News Archive

Notice of Great Channel Bridge closure and detour of Ocean Drive (CR 619)

Due to complications resulting from unfavorable weather conditions during this past week, between 3/6/23 thru 3/10/23, the Ocean Drive Bridge over Great Channel, which connects Middle Township to the south end of Stone Harbor, will be closed due to construction. During active construction hours, typically from 7:00am until 3:30 pm, those motorists wishing to use Ocean Drive (Cr 619) and cross over the bridge will be detoured around the work zone, as this section of Ocean Drive will be closed to through traffic. The bridge and roadway are being closed in order to allow barge mounted cranes the ability to drive new piling that are part of a planned fender replacement project. The bridge will be re-opened at night.

Motorist wishing to travel north on Ocean Drive and access the south end of Stone Harbor will be detoured west onto US Route 147 to the Route 9 intersection.  They will then be directed north along Route 9 to Stone Harbor Boulevard (CR 657) where they will be directed east along Stone Harbor Boulevard back to Third Avenue (CR 619).

Motorists traveling south on Third Avenue (CR 619) and wishing to continue heading south to US Route 147 will be directed west at the 96^th Street intersection onto Stone Harbor Boulevard (CR 657). Motorist will travel west on Stone Harbor Boulevard to the Route 9 intersection.  Motorists will then be directed south on Route 9 to the intersection of Indian Trail Road (CR 618) where they will be directed east onto US Route 147.

Local Traffic will be permitted approaching the Great Channel Bridge, however, no traffic will be permitted to cross the bridge during the periods of active construction.  The detour will end on or about March 10^th .

Middle Township police chief announces retirement

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Christopher Leusner prepares to step down in May after 26 years with the department

Middle Township Police Chief Christopher Leusner, who created a model for community policing and shaped policy at the local, county and state level, will retire after 26 years
with the department – half of them in the top role.

Leusner will step down on May 31. In his retirement letter of March 2, he expressed pride in the members of the Middle Township Police Department.

“I always say they don’t work for me, I work for them,” Leusner said.

The chief’s reputation for innovative and steady leadership earned him a number of prestigious positions with law enforcement groups. Leusner was president of the New Jersey State Association of
Chiefs of Police from June 2019 to June 2020, and is a past state president of the FBI National Academy Associates New Jersey Chapter and past president of the Cape May County Chiefs of Police Association.

“As an elected official, I consider myself blessed to have served the past 12 years side by side with Chris Leusner,” said Mayor Tim Donohue. “Chief Leusner has been a truly transformative figure in law enforcement, pioneering programs and strategies that defined progressive, positive community policing.  Chris will be missed, but he leaves behind a department embedded with a strong command structure and a well-established tradition of excellence. On behalf of Township Committee and the good people we represent, we thank Chris for his service and wish him a long, happy and healthy retirement.”

Leusner’s legacy will include a stronger network of support for Middle residents. Through an initiative with Volunteers of America, two social service navigators will be embedded in the police department to refer community members in need to the appropriate agencies.

The chief consistently emphasized the connection between mental health and public safety, and is one of six original members of the Cape Regional Wellness Alliance, a small coalition of community leaders founded in 2016 to help children affected by trauma.

Leusner introduced the “Handle With Care” partnership with local schools to alert the district to students who might need extra support after witnessing or experiencing a traumatic incident. That
program is now statewide.

Engaging young people was a priority for Leusner, who touts the success of community programs such as the police youth camp.

“These types of contacts create relationships with trusted adults they can talk to,” Leusner said.

The chief also said his role in ensuring reliable radio signals for police was one of his proudest accomplishments.

“Solving the continuing issues with the radio was so important so police could communicate for safety,” said Leusner, who worked with Donohue on the project in 2015.

As Leusner explores his next chapter, Middle Township will begin the interview process for a new chief, who will be selected from current department captains.

Leusner expressed confidence in the future of the force, and appreciation for the support of the community.

“Because of the work our officers have done and continue to do, we’re able to accomplish more and adapt to a challenging environment,” he said.

FINAL State-of-Township-Presentation 2023 pdf

Notice of Great Channel Bridge closure and detour of Ocean Drive (CR 619)

Beginning on Monday, February 27^th  and extending until Friday March 3^rd,  the Ocean Drive Bridge over Great Channel, which connects Middle Township to the south end of Stone Harbor, will be closed due to construction. During active construction hours, typically from 7:00am until 3:30 pm, those motorists wishing  to use Ocean Drive (Cr 619) and cross over the bridge will be detoured around the work zone, as this section of Ocean Drive will be closed to through traffic. The bridge and roadway are being closed in order to allow barge mounted cranes the ability to drive new piling that are part of a planned fender replacement project. The bridge will be re-opened at night.

Motorist wishing to travel north on Ocean Drive and access the south end of Stone Harbor will be detoured west onto US Route 147  to the Route 9 intersection.  They will then be directed north along Route 9 to Stone Harbor Boulevard (CR 657) where they  will be directed east along Stone Harbor Boulevard back to Third Avenue (CR 619).

Motorists traveling south on Third Avenue (CR 619) and wishing to continue heading south to US Route 147 will be directed west at the 96^th Street intersection onto Stone Harbor Boulevard (CR 657). Motorist will travel west on Stone Harbor Boulevard to the Route 9 intersection.  Motorists will then be directed south on Route 9 to the intersection of Indian Trail Road (CR 618) where they will be directed east onto US Route 147.

Local Traffic will be permitted approaching the Great Channel Bridge, however, no traffic will be permitted to cross the bridge during the periods of active construction.  The detour will end on or about March 3^rd.

Township Offices are currently experience technical issues with the phone system.   Verizon has been working on the issue and hope to have this resolved soon.  We will post once the phone system has been fixed.

You may contact Departments via email (click the Directory button):

Thank you for your patience

NOTICE OF DETOUR- DIAS CREEK ROAD (CR 612) RESURFACING PROJECT

The planned drainage improvements along Dias Creek Road (CR 612) are continuing with the phase 2 drainage improvements commencing on Wednesday, February 15, 2023.  The phase 2 work will include the portion of Dias Creek Road from Galloping Way west to Springers Mill Road (CR 643).  Due to the limited available paving width, the drainage operation will result in the closure of thru traffic along the entire length of Dias Creek Road.

Over the next three weeks, thru traffic wishing to head west on Dias Creek Road toward U.S. Route 47 will be detoured onto Hand Avenue (CR 658) where they will continue to head west to U.S. Route 47.  Southbound and northbound U.S. Route 47 traffic wishing to access Dias Creek Road heading east either from Springers Mill Road or accessing Dias Creek Road directly will be detoured onto Hand Avenue and head east toward the intersection of Dias Creek Road and Mechanic Street.  From that location they will be able to continue heading east on Hand Avenue toward U.S. Route 9 or north onto Dias Creek Road toward Mechanic Street (Cr 615).

Dias Creek Road will remain open to local traffic only during this drainage operation.  All residents will have access to their homes at all times.  School buses, emergency vehicles, and trash trucks will be able to enter the work zone. All motorist entering the work zone should proceed with caution and should expect delays. The detour is expected to last for about 3 weeks.

Middle Township Senior Center receives $25,000 donation

Funds will be used for a drop-down movie screen, seating, and other needs

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Middle Township residents recently enjoyed a pizza and painting event at the Samuel S. De Vico Senior Center.
Seniors will soon have a theater experience at the center through a generous donation that will fund a drop-down screen and seating.

Middle Township can soon roll out the red carpet for seniors, thanks to a generous $25,000 donation that will fund a drop-down screen, auditorium seating, and other items for the senior center.

The donation is from Cascade Corp., a nonprofit, private foundation that is part of Del Mar Healthcare, Inc., based in Del Mar, Calif. The healthcare foundation supports nonprofits that assist the elderly with housing, health, and financial needs.

Businessman and philanthropist Don Ambrose, the founder and president of Del Mar Healthcare, Inc., previously owned two nursing homes in Cape May Court House until the buildings were sold in 2014.

Ambrose reached out to Director Marilyn Miller to ask how he could help the Samuel S. De Vico Senior Center. Miller mentioned that residents had been wanting a drop-down screen to watch movies at the center. The screen is estimated to cost $10,000, and Ambrose donated an additional $15,000 that will be applied to other senior center needs.

“One of our goals is for older adults to thrive and live their best lives,” said Ambrose. “We see the senior center helping many achieve this, and we hope the donation enables the center to continue enriching the residents’ lives.”

Miller is moving forward with plans for the movie screen and said it should be installed by the spring. She said the drop-down screen’s multiple uses will encourage participation by making it easier for seniors to see and hear information.

“This is wonderful, I’ve been hoping to get this done for a while,” said Miller. “The drop-down screen will be instrumental in helping senior citizens with visual and audio needs. They can watch movies, but it also can be used when they play bingo or have guest speakers.”

Miller said the senior center provides many opportunities for members of the community.

“It is important for senior citizens to get out of the house and socialize,” said Miller. “The senior center has activities that are good for the mind, body, and soul. We offer meditation and yoga classes, line dancing, Zumba, bingo and much more. There is something for everybody.”

Middle Township appoints new Municipal Court Administrator

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Stacy-Ann McPherson (second from left) was sworn in as Middle Township’s Municipal Court Administrator at the
Township Committee meeting on Feb. 6. McPherson began working with the township in 2014 as a records clerk for the police Department.

Stacy-Ann McPherson was appointed as the Municipal Court Administrator for Middle Township at the Feb. 6 Committee meeting. Previously the Deputy Court Administrator, McPherson replaces Deborah Becker, who retired after a 25-year career with the Township.

McPherson began working with the township in 2014 as a records clerk for the Police Department. She went on to work for the Municipal Court and became the Deputy Court Administrator in 2019. She received her Municipal Court Administrator certification in 2020 and has an associate’s degree in criminal justice.

As the Municipal Court Administrator, McPherson ensures the court runs smoothly by preparing dockets, answering community members’ questions, and assisting the staff. Her favorite part of the job is being able to ease citizens’ concerns about the court process.

“Most people come to court filled with worry or anxiety about the process,” said McPherson. “I enjoy talking to them about what to expect and helping them relax. In general, there is a stigma about going to court, so I try to prepare people and make them more comfortable with the experience. I let them know it really is like a normal day, they just talk to a few more people.”

McPherson moved to Middle Township in 2001 and feels honored to work with her community.

“Middle Township is home,” she said. “I love working with the Township. My coworkers are wonderful and there are so many opportunities for career growth.”

For more information about Middle Township and the courts, visit opens in a new windowmiddletownship.com.