News

ARMY CORPS PLANS TO UPLIFT MARSH IN MIDDLE TOWNSHIP

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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has announced a plan to repurpose dredge sediments from the Intracoastal Waterway to fortify and uplift low marsh areas at Scotch Bonnet Island (next to the Wetlands Institute). The project is a collaboration between the Institute’s scientists, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, NJ DEP, and several universities. Researchers are monitoring these marshes and designing innovative strategies to reduce the impact of sea level rise and maintain the health and vibrancy of the salt marsh.

“We welcome this good news for the future of our vital salt marshes,” Middle Township Mayor Chris Leusner said. “One need only look at a map of our town to realize that nearly a third of our seventy-two square miles is encompassed by this critical ecosystem.  The salty smell of the wetlands means home to us.”

According to the Wetlands Institute’s website, tidal marshes flourish on the brink – normal daily flooding brings life, but repetitive deep flooding systematically damages them. When the sea level rises faster than the marsh surface can build, marshes fail, degrading into mudflats or open water.

“This marsh has fallen below the suitable ranges for low marsh,” said Steven Rochette, Public Affairs Officer for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Philadelphia District, in an email to Township officials. “The project builds on other similar successful projects that we’ve constructed as part of our ongoing Seven Mile Island Innovation Lab.”

In the fall, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will move forward to dredge a portion of the New Jersey Intracoastal Waterway behind Seven Mile Island.  These dredged sediments will be utilized to uplift the salt marsh by spraying a thin layer of sediment in low-lying areas.  Work is expected to begin in early October.

Middle Township Appoints Tracey Super as Next Police Chief

Current Chief Jennifer Pooler to Retire July 1^st

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Middle Township Committee voted unanimously to promote Captain Tracey Super to the position of Police Chief, effective July 1^st, 2024.  Current Chief Jennifer Pooler will retire effective the same date.

Captain Super joined the MTPD as a police officer in 2006.  He was promoted to Detective in 2012 and moved to Sergeant in 2016.  Super joined the leadership team of Chief Leusner as a Lieutenant in 2021, overseeing the Major Crimes and Street Crimes Units. Super also served as the MTPD Accreditation Manager, implementing the department’s re-accreditation by the New Jersey Law Enforcement Commission.

In June 2023, Super was promoted to Administrative Captain, responsible for administrative oversight of the MTPD under the leadership of Chief Pooler.

“As I look to retirement, I have full confidence that Captain Super will fill the role of Police Chief with distinction,” Chief Pooler said. “Tracey and I have worked side by side for nearly two decades, along with former Chief Chris Leusner. Our shared commitment to excellence and to protect and serve our hometown will carry on under Tracey’s leadership with the support of our excellent command staff.”

Captain Super holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from Stockton University.  He completed the NJ State Chiefs of Police Association Command and Leadership Program in 2018 and graduated from the F.B.I. National Academy (Session 228) in December 2023.

Mayor Chris Leusner retired as Police Chief on June 1, 2023.  Leusner now serves as Director of Public Safety.  The Mayor emphasized that while the MTPD has seen major changes in its command structure, the department’s mission and focus is unwavering.

“For many years, with the support of Township Committee, we have worked hard to be forward-thinking in our strategic planning for the MTPD,” Leusner said.  “A key component of that planning is our commitment to recognizing strong leaders and providing the tools and training for those officers to meet their full potential. The names may change but the quality and dedication of our leadership team does not. I congratulate my good friend, Tracey Super on his promotion to Chief and look forward to partnering with Tracey to continue the good work of the MTPD.”

Birdhouse project

MIDDLE AWARDED STATE GRANT FOR POLICE YOUTH CAMP

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On May 6^th, the Middle Township Police Department accepted a New Jersey Department of Law and Safety Grant for $9,161 to help support the MTPD Summer Youth Camp. 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 Township students.

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. The experience is designed to develop communication, empathy, generosity, leadership skills and, of course, teamwork.

The grant was awarded through the Juvenile Justice Commission 2024 Summer Expansion Programming. The purpose of this initiative is to provide positive youth development activities to young people. When schools are closed, our youth need opportunities to grow, learn, and have fun. This grant funding is specifically designed for current community-based program providers to expand existing programming in the summer months.

“We are excited to announce this important contribution to the annual funding for our Police Youth Camp,” Mayor Chris Leusner said. “The camp would not be possible without the generous support of our many local sponsors. This additional funding will facilitate our effort to ensure that as many of our kids as possible have the opportunity to participate in 2024.”

If you would like to contribute to the Middle Township Police Youth Camp, please contact Sgt. David Hagan 609.465.8700 ext. 1730

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Bureau of Fire Prevention Landlord Registration/Inspection