Leeann

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Middle Prioritizes Public Safety and Quality of Life in Rio Grande

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Homeless encampments in Rio Grande create unsanitary and unsafe conditions.

Faced with a chronic homeless problem, rising petty crime, and open drug use in the Rio Grande area, Middle Township officials vowed to protect the rights of residents and business owners while continuing to offer available housing and social services to those in need.

“While Middle Township remains a community committed to helping those in need, our number one priority will always be public safety,” Middle Township Mayor Tim Donohue said. “While we debate the complicated root causes of these problems and work every day to build partnerships to alleviate the associated suffering, Middle Township will stand firm on upholding law and order to ensure our residents feel safe in their homes and our businesses can operate successfully.”

Donohue cited the local impact of decisions made in Trenton by the Governor and State Legislature. State actions on bail reform, decriminalization of petty crime and drug abuse, and a general anti-police bias have removed the tools that police officers have traditionally utilized to protect the community, he said.

“We recognize the social problems we face and the rights of the homeless to be treated with dignity. But, while addressing these issues, we must balance our approach to protect the rights of our families to be safe in their own homes and on their own properties,” Donohue said. “We will not allow our quality of life to deteriorate due to misguided policies, based on a radically progressive philosophy, that have forced law-abiding citizens and business owners to abandon once-thriving cities and communities across our country.

Evidence of homeless encampments on private property in Middle Township reveal dangerous conditions associated with illegal drug use, lack of basic sanitation, large campfires, violent crime, and disrespect for property owners’ rights. As public health is aligned with public safety, the Township is using all legal measures within its means to protect the health and welfare of its residents.

“We strive every day, working with our social service partners, to facilitate a pathway to available housing and services for any member of our community who genuinely wants help,” Donohue said. “At the same time, when our Township employees and local partners visit these encampments, we regularly encounter bad actors who refuse to accept available housing and readily accessible services. Refusing a realistic offer of housing and social services is not a rational decision and does not translate into a right to remain in an illegal encampment.”

Under the leadership of Chief Jennifer Pooler, the Middle Township Police Department strives to balance its core mission to protect and serve the community with a commitment to offer caring and compassionate services in times of crisis. The MTPD consistently works in partnership with several social services agencies, homeless advocates and mental health professionals to bring services to those in need.

“My department regularly encounters individuals who either refuse to accept available services or have been barred from assistance due to their refusal to meet the proscribed guidelines to qualify,” Pooler said. “Certain individuals have been charged with crimes multiple times, have little respect for the law or Middle Township’s police officers, and feel immune to any real consequences to their actions. We will not permit homelessness to be an excuse for criminality and disrespect of our laws, our residents and our business owners.”

The Township, once again, called on the Cape May County Board of Commissioners and lawmakers in the First Legislative District to move beyond talk and meetings to a concerted and coordinated partnership, backed by serious funding, to address the root causes of homelessness and commit to real-world solutions.

“This is not a ’Middle Township‘ problem; homelessness is a national epidemic, driven by a complex combination of factors,” Mayor Donohue emphasized. “While we didn’t create this problem, Middle Township’s residents, partners, and employees have continuously strived to be a part of a solution. We will maintain our steadfast commitment to protecting public safety and our quality of life. Middle carries all the weight and associated costs for the entire county on this issue. Policies driven from Trenton only exacerbate the problems. Our elected representatives at every level of government have an obligation to stop ignoring this crisis and join with Middle Township immediately to address these critical issues.”

Free Yard Sale Weekend 2023 Listing

Fall fun abounds at Middle Township events

Residents can look forward to a weekend-long yard sale, harvest festival and more

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The Olde Tyme Harvest Festival always draws a crowd for rides, entertainment, vendors and food.

Crisp, cool air and houses decorated with colorful mums and pumpkins signal fall is upon us. It is the perfect season to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends before winter has us nestled in our homes.

Middle Township is holding many fall events for the community so residents can gather and enjoy the season. These activities include:

Free Community-Wide Yard Sale: Set up a table or two and greet neighbors at the yard sale taking place on Sept. 15, 16 and 17. No permits are needed for this event. Residents can add their home addresses to the yard sale list on Middle Township’s website and Facebook page by emailing awoodrow@middletownship.com or kborn@middletownship.com. For more information, call (609) 465-8740.

Halloween House Decorating Contest: Bring out the spooky decorations and enter Middle Township’s Halloween house decorating contest. Homes will be judged on theme and design, creativity, effort, and overall presentation. Judging will take place on Oct. 17, and all decorations should be turned on by 5 p.m. Residents interested in participating must register by Oct. 13 at opens in a new windowmiddletownship.recdesk.com. For more information, call (609) 465-8728.

Halloween Parade: All residents are welcome to participate in Middle Township’s Halloween event. The parade begins at 7 p.m. (line-up starts at 6 p.m.) on Oct. 25 at Memorial Field. The parade will travel north on Route 9 to Mechanic Street, with performances taking place in front of the library. Make sure to bring a bag for candy. To register, visit opens in a new windowmiddletownship.recdesk.com. For more information, call (609) 465-8732.

Olde Tyme Harvest Festival: Enjoy rides, entertainment, craft and food vendors at Middle Township’s 25th annual Olde Tyme Harvest Festival. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 28. Children and pets can enter the festival’s Halloween costume contest. Register by Oct. 18 at opens in a new windowmiddletownship.recdesk.com. Participants can also register the day of the event. Registration will be held in front of the library and must be received by 11:30 a.m. The rain date is Oct. 29. For more information, call (609) 465-8732.

Middle Police Youth Camp mentors receive Middle Matters Awards

Township honors officers, staff members for their roles in character-building program

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Middle Township honored each of the employees and law enforcement officers who encouraged teamwork and good citizenship through the Middle Township Police Department Youth Camp.

During an Aug. 7 Township Committee meeting, camp mentors received Middle Matters Awards for their work with 70 campers this summer.

“Each officer and staff member deserves individual honors because their personal interaction with young people in our community is what makes this program so special and successful,” said Mayor Tim Donohue.

Around 450 local middle-school students have graduated from the MTPD camp over the past six years. The township relies on annual grants, business sponsorships and individual donations to offer the weeklong program at no charge to families.

The annual camp features fun team-building activities such as laser tag, boat rides, and a zip-line course. Representatives from Cape Assist, a Wildwood-based substance-abuse treatment and prevention agency, talk to the campers about making healthy decisions. Physical training is also a daily part of the program.

Sgt. Ron Miller, who runs the Youth Camp, said the experience is designed to develop communication, empathy, generosity, leadership skills and, of course, teamwork.

“They helped one another continually throughout this camp without any hesitation. I’m very proud of them and what they have achieved,” Miller said at the campers’ graduation ceremony during National Night Out on Aug. 1.

The camp provides two-way advantages, said Police Chief Jennifer Pooler.

“The camp not only benefits the youth but provides our police officers involved in the youth camp with opportunities to act as mentors and positive role models. By interacting with young people outside of enforcement situations, officers can showcase their human side, helping to dispel negative stereotypes and perceptions,” she said. “The camp also provides officers with opportunities for skill development in leadership, communication, and community engagement.”

Members of the Cape May Prosecutor’s Office and Cape May County Sheriff’s Department also participated in the camp.

Township employees played a big role as well. Accounts Clerk Betzy McClintock interacted with campers and attended events, and Director of Grants and Economic Development Nancy Sittineri coordinated the logistics for all the field trips and secured camp funding, as she has for the past five years.

Sittineri seeks grants to help cover the $30,000 annual operating cost of the Youth Camp. The state Juvenile Justice Commission contributed $8,000 this year, and the Impact Club of Cape May County, a philanthropic group, donated $10,000. The Township is “beyond appreciative” for the community donations that are needed to sustain the program, Sittineri said.

Individuals and businesses can contribute to next year’s camp by mailing a check made out to “Middle Township Police Youth Camp” to 33 Mechanic Street, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210 in care of Sgt. Ron Miller.

Pooler said the investment pays off for the whole community.

“By investing in the youth camp, our agency can work toward creating safer, more understanding communities with empowered and engaged youth.”

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Middle Tax Collector honored for saving resident’s home from wrongful foreclosure

Veteran employee Sandy Beasley is known for her expertise and helpful nature

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Middle Township’s Tax Collection Department occasionally receives thank-you notes from residents who appreciate the staff’s level of customer service.

One week before Christmas, Middle Township resident Rita Foss received notice that her home was going into foreclosure. Foss, who never missed a mortgage payment, was shocked and scared. She went to Town Hall looking for answers and was fortunate enough to find Tax Collector Sandy Beasley.

Beasley reviewed Foss’ paperwork and spotted an address error on a tax-service company document. The mistake had resulted in an erroneous lien that put Foss’ home in jeopardy. After multiple calls to Foss’ mortgage firm and the tax-service company it contracted with, Beasley finally slashed through the red tape. Her persistence paid off when the tax company agreed to investigate and confirmed the error. “It was a very scary time,” said Foss. “Sandy kept calling the company and then giving me updates. She helped ease my mind. I don’t know what I would have done without her. She went above and beyond to help me.”

Beasley might have viewed her efforts as just part of the job, but tax clerk Julianne Calverley knew it was worth acknowledging.

“I said, ‘Sandy, you saved this woman’s home. That’s a big deal!’” said Calverley, who nominated Beasley for Middle Employee of the Month honors. Beasley will be recognized at the Aug. 7 Township Committee meeting.

Beasley has worked for the Township for nearly 30 years and said troubleshooting tax issues is nothing new.

“We have wonderful people living in Middle Township, and my colleagues and I work together to resolve challenges and get to the bottom of problems,” said Beasley. “We will help everyone that comes in here.”

The three-person Tax Collection department takes pride in being able to explain bills to residents who call and stop in, Calverley said.

“If people don’t understand a change, we can break it down for them,” she said. “It’s nice to see the light bulb go on and you know they get it.”

Beasley’s helpful ways extend beyond residents, Calverley said.

“Other municipal tax collector will call Sandy for help with questions. She is the go-to person.”

The Tax Collection Department’s personalized service is an extension of Middle’s neighborly vibe, Calverley said.

“It’s a small town. Everyone kind of looks out for each other.”

Four Decades of Community Building: Middle Township Gears Up for Its Annual National Night Out

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National Night Out is a community engagement event that takes place on the first Tuesday in August throughout the entire country
Residents can explore fire, EMS and police vehicles at Middle Township’s 40th annual National Night Out event.

Cape May County residents are invited to connect as a community while participating in many exciting activities at Middle Township’s 40th annual National Night Out on Aug. 1.

Local youth and families will have the opportunity to explore fire, EMS and police vehicles as well as take part in the Cape May County Sheriff’s Department’s K-9 demonstrations at the event, which runs from 5 to 8 p.m. Members of the Mounted Horse Patrol will also be in attendance.

Participants can challenge friends to a game of laser tag, giant Jenga, Connect 4, and corn hole. Other activities include a Court House Fire Department fire simulator, inflatable sports game, glitter and airbrush temporary tattoos, and more. Police will set up an impaired driving obstacle course. Residents also can enjoy summer favorites such as hot dogs, cold drinks and frozen sweet treats.

The Middle Township Police Department Youth Summer Camp graduation will take place at 5 p.m., and Nolan Quinn will provide live music for dancing.

National Night Out is a nationwide event held on the first Tuesday of August with the goal of enhancing relationships between community members and their local law enforcement agencies. The community-building campaign began in 1984 with the first event involving 2.5 million neighbors across 400 communities in 23 states. The event will take place at the Davies Sports Complex, 626 Goshen Road in Cape May Court House. For more information, call (609) 465-8700, ext. 1915.

Middle Township  Final 2023/Preliminary 2024 Tax Bill will be mailed by the week of July 31, 2023 .

Due to the delay, the grace period for the 3rd quarter taxes ONLY has been extended until August 31, 2023. This extension does not affect the 4th quarter payment due November 1, 2023.

All payments received after August 31, 2023 will accrue interest to the statutory due date of August 1, 2023.

To check your account or to pay Property taxes online visit our website at opens in a new windowwww.middletownship.com and click the “View & Pay Property Taxes” button.