Middle Township hosts year-round special events to make the area more welcoming for families. Officials recently enacted an ordinance to ban marijuana smoking in public places, citing a desire to maintain the Township’s family-friendly character.

Middle Township’s outdoor facilities complement a variety of county- and privately owned attractions within the Township, including the free-admission Cape May County Park & Zoo.

Here are places to visit on a trip to Middle:

TOWNSHIP FACILITIES

Middle Township Bike Path: The Township has built onto the bike path for years, and it now runs from the Lower Township bike path that leads from the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal connection point to Atlantic Cape Community College’s Court House campus. The path is set to be completed by the end of this year, with a connection to Dennis Township.

Avalon Manor Fishing Pier: The pier, which originally was part of a bridge connecting to Avalon, was reconstructed and reopened last year. A shade structure, benches and a fish-cleaning station create a comfortable work/leisure space for a day of fishing. End of Old Avalon Boulevard, Avalon Manor

Shellbay Avenue Pier: Expect wildlife sightings – especially of migratory birds — at this scenic park and pier, also known as the Carol Nicoletta Shellbay Fishing Pier. Picnic tables offer the perfect spot to take in the view. Visitors can crab and fish in the summertime, or launch a kayak off the ramp. End of Shellbay Avenue, Cape May Court House.

Railroad Avenue Park: The 2-acre space reopened earlier this year with a new name (it was formerly Rio Grande Park), and many new amenities, including a dog park, two playgrounds, eight pickleball courts, an upgraded basketball court and shaded picnic tables. The park is along a stretch of the bike path, and includes bike racks and a bike service station. 11 N. Railroad Ave., Rio Grande (off Route 47)

Goshen Sports Complex: Budding and established athletes will appreciate this facility, which is interchangeably called the Clarence and Georgiana Davies Sports Complex. It includes basketball courts, soccer fields, softball and baseball fields and playgrounds. 626 Goshen Road, Cape May Court House

Ockie Wisting Recreation Complex: At 82 acres, Ockie Wisting is the Township’s largest facility, with space for nearly every type of activity. Middle’s free summer concert series is held at the park’s amphitheater. The complex 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. 7 Fulling Mill Road, Rio Grande

Special events: Middle likes to celebrate, and plans events throughout the year. Free concerts are held Tuesday nights through July and August. There are fireworks on the Fourth of July, and parades for just about every major holiday.

For more information on Township facilities and events, go to middletownship.com

MORE PLACES TO VISIT

Main Street and much more: At less than a mile, the Cape May Court House shopping district isn’t long, but it stretches way back to the Victorian era. It’s also a perfect destination for shopping and dining. Additional shopping areas and restaurants are abundant throughout Middle Township, and more are on the way. Some businesses are listed at the Middle Township Chamber of Commerce and the Cape May County Chamber of Commerce websites.

Breweries and wineries: Wine aficionados and craft beer lovers will find plenty of stops in Middle Township. Jessie Creek Winery, Natali Vineyards and “boutique” G & W Winery host events; Jessie Creek also welcomes tourists to its historic farmhouse inn. Tasting rooms and more are on tap at Bucket Brigade Brewery, Coho Brewing Co. and 7 Mile Brewery.

Campgrounds: Plenty of open space and natural surroundings make Middle an ideal spot for camping. The Township has more than a dozen campgrounds, including some set up for RVs.

Bay beaches: Middle Township offers a different, quieter beach experience than some other Jersey Shore towns. Migrating shorebirds already are regulars – and their visits each spring to feed on horseshoe crab eggs are an ecotourism draw. Reed’s Beach, Pierce’s Point, Kimbles Beach, Cook’s Beach

Private marinas: When you visit a town on the water, make the most of it. Several recreational marinas in Middle offer boat rentals, boat sales, shops and services for boaters, and crabbing and fishing piers.

Golf courses: At 72 square miles, Middle Township has plenty of room for sprawling golf courses. Visitors have their pick of 18-hole courses, including Stone Harbor Golf Club, Avalon Golf Club and Wildwood Golf Course (despite being named for other towns, these courses are all within the confines of Middle Township).

Cape May County Park & Zoo: Bring the family – the zoo is free (donations are appreciated), and it will take a few hours to experience it all. The park portion of the grounds includes seating areas and disc golf. Private tours and “animal encounters” are available for a fee. The Tree-to-Tree Adventure Park, also based at the zoo, offers aerial activities including zip lines and Tarzan swings. Fees vary for Tree-to-Tree activities.  707 U.S. 9 North, Cape May Court House. capemaycountynj.gov/1008/Park-Zoo

The Wetlands Institute: Visitors are invited to explore the Salt Marsh Trail wetlands and learn about the native marine life, including turtles, fish, crabs, sea stars and urchins, mollusks and horseshoe crabs. The Institute plans festivals throughout the year and daily kid-friendly events including aquarium feeding times. 1075 Stone Harbor Blvd, Stone Harbor (mailing address; institute is physically in Middle Township) wetlandsinstitute.org

Cape May County Bird Observatory: Birding is a popular pastime at the Jersey Shore, which explains why the New Jersey Audubon Society set up shop in Cape May County. The Center for Research and Education in Cape May Court House has self-guided trails open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Center is closed to the public. The Society’s Northwood Center, in Cape May Point, hosts seasonal festivals around the migration of birds and butterflies. njaudubon.org/centers/cape-may-bird-observatory/

Cape May County National Wildlife Refuge: The refuge has four hiking trails and great wildlife viewing opportunities, especially in spring and fall. 24 Kimbles Beach Road, Cape May Court House. fws.gov/refuge/Cape_May/

The Museum of Cape May County: The buildings are part of the exhibit at this museum, which houses its treasures in a 1704 Colonial period home with an 1830 Federal period addition, a carriage shed and barn built in 1780. Artifacts date to the Revolutionary War and include pieces of the county’s maritime history. 504 Route 9 North, Cape May Court House. cmcmuseum.org/

ROAD CLOSURE:  The Ocean Drive (CR619)Toll Bridge, over Grassy Sound, will be closed to all traffic on Thursday, May 20th from 7pm to 6am.  Please plan accordingly.

The CMC Bridge Commission’s contractor, South State Inc., will be installing new bearing plates for the bascule span this Thursday(5/20) evening 7PM to 6AM.

A complete roadway closure at the bridge  is required because the bridge must be in the raised position to gain access and install the new plates.

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities has declared this week Utility Assistance Week to remind residents to act quickly if they have fallen behind on their utility bills due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Atlantic City Electric offers expanded billing and payment options that include eliminating down payment/security deposit requirements, extending payment periods for balances and connecting more customers with energy assistance funds. Many customers are unaware that they may qualify for assistance. Below are five energy assistance programs available to support Atlantic City Electric customers and other helpful information.

Atlantic City Electric Reminds Customers of Important Energy Assistance Programs to Help Those Behind on Their Energy Bills

During New Jersey Utility Assistance Week, the company is urging customers to act now to secure millions of dollars in energy assistance funds

MAYS LANDING, N.J. (May 17, 2021) – As summer approaches and temperatures climb, energy use typically increases leading to higher energy bills. To further assist its customers, Atlantic City Electric is recognizing New Jersey Utility Assistance Week, May 17-21, by reminding customers to act now to secure the millions of dollars in assistance funding that is available for those who may be struggling to pay their energy bill.

Atlantic City Electric understands the ongoing challenges customers are facing due to the COVID-19 pandemic and is committed to helping every customer meet their energy needs. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the company has helped thousands of customers manage their energy bills by providing tips and information about how to save energy and works closely with its community partners, connecting customers with helpful state and federal energy assistance resources.

Energy assistance programs supporting Atlantic City Electric customers include:

• The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides grants in varying amounts based on a household’s income size, type of fuel, and type of dwelling, with no pay back required. Customers can apply for LIHEAP energy assistance through the Department of Community Affairs website, by contacting their local LIHEAP Agency, or by calling 800-510-3102.

• The Universal Service Fund (USF) helps ensure energy bills are more affordable for eligible customers. Call 800-510-3102 or visit energyassistance.nj.gov for information.
• New Jersey SHARES is a nonprofit corporation that provides assistance to income eligible customers. Visit MailScanner has detected a possible fraud attempt from “nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com” claiming to be njsharesgreen.org or call 866-657-4273.
• The Payment Assistance for Gas and Electric (PAGE) program provides relief on electric and natural gas bills for low-to moderate income customers experiencing a temporary financial crisis. Customers can call 732-982-8710 or visit MailScanner has detected a possible fraud attempt from “nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com” claiming to be njpoweron.org.
• Lifeline is a utility assistance program that offers $225 to persons who meet certain income guidelines. Utility customers as well as tenants whose utility bills are included in their rent can call 800-792-9745 for details.

Residents also can access the NJ Department of Community Affairs self-screening-tool to help determine what energy assistance benefits they may qualify for and for information regarding the emergency rental assistance program which covers utilities included in rental costs.

In addition to helping customers secure energy assistance, Atlantic City Electric offers expanded billing and payment options that include eliminating down payment/security deposit requirements, extending payment periods for balances and connecting more customers with energy assistance funds. The most important step that customers who are past due on their Atlantic City Electric bill can take is to contact the company at 800-642-3780 or MailScanner has detected a possible fraud attempt from “nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com” claiming to be atlanticcityelectric.com/help as soon as possible.

Atlantic City Electric encourages customers who have the financial ability to help support those in need by contributing to the New Jersey SHARES Good Neighbor Energy Fund for 2021 by visiting MailScanner has detected a possible fraud attempt from “nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com” claiming to be atlanticcityelectric.com/GNEF.

Atlantic City Electric also provides helpful tips and information to help customers save money and energy all summer. Customers can visit MailScanner has detected a possible fraud attempt from “nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com” claiming to be atlanticcityelectric.com/WaysToSave for more information.

Readers are encouraged to visit The Source, Atlantic City Electric’s online news room. For more information about Atlantic City Electric, visit MailScanner has detected a possible fraud attempt from “nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com” claiming to be atlanticcityelectric.com. Follow the company on Facebook at MailScanner has detected a possible fraud attempt from “nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com” claiming to be facebook.com/atlanticcityelectric and on Twitter at MailScanner has detected a possible fraud attempt from “nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com” claiming to be twitter.com/acelecconnect. Our mobile app is available at MailScanner has detected a possible fraud attempt from “nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com” claiming to be atlanticcityelectric.com/mobileapp.

Atlantic City Electric is a unit of Exelon Corporation (Nasdaq: EXC), the nation’s leading energy provider, with approximately 10 million customers. Atlantic City Electric provides safe and reliable energy service to approximately 560,000 customers in southern New Jersey.

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

Beginning Monday morning May 17, 2021 and continuing until noon on Thursday May 27, 2021, the Ingram’s Thorofare Bridge along C.R. 601 will be restricted to a single lane with alternating traffic. Motorist will be able to cross the bridge, however, travel will be limited to a single lane as workers apply a deck sealant on the bridge prior to opening the bridge to two way traffic permanently. Due to the curing time associated with the sealant, travel over the newly treated areas will be restricted.

During the closure of one of the bridge lanes, traffic will alternate around the construction zone and be controlled by a temporary traffic signal. The road will remain open, however, motorists should expect delays. This traffic pattern will be in place from Monday May 17^th until Friday May 21^st for the first week.  The bridge will be reopened to two-way traffic at the end of the workday on Friday and remain open over the weekend.  On Monday May 24^th the lane restriction will again be in place and remain in place until noon on Thursday May 27^th, at which time the bridge will be reopened for two-way traffic going forward.

2021 Drum Fish Tournament Results

Middle Township Elementary #1 School

Preschool and Kindergarten Registration for 2021-2022

Preschool students must be 4 on or before October 1, 2021 and Kindergarten must be 5 by that date.

REGISTRATION WILL BE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CALL 463-1900 EXT. 1202 OR 1205

opens in a new windowPreschool/Kindergarten Registration 2021-2022 Information

opens in a new windowPreschool/Kindergarten Registration 2021-2022 Information (Spanish)

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 emergency electrical repairs to the bascule span (movable span) during the nighttime hours of Thursday, May 13, 2021.  Traffic will not be able to pass over the bridge between 8:00pm Thursday night until 6:00am Friday morning. 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 Friday May 14, 2021.

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 electrical system upgrades that are intended to allow the bridge to operate more efficiently with less wear on the motor components.