Middle Township Tackles Rio Grande Issues on Multiple Fronts
Middle Township tackles Rio Grande issues on multiple fronts
Initiatives address safety, quality of life and development as volunteers assist area homeless
Burlington opened in April at the Rio Grande Shopping Center, which is located in Rio Grande’s redevelopment zone.
The Middle Township Planning Board is exploring a potential expansion of the redevelopment area.
Middle Township is pursuing a layered strategy of legislative action, volunteer partnerships and redevelopment to handle persistent concerns in Rio Grande.
Increased crime, blighted properties and an uptick in homelessness are among the most urgent issues. Last year, the Township formed the Rio Grande Community Partnership so residents, business owners, social-service agencies and local government could collaborate on solutions. Middle is now taking additional steps to focus on the area’s needs.
“It’s a multifaceted problem that requires a multifaceted approach – enforcing the law, protecting people, and providing an economic development opportunity,” said Mayor Tim Donohue. “We need people to understand that these problems are complex and it’s taking a multifaceted approach to address them.”
Response to homelessness
Increased homelessness in the area has coincided with the January 2022 expiration of New Jersey’s COVID-era eviction moratorium. Recognizing that many of those living on the streets have substance abuse and mental health issues, the Middle Township Police Department is developing specific strategies for engagement.
Officers received training from the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office on how to effectively interact with a person having a mental health crisis. The police department also provides office space for Volunteers of America, whose members connect homeless people with social services that could change their situation.
At the same time, the Township is working to address safety concerns that have come with the spread of homelessness. Rio Grande has seen a rise in homeless encampments that contribute to fire risk and sanitation problems. Aggressive begging affects residents, visitors and business owners.
Middle is exploring how other municipalities have addressed encampments as it prepares to introduce its own ordinance. The Township needs more authority to deal with the situation, Donohue said.
“It’s a complicated situation and you have to strike a balance.”
Eyeing redevelopment
Middle Township is also exploring more options for redevelopment as part of its focus on Rio Grande.
Township Committee passed an April 17 resolution authorizing its Planning Board to study the expansion of the current Rio Grande redevelopment area.
The expanded zone under consideration would encompass the area near Menz Restaurant on Route 47 to beyond Route 9, nearly to the Garden State Parkway underpass; and from the Middle-Lower Township border to around the Walmart Supercenter on Route 9. The Planning Board will investigate whether the area meets the state’s requirements for a redevelopment zone and, if so, will hold a public hearing before the Township Committee’s final determination.
If the Committee designates the zone as a redevelopment area, the Township will have more latitude to incentivize developers.
Working with the county, Middle has leveraged the existing Rio Grande redevelopment zone to attract new business to areas including County Commons and the Rio Grande Shopping Center, where a Burlington store just opened in April.
The Township believes the creation of the extended redevelopment zone will enhance the partnership with the county and attract interest from the business development community.
“Township Committee looks forward to the review of this concept by the Planning Board,” Donohue said. “This designation for redevelopment, coupled with our discussion on an economic development partnership with Cape May County, offer us the best chance to enhance quality business opportunities in Rio Grande through public-private initiatives and incentives.”
Middle Township to Hold 19th Annual Drum Fish Tournament
It’s oh-fish-ial! Middle Township to hold 19th Annual Drum Fish Tournament
Participants are ‘reel’ excited for the friendly competition, held May 19-21
Roy Trainor (left), captain of ’Determined,’ won first place for the single heaviest fish in last year’s tournament. His boat also won the overall prize for the total combined weight of two fish. Craig Stocker (left in right photo) with daughter Sophie, and Chris Denham with daughter Cora, were members of the second-place team, on boat ’Little Yipps.’
Fishermen are preparing their tackle boxes for Middle Township’s 19th Annual Drum Fish Tournament. The friendly competition will be held from May 19-21 in the Delaware Bay.
“Everyone fishes around here, so it’s a good time for all the locals,” said Chris Denham, who has been participating in the event for eight years. “There’s a lot of good drum fishermen so it’s competitive, but it’s also fun and friendly.”
Last year, Denham was a member of the four-person team on Captain Craig Stocker’s boat, “Little Yipps.” The longtime friends caught two drum fish that had a total weight of 88.5 pounds, earning the team second place for the heaviest combined weight.
Roy Trainor, captain of “Determined,” won first place for the heaviest combined weight (99 pounds), and first place for the single heaviest fish (54.3 pounds). Weigh-ins can be close, as the prize for the second heaviest fish went to Bruce Schumann, captain of “Southern Star,” who caught a drum fish weighing 54.1 pounds.
Third place for the heaviest total combined weight went to Captain Donald Douglass and his boat “Pour Again” for catching two drums weighing a total of 69.5 pounds.
The drum fish event has become a popular tradition in the community, said Suzanne Schumann, Middle’s Deputy Business Administrator and a member of the tournament committee.
“This tournament draws a great crowd of people, many who are repeat competitors. Some have even been a part of the tournament since its initial year,” she said. “It is great to see all the families come together at the Captain’s Meeting and during weigh-ins, and it’s impressive to see all the boats lined up through the Delaware Bay every year.”
Fishermen can put their lines in the water beginning at noon on May 19, and can remain fishing until noon May 21 – when weigh-ins close. Boats are allowed six anglers plus one captain to a boat.
Participants can sign up at the Captain’s Meeting, held 6 p.m. on May 18 at Menz Restaurant, 985 Route 47, Rio Grande, or in advance by filling out the application. The registration is $225 and includes two tickets to the Captain’s Meeting dinner. Additional tickets to the dinner can be purchased for $25 each.
Drum fish are common in the Delaware Bay. The bottom-feeding fish gets its name from the drumming, croaking or throbbing sound it makes as its muscles vibrate against its swim bladder, according to the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife.
The state record for a single drum fish catch belongs to a fisherman who pulled up a 109-pounder in Delaware Bay in 2008.
For more information, contact Anne Becica at 609-465-8732. Application and rules are available at opens in a new windowDrum Fish Information
Middle Township Police Captain Promoted to Chief of Police
Middle Township Police Captain Promoted to Chief of Police
Police Captain Jennifer DeLanzo will assume role after longtime Chief Christopher Leusner retires
Captain Jennifer DeLanzo (second from right) will be the first female to serve as the Chief of Police for
Middle Township, taking the helm from retiring Chief Christopher Leusner (third from left).
Middle Township has appointed Police Captain Jennifer DeLanzo as its next Chief of Police, which will make her the first woman to lead the Middle Township Police Department.
In announcing the appointment, Middle officials cited DeLanzo’s “exceptional leadership skills, dedication to public service, and extensive experience in law enforcement.” She was selected following an interview process with current department captains.
DeLanzo, who has served in the Middle Township Police Department for 24 years, will take over from Chief of Police Christopher Leusner, who is retiring May 31 after 26 years with the department.
Leusner will work with DeLanzo over the next several weeks to ensure a smooth transition when she steps into her new role on June 1.
“I want to congratulate Captain Jennifer DeLanzo on being chosen to serve the residents of Middle Township as the next Chief of Police,” said Leusner. “Captain DeLanzo is a skilled police executive who has played a critical role in the success of the Middle Township Police Department. She understands the importance of engaging our residents and partners in the community to provide the very best police services. I have full confidence Jen will be an outstanding Chief of Police and the type of leader our officers, civilian staff and the residents of Middle Township deserve.”
DeLanzo has a strong background in community policing, which has long been a focus of the department that serves a Township of 20,000-plus residents across 72 square miles.
“I believe that a clear vision, emphasis on teamwork and gratitude are essential qualities of a successful Chief of Police. I am focused on the larger picture of creating a safer community for everyone,” DeLanzo stated in her resume.
After graduating from the Cape May County Police Academy in 2000, DeLanzo began working as a patrol officer for Middle’s police department. She has served as an instructor of anti-drug education programs, and has experience as a hostage negotiator and firearms instructor. In 2016, she was promoted to sergeant and, while serving in this position, graduated from the New Jersey Chiefs of Police Association Command and Leadership Program. DeLanzo was promoted to lieutenant in 2020 and became a captain in 2022.
DeLanzo spearheaded important community programs, such as organizing the Rachel’s Challenge presentation for Middle Township Middle School and Middle Township High School. The presentation focused on reducing bullying and creating a school environment where everyone is accepted. She also initiated a collaborative approach with community group CURE (Christians United for Recovery) to accelerate access to treatment for people with addiction.
“As Director of Public Safety, I’m proud to announce the promotion of Captain Jennifer DeLanzo to the position of Chief of Police,” said Mayor Tim Donohue. “Throughout her distinguished career, Captain DeLanzo has demonstrated the leadership skills, work ethic, courage, compassion, and integrity that personify the values of the Middle Township Police Department. As Chief Leusner retires, we move forward with full faith and confidence that the department will proudly remain one of the best in our state.”
Middle Township selects semifinalist for NJ League of Municipalities’ scholarship
Middle Township selects semifinalist for NJ League of Municipalities’ scholarship
Alexandra Leadley, a junior at Cape May County Technical High School, values community’s bond with police and local government
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Alexandra Leadley was selected as Middle Township’s semifinalist for the New Jersey League of Municipalities’ Louis Bay 2nd Future Municipal Leaders Scholarship Competition.
Alexandra Leadley values being a Middle Township resident for many reasons but especially treasures the relationship her community has with its police department. Her admiration of this bond is evident in the essay she wrote for the New Jersey League of Municipalities’
Louis Bay 2nd Future Municipal Leaders Scholarship Competition – earning her a place as a state semifinalist.
Alexandra, a junior at Cape May County Technical High School, will receive a semifinalist certificate. The Scholarship Committee of the New Jersey League of Municipalities (NJLM) will announce 15 finalists and three winners on May 5. The three winners will each receive a $1,000 scholarship, and their essays will be published in New Jersey Municipalities magazine.
“I’m elated to represent Middle Township for the NJ League of Municipalities scholarship,” Alexandra said. “I love where I live. In Middle, we really have it all. We are minutes from the beach, minutes from the amusements of the boardwalk, minutes from the Delaware Bay, minutes from a number of museums, and minutes from nature trails. During the summer, I meet interesting people from all over the world. I love living in Middle Township and sincerely hope to settle here after college.”
The theme of this year’s essay is “What My Municipal Government Does Best,” and Alexandra, a member of the Law Enforcement and Public Safety program at Cape Tech, wrote about her positive experiences with the police, including the L.E.A.D (Law Enforcement Against Drugs) program, Coffee with a Cop events, the Police Camp, Shop with a Cop and more. While many classmates talk about moving away after graduation, Alexandra hopes to attend a nearby college, such as Rowan University or Stockton University, and then start a career within the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office.
“I would like to congratulate Alexandra on being selected as a semifinalist for the New Jersey League of Municipalities’ Louis Bay 2nd Future Municipal Leaders Scholarship Competition,” said Police Chief Chris Leusner. “We place a strong emphasis on police youth engagement at the Middle Township Police Department and hope our efforts impact our kids in a positive way. We are thrilled to hear Alexandra enjoyed interacting with our officers through our various initiatives over the years and humbled to learn we had an impact. We can’t wait to see what she accomplishes in the future and wish her the best.”
The New Jersey State League of Municipalities is a voluntary association created to help communities do a better job of self-government through pooling information resources and brainpower. The League is authorized by state statute and since 1915, has been serving local officials throughout the Garden State. All of New Jersey’s 564 municipalities are members of the League. For more information, visit www.njlm.org.
