|
Calendar is subject to
change. Events are current
at the time of posting; please visit their corresponding websites for
the most up-to-date information, changes or cancellations.
Community Blood Drive ~ January 25,
2022
Women's Civic Club, 95th and Beach, Stone Harbor; 12PM to 5PM. More
information:
Community Blood Drive
Semi-Super Bash XVIII ~ February 13, 2022
Is the Super Bowl on? Yes! Is the Super Bash on? Maybe! Does Friend in
Need still need your support? Yes!!! Stay tuned for updates. If you can
support their organization which provides assistance to neighbors,
coworkers, families, and friends. Their goal is to relieve some of the
burdens of the recent times for as many families as they can throughout
the year.
Semi-Super Bash XVIII
Cape May County Zoo
The zoo is open daily from 10am to 3:30pm (check their site for
updates/closings).
Cape May County Zoo
The Wetlands Institute
See what else is happening at The Wetlands Institute. Check out their
events calendar and join in for an adventure in exploration and
discovery!
The Wetlands Institute |
Terrapin Station - Interactive!
Avalon History Center Online Collection & Virtual Exhibits
The Avalon History Center is excited to announce their recent
partnership with Google's Arts & Culture program! Visit the link below
to explore their new online collection and virtual exhibits:
Google Arts & Culture - Avalon History Center
Virtual Library Programs
Have you caught an Online Story Time or registered for a Book Club yet?
The Avalon Free Public Library is currently offering free virtual
programs. Registration is required; some sessions may be limited.
Avalon Free Public Library
Additional Library Resources
Don't forget that many public libraries offer a variety of resources to
allow you access to ebooks, audiobooks, movies, TV shows, newspapers and
more, all available online 24/7 and completely free. Check out Avalon's
offerings below, or visit your local library's website for more
information!
Avalon Free Public Library
Recreation Information:
Avalon |
Stone
Harbor
Borough/Town Websites:
Avalon
| Stone Harbor
Chambers of Commerce:
Avalon |
Stone Harbor
Storm Brings More Than A Foot Of Snow In Parts
Of South Jersey
As the first measurable snow moved through the region in
almost a year, areas of South Jersey were hit with more
than a foot by early Monday evening, with temperatures
dropping to the teens overnight. Absecon in Atlantic
County recorded 13 inches, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy
said at a late afternoon briefing Monday. Murphy called
it a "very, very substantial snowstorm" for parts of
South Jersey, especially for areas close to the Shore.
Cape May County recorded snowfall from 2 inches inland
to 14 inches in Ocean City.
Storm Brings More Than A Foot Of Snow In Parts Of South
Jersey |
Snowfall Data
Fireworks Ring In New Year Where It's Cooler By
A Mile!
Pyrotecnico were on the beach for a ten minute,
spectacular fireworks show New Year's Eve. Check out
this video from Avalon Business Administrator Scott
Wahl.
Fireworks Ring In New Year Where It's Cooler By A Mile!
NBC10 Visits Avalon,
Other Communities To See Beach Holiday Trees
Avalon thanked NBC10's Ted Greenberg for visiting their
community, and others, for a story on holiday trees
located on local beaches in Cape May County. This effort
started last year as a way for individuals to appreciate
the spirit of the holiday season during the pandemic.
You can visit Avalon's tree on the 30th Street beach.
NBC10 Visits Avalon, Other Communities To See Beach
Holiday Trees
Borough of Avalon's
Draft Municipal Floodplain Management Report for 2021
The draft copy of the Borough of Avalon Floodplain
Management Report for 2021 was discussed at a recent
Avalon Borough Council meeting. A team of volunteers and
appointed Borough officials have assembled this document
for resiliency purposes in Avalon.
Borough of Avalon's Draft Municipal Floodplain
Management Report for 2021
Disney Conservation
Fund Helps The Wetlands Institute Support Diamondback
Terrapins
The Wetlands Institute has once again been awarded a
grant by the Disney Conservation Fund (DCF) for its work
to protect Northern Diamondback Terrapin populations in
southern New Jersey. The Disney Conservation Fund is
proud to continue providing critical support to
community-led projects creating a healthier home for
people and wildlife. Since 1995, the DCF has been
supporting efforts in diverse communities around the
world aimed at saving wildlife, inspiring action, and
protecting the planet, and has distributed more than
$120 million to nonprofit organizations.
Disney Conservation Fund Helps The Wetlands Institute
Support Diamondback Terrapins
Avalon Environmental Commission
Recognized With Environmental Achievement Award
The Borough of Avalon received the 2021 ANJEC
Environmental Achievement Award for two lecture series
initiated by the Avalon Environmental Commission during
the summer. The award was presented during the 48th
Annual Association of New Jersey Environmental
Commissions Congress held virtually on Friday, October
22nd. Avalon received the award for the creation of the
"Pollinator Garden and "Beachside Science Park Lecture
Series" that was held this summer at Surfside Park, and
at Avalon's pollinator habitat on Ocean Drive.
Avalon Environmental Commission Recognized With
Environmental Achievement Award
Avalon Dune Grass Planting
Dozens of volunteers planted dune grass on our island
last weekend. Thank you for your efforts! The event was
sponsored by the Avalon Environmental Commission, the
Avalon Department of Public Works, and the Avalon
Department of Recreation. Check out some pictures here:
Avalon Dune Grass Planting
Cape May-Lewes Ferry Returns To
Operation After Extensive Upgrade
After nearly a year, and more than $20 million, one of
the three Cape May-Lewes ferryboats returned to the
Delaware Bay with new engines on Monday. The project
replaced the MV New Jersey's World War II-era
Fairbanks-Morse engines. The new engines will be more
reliable and require less maintenance, according to a
news release from the Delaware River and Bay Authority,
which operates the Cape May-Lewes Ferry. But the biggest
difference will be the reduced emissions, according to
DRBA officials. The new Electro-Motive Diesel engines
will reduce emissions by 40%. The New Jersey is one of
three vessels in the ferry fleet that makes scheduled
runs across the bay all year, carrying about a million
passengers across annually.
Cape May-Lewes Ferry Returns To Operation After
Extensive Upgrade
Notice of Night Closure for 96th
Street Bridge
The 96th Street Bridge along Stone Harbor Boulevard
leading into the Borough of Stone Harbor will be
undergoing structural repairs to the bascule span
(movable span) during nighttime hours Monday thru
Thursdays beginning on September 20th and extending
until September 30th. Traffic will not be able to pass
over the bridge between the hours of 8:00pm to 6:00am
during those nights. There will be no closures Fridays
thru Sundays during that period. The contractor will be
fortifying beam 3 as part of ongoing emergency repair
work to address small cracks that were discovered as
part of a recent interim bridge inspection procedure.
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 the
morning of the night closures.
Night Closure for 96th Street Bridge
Details of Ocean Drive Water /
Sewer / Resurfacing Project, 62nd-80th Streets
A pre-construction meeting was held on Friday, September
17th, 2021 regarding an upcoming project that will
impact a portion of Ocean Drive from 62nd Street south
to 80th Street. This street is a county road. The
Borough of Avalon will replace a majority of water and
sewer underneath the roadway in advance of the County of
Cape May doing drainage improvements before a complete
resurfacing of the roadway. The Borough's water and
sewer work will be conducted by Lafayette Utility
Construction Company, Inc. of Egg Harbor Township who is
familiar with the infrastructure in our community. At
the conclusion of this project, individuals living along
that portion of Ocean Drive will have new water and
sewer service, improved drainage, and a new road surface
on both sides of Ocean Drive. The project is expected to
begin with major construction work on or about after
Columbus Day weekend, in mid-October.
Details of Ocean Drive Water / Sewer / Resurfacing
Project, 62nd-80th Streets
Avalon Welcomes New Deputy
Municipal Clerk, Deputy Court Administrator
The Borough of Avalon welcomed two new members to the
Avalon government family on Monday, September 20th.
Amber Oliver joins the Borough as Deputy Court
Administrator, and Melissa Bakley is welcomed as Deputy
Municipal Clerk.
Avalon Welcomes New Deputy Municipal Clerk, Deputy Court
Administrator
Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary to
Close Temporarily for Wetland Restoration Project
The Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary will be closed to the
public on, or about, September 20, 2021 for 5 days while
wetland restoration experts contracted by the Borough
begin work managing invasive vegetation in the wetlands
and transition areas of the sanctuary. Vegetation
management will involve the application of the herbicide
Habitat®. This application will enable the restoration
of native vegetation and wildlife habitat that have been
crowded out by non-native, invasive plants, namely
common reed (Phragmites australis) and purple
loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria). It is anticipated that
there may be some hand cutting and removal following
treatment.
Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary to Close Temporarily for
Wetland Restoration Project
Beach Vehicle Permit Application
Available; Validation Date Changed to September 20th
Beach Vehicle Permits are now available. The
downloadable application can be found under Borough
Forms on their website. Please note validation date has
been changed to September 20th, 2021, due to DEP
regulations.
Beach Vehicle Permit Application Available; Validation
Date Changed to September 20th
Post Labor Day Rules and
Regulations Regarding Dogs on the Beach
Reminder, now that it is after Labor Day, dogs, under
leash, are permitted on the beach at any time. This
activity is allowed through the Thursday before Memorial
Day. This does not include Stone Harbor Point. Please
note that dogs are never allowed at the Stone Harbor
Point Conservation Area.
Post Labor Day Rules and Regulations Regarding Dogs on
the Beach
Winter Trash/Recycle Collection
Schedules
Stone Harbor Department of Public Works will be
switching over to the winter trash schedule starting the
week of September 19th, 2021. The additional trucks for
trash drop-off at the marina will also conclude on
Saturday, September 18th. Please note that they do not
check every house at this time of year. Please contact
them at 609-368-7311 for trash pick-up if you are here
for a weekend or an off-season visit.
Stone Harbor Winter Trash/Recycle Collection
Avalon Department of Public Works switched over to the
winter trash schedule the week of September 13th.
Avalon Winter Trash/Recycle Collection
Avalon Fire Department, County
Emergency Management Secure FEMA Grant
Avalon Volunteer Fire Department has been awarded
$571,428 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) for the purchase of 120 dual-band radios, Chief
Ed Dean announced today. The money comes from FEMA’s
Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program -- an
extremely competitive national funding opportunity that
provides grants to fire departments for "critically
needed resources to equip and train emergency personnel
to recognized standards, enhance operations
efficiencies, foster interoperability, and support
community resilience." The grant awarded to AVFD will be
supplemented by a required 5% local match of $28,571, to
be shared equally among the 12 participating
departments, under the terms of a Memorandum of
Understanding signed by all parties. The radios are
expected to be purchased, programmed and in use by early
2022.
Avalon Fire Department, County Emergency Management
Secure FEMA Grant
County Tourism
Half-Year Occupancy Tax Collection Indicates Strong
Pandemic Recovery
Occupancy Tax data released by the New Jersey Treasury
through June 2021 is showing that Cape May County is
well on the way to recover from the losses in tourism
expenditures experienced in 2020. The first half of
2021, the collection rate is 25.8% over what was
collected during the first 6 months of 2019. To date,
Cape May County has generated $4,685,643.65 in Occupancy
taxes or $1.39 million over the first half of 2019. The
average overnight visitor to the County spends $374 per
person, per day. Overnight spending is spread across the
sectors that include Lodging, Food and Beverage, Retail,
Recreation and Transportation.
County Tourism Half-Year Occupancy Tax Collection
Indicates Strong Pandemic Recovery
Update On Beach Patrol Coverage In
Avalon Past Labor Day Monday
Avalon thanks all of our wonderful friends and visitors
who spent time on our beaches this summer. We hope you
made family memories that last a lifetime! The Avalon
Beach Patrol wants you to be aware of the following:
there will be no lifeguards on duty on any beaches in
Avalon through Friday, September 10th, a special
response team will be manned between the hours of
10am-9pm; there will be very limited protected bathing
beaches over the weekend, Saturday-Sunday, September
11-12th with guarded beaches to be announced later in
the week.
Update On Beach Patrol Coverage In Avalon Past Labor Day
Monday
9/11 Remembrance Ceremonies
Stone Harbor: Join in honoring the
nation’s first responders for the 20th Anniversary of
9/11 with a 5K run ($30) and 1-Mile Walk ($20). The
Stone Harbor Volunteer Fire Department will conduct a
ceremony following the run and awards.
Avalon: Guest speakers at the ceremony
will include former U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo, who was in
Washington at the time of the attack on the Pentagon,
Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi, and Avalon Rescue Squad
Coordinator Kevin Scarpa, who was among the volunteers
who mobilized to northern New Jersey to assist with
rescue efforts.
Cape May County: Memorial Ceremony
marking the 20th Anniversary of September 11. William E.
Sturm Administration Building, 4 Moore Road - Crest
Haven Complex.
More Info:
Stone Harbor | Avalon
| County
Seven Mile Island Innovation Lab
Want to learn more about the Seven Mile Island
Innovation Lab and the work between project partners The
Wetlands Institute, Philadelphia District U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army Engineer Research and
Development Center (ERDC), and New Jersey Department of
Environmental Protection? Check out these two new videos
from ERDC: Beneficial Use of Dredged Sediment, and
Restoration of Bird Habitats.
The Wetlands Institute
Mayor's Presentation
at AHLOA's Annual Meeting
About 200 members and the AHLOA board were in attendance
for this year's annual meeting. Mayor Martin Pagliughi
and Chief of Police Jeff Christopher delivered formal
remarks and answered questions submitted by those in
attendance. The Mayor’s presentation is available in PDF
form on the Association's website:
Mayor's Presentation at AHLOA's Annual Meeting
Tim Kerr Charities With Three Events Labor Day
Weekend
Avalon wants to thank Tim Kerr Charities for their
special events that benefit very worthwhile
organizations. Did you know that their charitable
efforts have raised nearly a quarter million dollars to
benefit our communities? This weekend starts Saturday,
September 4th, at 6:30pm with the Splash and Dash. On
Sunday, July 5th, it’s the 7 Mile Island Run and the 5K
run/walk. Please view the route maps for Sunday and be
aware there will be runners and walkers on our streets
starting at 8:30am.
Tim Kerr Charities With Three Events
Avalon To Host 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
Avalon will host a September 11th Remembrance Ceremony
on Saturday, September 11th, at 9:00am at Avalon's
September 11th Memorial located at 21st Street and Dune
Drive, at Veterans Plaza. The ceremony will be held on
the 20th anniversary of the attack on the United States
in New York City, Washington DC, and Pennsylvania that
claimed the lives of 2,977 people.
Avalon 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
Stone Harbor 9/11 Memorial 5K Run, 1-Mile Walk,
and Memorial Ceremony
The Borough of Stone Harbor is calling upon it's
citizens to come together and commemorate the 20th
anniversary of the attacks on 9/11 with a 5K Run and 1
Mile Walk. They will salute those who gave the ultimate
sacrifice and run with their memories in our hearts. The
race will start at First Ave and 96th, just a block away
from Freedom Park, where a piece of the wreckage stands
as an everlasting tribute. There will be a Memorial
Ceremony at that location after the race (approx.
10:30).
Stone Harbor 9/11 5K Run, 1-Mile Walk
Know It Before You Throw It
Don't take a vacation from recycling! Download the
CMCMUA Waste Wizard App so you know it, before you throw
it. Recycling is easy! The Cape May County Municipal
Utilities Authority has a short video explaining their
app to help you decide what should and should not go
into the recycling bin. Remember to Remove, Rinse &
Recycle!
CMCMUA Waste Wizard App
Important
Information on Flood Insurance Requirements, Premiums,
Savings
On Saturday, August 21st, Avalon hosted a meeting
sponsored by the New Jersey Coastal Coalition to discuss
the value and benefits of flood insurance. Avalon thanks
Tom Heist and Tyler Hardon for making presentations on
how to evaluate your flood insurance premium, the future
of flood insurance, and how to read your elevation
certificates. The meeting was attended by Mayor Martin
Pagliughi, Council President Barbara Juzaitis, and
Council Vice President Sam Wierman. Two presentations
were delivered with ample information for Avalon
property owners:
Important Information on Flood Insurance Requirements,
Premiums, Savings
Avalon Rescue Squad Welcomes
JeffSTAT 4 Chopper to Avalon August 30th
The Borough of Avalon will host the JeffSTAT 4
helicopter on Monday, August 30th, at 5:00pm. The
helicopter is used for the emergency transport of
critically ill or injured patients and will land at the
Avalon Elementary School field located on the
southeastern corner of 30th Street and Ocean Drive in
Avalon. The helicopter will be available for the public
to tour, and to ask questions of the medical team and
pilot. The helicopter is making the visit to Avalon at
the request of the Avalon Rescue Squad. The JeffSTAT
flight program consists of four helicopters, two located
in New Jersey and two located in Pennsylvania. Each
helicopter completes over 400 medevac missions a year in
the mid-Atlantic region.
Avalon Rescue Squad Welcomes JeffSTAT 4 Chopper to
Avalon August 30th
CMCMUA Household Hazardous Waste
Collection and Community Shredding Day
Up to 20 gallons of liquid waste and 150 pounds of dry
hazardous waste will be accepted per vehicle. Waste will
be accepted only from Cape May County households.
Customers must bring their Household Hazardous Waste to
the CMCMUA, disposal of small quantities are free of
charge. To ensure that everyone can take advantage of
the Community Shredding event, residents and businesses
are asked to bring up to 6 kitchen size trash bags or 6
boxes (copier paper box or banker size).
CMCMUA Household Hazardous Waste Collection and
Community Shredding Day
Did You Know?
If you were curious as to the daily surf conditions in
Avalon, help is available from the Avalon Beach Patrol!
This summer, the Beach Patrol has developed a QR code
that is attached to lifeguard stands. Simply use your
smart phone's QR code reader, pass it over the code, and
get the daily update! It's that easy! Over 2,000 beach
goers have used this code this summer, now you can be
the next to do so! View the QR Code here:
Avalon Beach Patrol Has QR Code For Updated Surf
Conditions
Jump Into Wetlands Institute's
NEHST!
Registration for the Nature Education for Homeschool
Students and Teacher (NEHST) is now open! From
September-May, the NEHST program offers lessons that
include classroom instruction, outdoor activities,
scientific experiments and exploration, and related
at-home extension activities that can be completed and
explored together by the whole family. They use hands-on
methods to reinforce students’ abilities in not only
science, but also math, language arts, and social
studies. The autumn semester begins on September 16, so
don't delay - start planning something new and exciting
for your homeschool students today!
The Wetlands Institute
NBC10 Visits Avalon To
Report On Lifeguard Coverage At The Jersey Shore
NBC10's Ted Greenberg visited Avalon recently for a
story on how beach towns staff the beaches with adequate
lifeguard protection through the month of August.
Featured in the story is Avalon Beach Patrol Chief Matt
Wolf. With very hot weather in the forecast, please
always remember to swim in the presence of a lifeguard!
NBC10 Visits Avalon To Report On Lifeguard Coverage At
The Jersey Shore
Avalon Beach Patrol Announces Late Summer
Lifeguard Coverage
The Avalon Beach Patrol has announced the following
coverage schedule for the late summer season: all
beaches that have been advertised to be staffed with
lifeguards will have at least one guard on duty through
Labor Day, Monday, September 6th; there will be no
lifeguards assigned to beaches from September 7-10th,
and from September 13-17th due to traditional late
season staffing shortages, however, a response team will
be manned during those dates from 9:30am-9:00pm in the
event of an emergency; there will be a few beaches that
will be guarded September 11-12th, and from September
18-19th; and a response team will continue to operate in
Avalon every day through September 12th. Please be
advised to always swim in in the presence of a lifeguard
and follow all instructions provided by the Beach
Patrol.
Avalon Beach Patrol Announces Late Summer Lifeguard
Coverage
South Jersey Gas to Conduct Additional Paving
After September 13th
South Jersey Gas has informed the Borough of Avalon that
it will begin paving operations through the community
starting no later than Thursday, September 30th. This is
to repair streets that were compromised by recent work
by the utility mandated by the New Jersey Board of
Public Utilities. Streets that will receive some paving
operations include, but are not limited to: 7th Street;
Dune Drive between 65th and 66th Street; 17th Street
between First Avenue and Dune Drive; and 48th Street,
between Ocean Drive and Dune Drive.
South Jersey Gas - Additional Paving
Avalon Public Buildings to Require
Masks for Visitation
The Borough of Avalon will require members of the public
to wear a mask when they enter a public building,
including Borough Hall, Public Works, Community Hall, or
the Public Safety Complex starting Monday, August 9th.
Masks will be required for all public meetings including
those involving Council, Planning/Zoning Board, the
special flood insurance meeting on August 21st, and
other public gatherings. Indoor activities at Community
Hall continue and masks will be required when you enter
a building, but not required at this time during the
regularly scheduled fitness and recreation activities.
Masks will be required for attendance to the general
membership meeting of the Avalon Home and Land Owners
Association meeting to be held on August 14th.
Avalon Public Buildings to Require Masks for Visitation
Masks Required for All Employees
and Visitors to Borough Buildings
A Workplace Mask Requirement has been issued for all
employees and visitors to ALL Stone Harbor Borough
Buildings, effective Monday, August 9, 2021. All
employees, regardless of vaccination status, must wear a
mask while indoors at work where at least six feet of
social distancing is not possible. All visitors,
consultants, and contractors, regardless of vaccination
status, must mask up before entering any Borough
Building and must remain masked while conducting
business within Borough offices. Buildings include:
Borough Hall, Public Works, Recreation Buildings, Stone
Harbor Fire Department, Stone Harbor Police Department,
and the Beach Patrol Building.
Masks Required for All Employees and Visitors to Borough
Of Stone Harbor Buildings
Avalon Flood Insurance/Hazard
Mitigation
The Borough of Avalon is expanding its public outreach
to residents in, and adjacent to, the Flood Hazard Area.
Currently, property owners enjoy a 35% discount on their
flood insurance premiums due to Avalon's diligent
efforts in achieving a Class 3 certification in the
Community Rating System (CRS) program. In order to
promote the importance of flood insurance and to educate
our community, Avalon and the New Jersey Coastal
Coalition invite you to a meeting on Saturday, August
21st at 9am inside the meeting room of Avalon Borough
Hall.
Avalon to Host Flood Insurance/Hazard Mitigation Meeting
August 21st
New Avalon North-end Flooding
Project Promises Relief
At Avalon Borough Council's recent work session, borough
Engineer Thomas Thornton outlined a new proposal to
bring relief to the town's north end, where significant
flooding can follow heavy rain events. A previous
proposal from last year was dropped as cost prohibitive.
That project would have eliminated the 22nd Street
stormwater pump station, enlarged the 11th Street pump
station, and run a large gravity pipe along Avalon
Avenue to an outflow location into the bay. The
projected cost was in the range of $10 million. The new
project proposal would not involve the pump stations. It
centers on a larger gravity pipe along Avalon Avenue,
which would terminate at an outflow that runs into the
bay through a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers bulkhead. The
cost of the new proposal was estimated at around $1
million.
New Avalon North-end Flooding Project Promises Relief
Friday Added to Residential Trash &
Recycling Drop Off Schedule
For your convenience, the Borough of Stone Harbor has
added an extra day to the residential trash and
recycling drop-off! You may drop off trash & recycling
on Fridays from 8 am - 3 pm and Saturdays 8 am - 4 pm.
Friday Added to Residential Trash & Recycling Drop Off
Schedule
This Month At The Library
See what's coming this month at the Avalon Free Public
Library and the Avalon History Center! Check out this
video for a brief program about the latest news and
events at the Avalon Free Public Library, Avalon History
Center, and in the surrounding community, along with a
sneak peek at upcoming books and movies.
Avalon Free Public Library and the Avalon History Center
Options for Beach Sand
Christopher Constantino, an environment specialist with
the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP),
recently addressed Stone Harbor Borough Council about
beach replenishment. The issue has the borough's
attention, as local officials are trying to understand
the impact of a recent reversal of policy by the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service, a reversal that reinstates a
ban on the use of federal funds or assistance for the
harvesting of sand from Hereford Inlet for purposes of
replenishing Stone Harbor beaches.
Stone Harbor Seeks Options for Beach Sand
Beach Patrol Building
Borough Council recently awarded a contract for
construction of a new Beach Patrol building after years
of discussion and postponement. The cost, not including
the existing building's demolition, is $2.8 million,
which is higher than the threshold the council set
several weeks ago. Any postponement at this point
would've jeopardized the goal of having the building
ready for summer 2022.
Stone Harbor Awards Contract for Beach Patrol Building
Courts Zoning Ordinance
Borough Council successfully introduced an ordinance
that would create a residential D zoning district for
the specific properties having street frontage on Bower
Court, Stone Court, Weber Court or Linden Lane. The
ordinance sets up regulations for the "responsible
development and improvement" of the properties,
including allowing the addition of a second story.
Adding flexibility for more habitable space to courts
properties has been a subject of discussion and debate
at the borough's Planning Board. Now that the ordinance
was introduced, several residents, mostly from
properties that abut the new zoning district, used the
public comment period to express concerns.
Stone Harbor Introduces Courts Zoning Ordinance
Avalon Council Meetings
For years, the members of the Avalon community have
requested video access to meetings; recently the borough
agreed to a six-month experiment. July 14 was the first
meeting using the new access method. Access to the
meetings and a video archive can be found on the Borough
of Avalon's website:
Avalon Initiates Zoom Access to Council Meetings
Cape May County Clerk
Shares Real Estate Market Insights with Chamber
"In six months so far this year, we have seen the
transaction totals that would equal a year's normal
results," County Clerk Rita Rothberg told Cape May
County Chamber of Commerce members, at a recent meeting,
at the Avalon Links Restaurant. Rothberg noted that the
last year and a half have been unlike anything the
county has experienced since before the real estate
bubble that ushered in the 2008 recession. "I see the
trends, but I cannot explain them," Rothberg added. She
said that the frenzied activity is continuing, even with
inventories of available properties at near-record lows.
She confirmed her comments with statistics on
transaction totals recorded at the County Clerk's
Office. In 2018, the full-year count for new mortgages
was 8,577. In the first six months of 2021, new
mortgages are already at 8,724. In 2020, new mortgages
hit 12,581, a total not seen since the 2005 to 2007
build-up to the 2008 economic collapse. Many experts
argue that this is not another housing bubble. Instead,
they see it as an adjustment of the market to new
realities of work and school.
CMCo Clerk Shares Real Estate Market Insights with
Chamber
Avalon Awards Contract for Dredging in
Pennsylvania Harbor
The Avalon Borough Council unanimously approved an
emergency dredging project to Trident Marine Piling of
Longport, New Jersey during its meeting on Wednesday,
July 14th. The contract totals $158,750 and will result
in the removal of hard sand dredge materials that have
accumulated in the westerly limits of the Harbor, making
boating difficult due to the hazardous condition.
Avalon Awards Contract for Dredging in Pennsylvania
Harbor
Jitney Service Returns
to Avalon, Stone Harbor
Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi and Stone Harbor Mayor
Judy Davies-Dunhour have announced the resumption of the
Jitney transportation service between both communities.
The service will continue to run Thursdays through
Sundays for the balance of the summer season.
Jitney Service Returns
Stone Harbor Courts Zoning Changes Imminent
The area known as the Courts is comprised of small
bungalows on narrow lanes reminiscent of an earlier day
in the borough. Residents of the bungalows have
advocated for the right to construct second-floor
additions, which would still leave the cottages with
less than 900 square feet of living space. The residents
may get their way beginning as soon as July 20, when the
Stone Harbor Borough Council is expected to introduce an
ordinance on the necessary zone changes for the Courts
and Linden Lane. Paul Kates, from the Stone Harbor
Planning Board, gave the council a preview at its July 6
meeting. The proposal, according to Kates, would allow a
second-floor structure of a maximum of 60% of the square
footage of the primary first-floor structure.
Stone Harbor Courts Zoning Changes
Avalon Closing Beach, Boardwalk Overnight In
Response to Large Groups/Unruly Behavior
Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi has signed Executive Order
2021-07 that restricts access to the beach and boardwalk
during certain hours until further notice. This is a
continuance of the intent of Executive Order 2020-15
that closes the beach daily between the hours of
9:00pm-4:00am, and the boardwalk daily between the hours
of 11:00pm-4:00am. The previous executive order was
issued due to the declared New Jersey State of Emergency
which continues through gubernatorial executive order
until at least January 11, 2022.
Avalon Closing Beach, Boardwalk Overnight In Response to
Large Groups/Unruly Behavior
Seven Mile Island Innovation Lab Conducting
Monitoring in Back Bay Waterways
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and partners are
conducting monitoring in multiple locations along the
marshes and in the waterways behind Seven Mile Island in
Cape May County, N.J. The monitoring is being conducted
as part of the Seven Mile Island Innovation Lab, an
initiative designed to advance and improve dredging and
marsh restoration techniques in coastal New Jersey
through innovative research, collaboration, knowledge
sharing and practical application. The State of New
Jersey and The Wetlands Institute are partners in the
Innovation Lab.
Seven Mile Island Innovation Lab Conducting Monitoring
in Back Bay Waterways
Borough of Stone Harbor
Allows Trash Cans to be Placed at Curb Temporarily
In order to speed up the completion of the trash pick-up
routes, the Borough of Stone Harbor is allowing
residents to place their trash & recycling cans between
the sidewalk and curb on their scheduled pick up day.
Please note, this is optional.
Borough of Stone Harbor Allows Trash Cans to be Placed
at Curb Temporarily
New Jersey Coastal Coalition (NJCC) Weather
Emergency Alert App
As a member of the NJCC, the Borough of Stone Harbor has
been assisting with the development of the NJCC App.
Funding for the NJCC App development has been provided
by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the
Insurance Council of New Jersey (ICNJ) through their
storm resiliency initiative.
New Jersey Coastal Coalition (NJCC) Weather Emergency
Alert App
South Jersey Gas
Conducting Paving Remediation Operations Through June
25th
South Jersey Gas and the County of Cape May have
informed the Borough of Avalon about required paving
remediation work that will be conducted in the Borough
through Friday, June 25th. This paving is to be done by
a contractor hired by South Jersey Gas to do paving on
streets in some neighborhoods where multiple work was
being done, including gas main service and the
installation of excess pressure valves. There will be no
paving operations in Avalon past June 25th due to the
volume of traffic in the community. South Jersey Gas's
contractor will return in the fall to do more paving
operations on streets that were compromised by this
work.
South Jersey Gas Conducting Paving Remediation
Operations Through June 25th
Temporary Seasonal Trash Collection Schedule In
Effect Until Further Notice
Starting immediately, the Borough of Stone Harbor's
Department of Public Works has temporarily started to
provide trash collection according to a modified
schedule:
Temporary Seasonal Trash Collection Schedule In Effect
Until Further Notice
In addition to the new schedule, a trash and recycle
truck will be set up for residential trash drop off on
Saturdays, from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm at the Municipal
Marina Parking Lot, between 80th and 81st Streets.
Residential Trash Drop Off Site Moved to Marina Parking
Lot
Borough of Stone Harbor Beach & Bay Report 2021
The Stockton University Coastal Research Center (CRC)
completed the first of two scheduled seasonal surveys
for 2021. The spring 2021 municipal oceanfront beach
survey was completed on April 14th and 15th at the eight
established sites in Stone Harbor. Semi-annual shoreline
and sand volume changes were calculated between survey
#57 (conducted in October 2020) and survey #58 to
determine changes over the 2020 to 2021 winter season
and review changes to the Borough beaches.
Borough of Stone Harbor Beach & Bay Report 2021
Avalon Introduces Comprehensive Smoking Ban
Avalon Borough Council recently introduced a broad
smoking ban that applies to the smoking of tobacco and
cannabis products, and includes the use of electronic
smoking devices. The ordinance, if adopted, prohibits
smoking in any form in all public buildings, as well as
public space adjacent to such buildings, including
parking lots and even public sidewalks in the business
district, from 19th to 34th streets. Smoking is banned
on beaches, boardwalk, recreation areas, parks, and all
public restrooms. Although establishments engaged in
outdoor dining can allow smoking outdoors, they can only
do so if the smoking seating area is entirely on private
property and does not infringe on the municipal right of
way.
Avalon Comprehensive Smoking Ban
Ingram's Thorofare
Bridge Work
Continuing until Thursday, June 17, 2021, the Ingram's
Thorofare Bridge along C.R. 601 will be restricted to a
single lane with alternating traffic Monday thru
Thursdays between the hours of 5:00am to 5:00pm.
Motorist will be able to cross the bridge, however,
travel will be limited to a single lane as workers
complete bearing replacement work below the bridge deck.
During the closure of one of the bridge lanes, traffic
will alternate around the construction zone and be
controlled traffic directors. The road will remain open,
however, motorists should expect delays.
Ingram's Thorofare Bridge Work to be Completed by June
17th
2021 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report/CCR
Stone Harbor recently presented this year's Annual
Drinking Water Quality Report. This report is designed
to inform you about the quality water and services they
deliver to you every day. Their constant goal is to
provide a safe and dependable supply of drinking water.
2021 Drinking Water Quality Report/CCR
Beach Patrol Building Design Goes Out to Bid
An estimated $2.4 million design for Stone Harbor's new
beach patrol building was put out to bid, with the goal
of having the building in use by the start of summer
2022. The building will be located at 95th Street and
the beach. For three years, there has been agreement on
the Stone Harbor Borough Council that the existing Beach
Patrol building needed to be replaced. Ongoing debate
over how much the borough should spend to replace it
continuously delayed the effort.
Beach Patrol Building Design Out to Bid
Project Medicine Drop Available 24/7
Please help with efforts to keep our community safe! The
Stone Harbor Police Department currently participates in
"Project Medicine Drop" (PMD) on a year round, 24/7
basis. The drop box is currently secured in the Police
Station and anyone wishing to drop off medicine just
need to pick up the phone in the police lobby and
request an officer. This project offers a safe, secure,
and environmentally responsible means of disposing of
prescription drugs.
Project Medicine Drop Available 24/7
Avalon's Memorial Day
2020 Recognized With National Award
The Borough of Avalon's (NJ) Department of Recreation's
Memorial Day 2020 Video Recognized in the 42nd Annual
Telly Awards. The Telly Awards are the premiere awards
honoring video and television across all screens and
platforms. Established in 1979, the Telly Awards
received over 12,000 entries this year from all 50
states and five continents. Entrants were judged by an
industry body of over 200 experts including advertising
agencies, production companies and major television
networks reflective of the multi-screen industry.
Avalon's Memorial Day 2020 Recognized With National Award
Sand Litigation Stalled
At a recent meeting, Avalon officials provided Borough
Council with an update on the litigation over the use of
Herford Inlet sand for federal beach nourishment
projects. In 2016, a hydraulic beach replenishment
project, by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, was unable
to use sand from the inlet due to controversial
interpretation of the Coastal Barrier Resources Act
(CBRA) by U.S. Fish and Wildlife. A last-minute
adjustment, in 2016, caused Stone Harbor and the state
Department of Environmental Protection to extend
unanticipated funds to allow the borough to replenish
its beaches. In addition, the Army Corps, which
disagreed with the Fish and Wildlife ruling, covered
parts of the borough's northern beaches by running a
long pipeline down the length of Avalon to use sand from
Townsend's Inlet. It was a one-time, ad hoc project that
was too expensive to incorporate in any later
replenishment projects. In 2019, Stone Harbor was not
included in the next federal replenishment effort, again
because of the CBRA interpretation. The next
replenishment project is likely to occur in fall 2022.
With the litigation at a standstill, it is unclear what
the impact might be on the 2022 project. In reaction to
the ban on using federal dollars to borrow sand from
Hereford Inlet, Avalon, Stone Harbor, and North Wildwood
partnered in legal challenges to Fish and Wildlife's
interpretation of the CBRA.
Sand Litigation Stalled
Stone Harbor to Undertake Budget Studies
Stone Harbor had an unusually difficult time with its
2021 budget process. Hit by the same 2020
pandemic-driven revenue losses that plagued many of the
county's communities, the borough also had to deal with
covering an emergency appropriation from 2020 and
accommodate a move to paid career firefighters after
years of an all-volunteer fire department. The 2021
experience convinced council members to look at the
borough's budget process, collect information that might
support cost containment, and seek potential new areas
of revenue. To that end, the governing body commissioned
a series of studies and analyses to be conducted by the
borough administrator and chief financial officer.
Stone Harbor to Undertake Budget Studies
Protect Nesting Terrapin Turtles
Please slow down! Protecting our local environment is
most effective when it is a community-wide effort. Thank
you to everyone for doing their part, read more to find
out how!
Protect Nesting Terrapin Turtles During Nesting Season
Summer, Twice Per
Week, Residential Trash Collection Schedule Delayed
Due to the local labor shortage, the Borough of Stone
Harbor is temporarily delaying the start of the summer,
twice per week, residential trash collection schedule.
Effective immediately, the winter trash schedule of one
trash pick up per week will remain in effect until there
is seasonal staff sufficient to maintain the increased
summer operations.
Summer, Twice Per Week, Residential Trash Collection
Schedule Delayed
Stone Harbor's New Beach Patrol Building
Advances
Stone Harbor Borough Council is proceeding with plans
for a new Beach Patrol building estimated to cost $2.4
million. The building has been the subject of discussion
for years. An initial design was presented to the
council in August 2018. Discussions have been ongoing
for several years, with everyone in agreement that new
quarters for the Beach Patrol were needed, but at a
lower cost.
Stone Harbor's New Beach Patrol Building Advances
Villa Maria by the Sea
"One can choose to go back toward familiarity or forward
toward growth." - After weeks of asbestos remediation
the wrecking began today at Villa Maria by the Sea. For
anyone familiar with the house, the chapel was the first
part of the structure to fall. The first two trucks of
more than 75 expected large truckloads of demolished
debris moved from the site recently in order to make
room for the new retreat house which unlike the old
structure will be winterized and capable of hosting
retreats throughout the year. Please remember that the
Sisters still need support to enable them to keep Stone
Harbor a part of their tradition - as it has been since
1937.
Seven Mile Times
Ingram's Thorofare Bridge Access Before Memorial
Day Weekend
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.
Ingram's Thorofare Bridge Access Before Memorial Day
Weekend
Avalon to Test Livestreaming Meetings for 6
Months
Since March 2018, resident Martha Wright has been
bringing her iPhone tripod to Avalon Borough Council
meetings, recording and posting them to a Facebook page,
distributing the link to residents. By her count, Wright
recorded 56 council meetings, along with 32 Planning and
Zoning Board meetings. Her reason: The borough's
governing body consistently refused to allow remote
video access to its meetings. However, that changed
recently. With a split 4-to-1 vote of the council, with
Councilwoman Nancy Hudanich in the negative, the council
approved a six-month trial of livestreaming governing
body meetings.
Avalon to Test Livestreaming Meetings for 6 Months
Terrapin Nesting Season Nears; Conservation
Efforts Continue
"I Brake for Turtles" bumper stickers take on extra
meaning this month, because Northern diamondback
terrapin nesting season begins in late May and runs
through mid-July, corresponding with the year's busiest
time, when tourists and locals use county roads in
higher numbers. Conservation efforts to protect
terrapins by The Wetlands Institute (TWI), of Stone
Harbor, and the Borough of Avalon seem to have been
somewhat successful, according to officials, but road
mortality and habitat destruction are persistent issues
impacting local terrapin populations.
Terrapin Nesting Season Nears; Conservation Efforts
Continue
Open Again! Avalon Community Hall Welcomes Sit
and Be Fit
The Avalon Community Hall is once again used for
recreation and fitness activities. Avalon was proud to
offer the building for use as the County's vaccination
clinic through last Friday. Now, activities are
returning including a recent Sit and Be Fit class with
39 participants! Sit and Be Fit is offered Monday,
Wednesday, and Friday at 11:15am until 12 Noon. Move 'n
Groove is offered Wednesday starting at 1:00pm. More
activities are coming soon. It's great to see friends
again!
Open Again! Avalon Community Hall Welcomes Sit and Be
Fit
96th Street WebCam
The Stone Harbor Fire Department is happy to announce
that they have installed a web cam to view 96th Street.
They hope everyone enjoys the image:
SHFD 96th Street WebCam
Avalon History Center Online Collection &
Virtual Exhibits
The Avalon History Center is excited to announce their
recent partnership with Google's Arts & Culture program!
Visit the link below to explore their new online
collection and virtual exhibits:
Google Arts & Culture - Avalon History Center
Stone Harbor Adopts
'21 Budget
Stone Harbor Borough Council formally adopted a $24
million budget for 2021, consisting of $19.3 million in
general operating funds and a $4.4 million water and
sewer utility budget. The borough's operating budget
increases by $958,353 over the 2020 level, with the
increase in the amount to be raised by taxation rising
by $1.3 million. The local purpose tax rate increases
over 8%, from 26.8 cents to 29.1 cents. The 2021 budget
uses 73% of the available current fund surplus and 60%
of its cap bank balance. The 2021 budget was required to
account for a $350,000 emergency appropriation passed in
2020, when borough officials realized they had
insufficient funds to meet pay raises given to beach
patrol personnel. This year also marks the first full
year of the borough's transition to full-time
firefighters to supplement its previously all-volunteer
department.
Stone Harbor Adopts '21 Budget
Stone Harbor Public Works Short Staffed as
Summer Nears
Budget problems in 2021, stemming, in part, from an
emergency appropriation in 2020, left Stone Harbor in a
less competitive position for attracting applicants for
permanent and seasonal jobs in its Public Works
Department. The borough's contract with the union
representing the employees ended in December 2020.
Negotiations for a new contract are ongoing. With summer
fast approaching, the department is strained, with
several vacant positions among its regular staff and 13
open positions for summer help. To recruit more
effectively, the borough's governing body adopted a
resolution recently allowing it to advertise an increase
in wages of $5 per hour for many of the union titles and
positions. The increases will have to be incorporated in
any final agreement on a contract.
Stone Harbor Public Works Short Staffed as Summer Nears
Wetlands Institute: reTURN the Favor Program
Helps Save Horseshoe Crabs
After a long and challenging winter, spring's arrival
brings a welcome change and a renewal of life. For the
Delaware Bay, the onset of warmer temperatures and long,
sunny days precedes one of nature's great spectacles:
the horseshoe crab spawning season and the return of
millions of these ancient creatures to beaches up and
down the bay. The horseshoe crabs are coming - and when
they arrive, reTURN the Favor will be ready. Started in
2013, reTURN the Favor is a multi-partner program whose
mission is to rescue horseshoe crabs that become
overturned or stranded in rubble or riprap when they
come ashore to lay their eggs. Working with the New
Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, they
bring together trained volunteers to collect data, make
observations, identify potential beach hazards - and
save crabs. The program works: in the eight years since
the program's inception, volunteers have rescued close
to 700,000 horseshoe crabs on nearly 4,000 walks.
Wetlands Institute: reTURN the Favor Program Helps Save
Horseshoe Crabs
Emergency Dredging
Project in Princeton Harbor
The Borough of Avalon will be conducting an emergency
dredging project in Princeton Harbor. A contract has
been awarded to Scarborough Marine Group to dredge some
shoaled in locations in the Harbor in advance of the
summer boating season. The contract was awarded by the
Avalon Borough Council in April. This project is to
provide an interim cleanup of shoaled in locations of
the Harbor for safe navigation in advance of a further
dredging of the Harbor to occur at a later date.
Avalon to Conduct Emergency Dredging Project in
Princeton Harbor
Final Work on Ingram's Thorofare Bridge
Beginning Monday morning May 3, 2021 and continuing
until Friday May 14, 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 grind the new concrete deck surface for
enhanced rideability and cut grooves in the deck for
traction and drainage. 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.
Final Work to be Completed on Ingram's Thorofare Bridge
May 3rd-14th
Temporary Lane Restrictions - 96th Street Bridge
Final repairs to the 96th Street Bridge are scheduled to
be completed by Friday May 13th. The work is limited to
Mondays thru Thursdays between 6am and 4pm. These are a
continuation of the repairs that were started over the
winter. The bridge will remain open to traffic, with one
lane of the bridge being temporarily closed during
working hours.
Notice of Temporary Lane Restrictions for 96th Street
Bridge (C.R. 657)
Stone Harbor Adopts Lot Grading
Ordinance
Following unsuccessful attempts to adopt a new lot
grading ordinance, Stone Harbor Borough Council passed
the controversial regulations at a recent meeting, with
some council members admitting they may need to be
"tweaked." The ordinance failed the first time it came
up for a vote due to disagreements over how it treated
the area between the sidewalk and the curb, with the
borough's Flood Mitigation Committee preferring the area
be devoid of grass or other treatments that required
irrigation and the Planning Board expressing support for
a drip irrigation option. That controversial section of
the proposed ordinance was removed.
Stone Harbor Lot Grading Ordinance
County Vaccinations to Leave
Community Hall by May 14th
The Cape May County Department of Health has informed
Avalon that the county-wide vaccination clinic will be
leaving Avalon Community Hall on or about Friday, May
14th, 2021. The vaccination clinic will assume a new
location in Lower Township. Please be advised that if
you are scheduled for a vaccine starting Monday, May
17th, 2021, the clinic will no longer be held at Avalon
Community Hall.
County Vaccinations
Avalon Public Meetings
Avalon Borough Council has long resisted calls from
residents for livestream remote access to council
meetings. Council President John McCorristin supports
the move, but has frequently said he is unsure he has
the votes on the council "to make it happen." The
council recently discussed two livestream options, one
involving an unmanned, fixed-position camera and the
other making use of a camera operator, who could direct
the camera throughout the ongoing council meeting.
Livestream Options for Public Meetings
Avalon to Conduct Sand Back Passing
Project Before Memorial Day Weekend
The Borough of Avalon will conduct a sand back passing
project starting in late April, 2021 and up until
Memorial Day weekend. The sand back passing is necessary
following repeated winter storms, particularly during
the first weekend in February, that resulted in severe
erosion of the north end beaches. The project will be
under the supervision of Mott MacDonald, the Borough's
engineer, and will be executed by the Avalon Department
of Public Works. Some beach paths in the northern end of
Avalon have been closed to the public for safety reasons
as part of the paths leading to the beach have been
eroded.
Avalon to Conduct Sand Back Passing Project Before
Memorial Day Weekend
Avalon OKs Public Works Building
Remediation
In February, an Avalon Public Works employee filed a
complaint, alerting the borough to silicon dust
contamination in the Public Works Building. An
investigation followed, and the borough awarded an
emergency contract for the remediation and cleaning of
the building. At a recent meeting, Avalon Borough
Council approved the emergency actions already taken and
awarded a contract for the remediation. The award
resolution states the previous director of Public Works
"exceeded his authority" in authorizing a project that
involved grinding the cement floor in the building's
mechanical bays, which resulted in the dispersal of the
dust.
Avalon OKs Public Works Building Remediation
Avalon Water Main
Flushing Program
Utility Service Affiliates - Avalon's Semi Annual Water
Main Flushing Program will begin on Monday, April 12,
2021. The Flushing Program will take place weekdays
during the day from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This program
will take approximately two (2) weeks to complete.
Avalon Semi Annual Water Main Flushing Program
Stone Harbor Fire Hydrant Flushing Postponed
Four to Six Weeks
The Water and Sewer Department has postponed the
previously scheduled Fire Hydrant Flushing for
approximately 4-6 weeks, while work is being done at the
Water Tower. When the Fire Hydrant Flushing resumes,
work will be completed according to the following route:
First Avenue, Second Avenue, Third Avenue, ending with
the bay side of town.
Stone Harbor Fire Hydrant Flushing Postponed Four to Six
Weeks
Stone Harbor Annual Drinking Water Quality
Report
This report from the Borough of Stone Harbor is designed
to inform you about the quality water and services they
deliver to you every day. Their constant goal is to
provide you with a safe and dependable supply of
drinking water, with an effort to continually improve
the water treatment process and protect Stone Harbor's
water resources.
Stone Harbor Annual Drinking Water Quality Report
You Can Now Order
Beach Tags Online, and Have Them Mailed to You
The Avalon Borough Council approved a
new agreement to partner with the Jersey Cape
Diagnostic, Training, and Opportunity Center for another
method for the purchase and delivery of seasonal beach
tags. Individuals can now purchase the tags online and
have the actual beach tags delivered to their homes.
Jersey Cape Tags Online Store - Avalon 2021 Seasonal
Beach Tag
Stone Harbor 2021 Seasonal Beach Tags
are also available for purchase online through Jersey
Cape Tags for a nominal fee, plus shipping.
Jersey Cape Tags Online Store - Stone Harbor 2021
Seasonal Beach Tag
Avalon Environmental Commission to Offer Free
Tree Seedlings Saturday, May 1st
Tree seedlings will be offered free to all New Jersey
residents, and any homeowners in Cape May County by the
Avalon Environmental Commission. All of the tree
seedlings will be appropriate species for the shore
environment.
Avalon Environmental Commission to Offer Free Tree
Seedlings Saturday, May 1st
2021 Avalon
Information & Recreation Guide
Now posted on the Borough website, you can go through
the guide to view everything Avalon has in store for you
this year (Covid-19 restrictions willing, of course!):
Avalon Information & Recreation Guide
April, 2021 Activities at the Avalon Free Public
Library/History Center
The Avalon Free Public Library and the Avalon History
Center remain open with limited services, and continue
with virtual programming through April via video
conferencing and digital links. Visits to both
facilities will be limited to 20 minutes, masks are
required to enter and there will be a limited occupancy
to support social distancing. In addition to browsing
for materials, patrons will also have access to public
computers, scan/fax and copier service for sessions
limited to 15 minutes.
April, 2021 Activities at the Avalon Free Public
Library/History Center
Platform Tennis Coming to Stone Harbor
Stone Harbor Borough Council recently approved a change
order to the 2020 road program that will fund the
creation of three platform tennis courts, at the 96th
Street recreation field. The change order's passage
marked the culmination of a long effort by platform
tennis enthusiasts to have facilities for the sport in
the borough.
Platform Tennis Coming to Stone Harbor
Inlet Sand Litigation Continues; More Money
Needed
With state financial assistance, Stone Harbor had to
sustain unexpected expenses for a federal hydraulic
beach fill in 2016 due to a ruling by the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, prohibiting the use of federal funds
to borrow sand from areas around Hereford Inlet. The
ruling was based on a new interpretation of the Coastal
Barrier Resources Act (CBRA). Soon after, Stone Harbor
joined Avalon and North Wildwood to fight the
prohibition. A 2019 beach fill project left Stone Harbor
without replenishment, while that struggle progressed.
Inlet Sand Litigation Continues; More Money Needed
Stone Harbor Avoids Need for State Budget Waiver
Stone Harbor was poised to go before the state's Local
Finance Board in April to obtain a waiver for its 2021
proposed budget. The budget, presented for the first
time by Chief Financial Officer James Craft Feb. 11,
exceeded the allowable levy and appropriation caps under
state law. The borough recently took steps to avoid the
requirement of a state waiver. A new budget presentation
before the governing body was for a 2021 budget
sufficiently reduced to allow the borough to act without
state approval. The budget is above the annual cap
imposed by statute, but is at a level where the borough
can use its cap bank flexibility to move forward without
a state waiver.
Stone Harbor Avoids State Budget Waiver
Avalon Discusses
Liquor License Transfer
Icona, in the first public move since purchasing the
Windrift Resort, on 80th Street, asked Avalon Borough
Council for a person-to-person liquor license transfer
for Icona Windrift. The council discussed the matter at
a recent work session. The council appeared not to
object to the transfer, which will have to come up for a
formal vote in a regular business session. The purchase
gives Icona a long stretch of oceanfront, from 80th to
78th streets. Many in the public resorted to social
media to express their curiosity over potential
structural changes to the properties.
Avalon Discusses Liquor License Transfer
Avalon to Replace/Repair Three Bulkheads
The Borough of Avalon will be replacing two complete
bulkheads, and fixing a small section of a third
bulkhead in March-April, 2021. The project was
authorized by Avalon Borough Council and will be
conducted by Channel Marine. The municipal bulkheads at
22nd and 26th streets will be replaced; a small section
of the bulkhead at 80th Street will be repaired. View
the estimated construction schedule:
Avalon to Replace/Repair Three Bulkheads in March-April,
2021
Ordinance Details Avalon Beach Patrol Changes
An ordinance by Avalon Borough Council detailing changes
in the borough's beach patrol was introduced recently.
The beach patrol will shift from a captain and seven
lieutenants to a chief, a captain and six lieutenants.
The changes provide the organization with additional
management capability. The ordinance formalizes the
organizational changes and clarifies responsibilities.
The ordinance states it will come up for second reading,
public hearing and final adoption at the March 24
council meeting.
Avalon Beach Patrol Changes
Avalon Then & Now
Using photos from the past and present, this video shows
how Avalon's streets and buildings have changed over the
years. Check it out!
Avalon History Center (YouTube)
Fire Hydrant Flushing
The Borough of Stone Harbor Water and Sewer Department
will be performing Fire Hydrant Flushing starting April
1, 2021. Work will be completed according to the
following route: First Avenue, Second Avenue, Third
Avenue, ending with the bay side of town. If any
discoloration appears in the water, please let it run
for a few minutes until it is clear.
Water and Sewer Department to perform Fire Hydrant
Flushing starting April 1st
Temporary Overnight Closure of Bridge, Daytime
Delays Expected
On Wednesday and Thursday nights, March 10th and 11th
2021, the Ingram's Thorofare Bridge will be closed
between the hours of 7:00pm thru 5:00am due to ongoing
construction. 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, during the hours of
9:00am thru 5:00pm on March 10th and March 11th, there
will be brief times when the active lane of the bridge
will be closed for a period of no more than 15 minutes
in order to allow for the discharge of concrete trucks.
Temporary Overnight Closure of Bridge, Daytime Delays
Expected
Update on County Projects
Middle Township residents and visitors can soon look
forward to smoother travels on county-owned roads and
bridges, including work on Ingram's Thorofare Bridge,
portions of Avalon Boulevard, and the full length of
Stone Harbor Boulevard. Cape May County recently
provided Mayor Timothy Donohue with an expansive outlook
for infrastructure improvements, from work that is
ongoing or will take place later this year, to the 96th
Street Bridge replacement project, set to begin in 2027,
after several years of design preparation.
Middle Given Update on County Projects
South Jersey Gas To Improve Two Additional Gas
Mains in Avalon Starting March 15th
South Jersey Gas intends to improve two additional gas
mains in the Borough of Avalon with this project being
concluded before Memorial Day weekend. South Jersey Gas
is obligated by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities
to conduct various improvements and safety enhancements
in its distribution system. This includes the
replacement of essential gas mains and the installation
of Excess Flow Valves (EFVs) in select areas of our
community.
South Jersey Gas To Improve Two Additional Gas Mains in
Avalon Starting March 15th
Stone Harbor's '21 Budget
Officials in Stone Harbor may find themselves seeking a
waiver from the state's Local Finance Board for a 2021
budget that would exceed the caps for local purpose
taxes and appropriations. According to a recent budget
presentation by Stone Harbor Chief Financial Officer
James Craft, the proposed $1,328,220 budget increase,
driven in part by the conversion of the borough's
all-volunteer fire department into a hybrid with paid,
career firefighters, would be 7% higher than the 2020
budget. The borough's local purpose tax rate would
increase nearly four cents, from 26.7 cents in 2020 to
30.6 cents in 2021, an almost 15% increase.
Stone Harbor's '21 Budget May Require State Waiver
Sunrise Drive, 69th
Street, Seventh Avenue Project
The level of disturbance on Sunrise Drive has been
mitigated to a degree by the removal of the well point
system. That system resulted in pipes running down the
street, blocking some driveways. Now, individual pumps
are being used to remove the remaining groundwater. The
well point system was removed on Thursday, February
25th. This project remains on schedule to be completed
before Memorial Day weekend. At the conclusion of the
project customers in the Sunrise Drive area will have a
new water main, new water service, new water meters, new
curbing and curb stops, a complete restoration to
disturbed areas on individual properties, and a new
driving surface on the street.
Sunrise Dr., 69th St., Seventh Ave. Project
Avalon 2021 Municipal Budget Includes No
Increases in Tax Rate, Beach Tags, Water/Sewer
The Avalon Borough Council introduced a new $32.8
million budget that results in a zero tax increase for
the third consecutive year. The budget was introduced
during a recent council meeting with a public hearing
and final adoption scheduled in several weeks. The
budget maintains the municipal tax rate at 19.9 cents,
which is one of the lowest tax rates in the State of New
Jersey. This budget also meets the Borough's prior
pledge and obligation for the elimination of all long
term general debt service.
Avalon 2021 Municipal Budget
Siren May Move to
Chelsea Park
Earlier this month, Stone Harbor Borough Council voted
to relocate an emergency warning device, located on a
pole at 106th Street. In an unusual vote, the motion to
relocate the device appeared to carry, with three yes
votes, one no, and two abstentions. Borough Solicitor
Marcus Karavan recently explained state law requires the
resolution needed a majority of the votes "that could
have votes," meaning the two abstentions, in effect,
became no votes, denying the resolution passage. Also at
issue with the earlier vote was the lack of consensus on
where to relocate the siren. At the February 16th
meeting, council agreed to investigate installing the
warning device in nearby Chelsea Park.
Siren May Move to Chelsea Park
New Beach Patrol Building by 2022
Stone Harbor Borough Council Aug. 20, 2019, saw a
conceptual design presentation of a new beach patrol
building for 95th Street and the beach. Council agreed
the existing building needs replacement, but despite
that agreement two years ago, the beach patrol will be
using the building for summer 2021. This month, the
borough moved to reanimate the effort for the
construction of a new facility. Mayor Judith
Davies-Dunhour summarized the will of the governing body
at a recent meeting, saying the new building should be
available for use by summer 2022, with construction
ready to start as soon as the day after Labor Day.
Stone Harbor Wants New Beach Patrol Building by '22
NJ Ocean Energy Wind Farm Graphics, FAQ's
This information is to provide the public with a
representation of a state-approved wind project off the
southern New Jersey coast, and to explain the state's
ambitious efforts to reach certain milestones relating
to ocean wind energy in the coming years. This is not
intended as endorsement or opposition to any current or
future project.
New Jersey Ocean Energy Wind Farm Graphics, FAQ's
Avalon Moves to Cape
May County Central Dispatch March 1st
The Avalon Borough became the latest community in Cape
May County to join the centralized dispatch services
provided by Cape May County. Council approved a Shared
Services Agreement with the County that results in a
five year agreement that begins on March 1, 2021. All
emergency and non-emergency calls for police, fire, and
rescue will now be handled by Cape May County's dispatch
center which includes the latest technology available.
As with traditional dispatching services, the calls are
immediately provided to the appropriate agency.
Avalon Moves to Cape May County Central Dispatch March
1st
Avalon's Water Meter Replacement Effort Advances
The replacement or upgrade of over 6,500 Avalon water
meters is moving to a bid process tentatively scheduled
for April. Borough Engineer Thomas Thornton recently
provided the governing body with a proposed schedule.
The schedule calls for initiating the bid process in
April, making an award in June, completing preparatory
technology infrastructure work over the summer, and
beginning the installation of new meters as soon as
summer ends. A likely completion date is February 2022,
Thornton said.
Avalon's Water Meter Replacement
Avalon Back Passing Project Update
A moderate-sized back passing project that was probable
for 2021 became a larger project and a certainty, after
two weeks of winter storms damaged Avalon's north-end
beaches. With a federally sponsored hydraulic beach fill
project not scheduled until 2022, the borough will use
its manpower and funds to move as much as 60,000 cubic
yards of sand from an approved borrow area south of the
Avalon fishing pier to the fill areas in the north-end
beaches. Before the storms, the borough hoped a smaller
effort to move as little as 20,000 cubic yards might be
sufficient.
Avalon Back Passing Project in 2021
Cape May County Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
Cape May County Emergency Management and all 16
communities have been hard at work last year to update
the County Hazard Mitigation Plan. The HMP is available
for public review. They are asking all Cape May County
Residents and Stakeholders to review the plan in its
final format and provide comments and input. The Public
Review Period is open until February 25, 2021.
Cape May County Hazard Mitigation Plan
Stone Harbor Sees Record Title Transfers
The real estate boom in Stone Harbor continues unabated. During her
reports to the governing body in 2020, Borough Tax Assessor Margaret
Slavin often referred to the real estate market in the borough as
"crazy." Stone Harbor Borough Council recently heard from
Construction Official Ray Poudrier that the borough is "breaking
records for title transfers."
Stone Harbor Sees Record Title Transfers
Villa Maria Development
Stone Harbor Borough Council recently introduced an ordinance to
vacate a portion of First Avenue, adjacent to the Villa Maria by the
Sea site, at 111th Street. Vacating the paper street that serves as
a lawn for the retreat house is an important step in the subdivision
plans that will result in a smaller religious retreat complex and
lots for 13 single-family homes. The project was recently approved
by the borough's Planning Board.
Villa Maria Development
Stone Harbor Votes to Move Weather Siren
Stone Harbor Borough Council approved moving a local fire siren,
even though there is no consensus on a new location. The device, on
a pole at 106th Street, was used for years by the borough's
volunteer fire department. As such, it would be sounded almost as
frequently as calls for fire service came into the department. Over
time, the device morphed from a fire siren to a less frequently used
weather alert system, which the borough's emergency management
coordinator is reluctant to see removed entirely from service. The
other option, which council has been exploring, is to maintain the
alert system, but relocate it from its present location.
Stone Harbor Votes to Move Weather Siren
Longtime Avalon Beach Patrol Captain Retires
The Borough of Avalon has elevated two longtime lieutenants in the
Avalon Beach Patrol to new leadership positions. Mayor Martin
Pagliughi announced that Matthew Wolf has been named the new Chief
of the Avalon Beach Patrol, and Ryan Black is the new Captain of the
Avalon Beach Patrol. Wolf and Black were elevated to their positions
following the retirement of longtime Captain Murray Wolf, who
retired on December 31, 2020.
Avalon Beach Patrol Captain Retires
Avalon to Conduct Downtown Beautification Project
The Avalon Borough Council approved a resolution that will result in
the solicitation of bids for a downtown beautification project
scheduled for this spring in the community. This project will result
in a major replanting initiative of various plants, flowers, and
trees that will revitalize and beautify the downtown business
district from 34th Street north to 19th Street, along Dune Drive.
View the presentation that was provided to Avalon Borough Council
during its January 27, 2021 meeting:
Avalon to Conduct Downtown Beautification Project
Avalon Revisits Remote Access to Council Meetings
At a recent meeting, Avalon Borough Council discussed remote video
access to council meetings, a subject championed by several
residents in the past but has met with opposition on the council.
Since the pandemic forced public meetings to go virtual and mandated
remote access for the public, Avalon used a telephone conference
call technology that allows public access to audio of the meeting.
There is no video access, meaning the public does not have real-time
access to slides and presentation materials that may accompany
council's consideration of an issue. The technology can also leave
some remote participants confused as to who is speaking.
Avalon Revisits Remote Access to Council Meetings
County of Cape May to Repave 62nd to 80th Street, Along
Ocean Drive in 2022
The County of Cape May will be resurfacing Ocean Drive from 62nd to
80th Streets as part of a FY 2021 Federal Aid project. The County
has provided to the Borough a copy of the 60% status plans for the
project for public notification purposes. Actual construction will
not begin until early March 2022, and at this time the County is
evaluating whether the project can be completed entirely in the
spring or if we will have a seasonal shut down and final completion
by May 2023.
County of Cape May to Repave 62nd to 80th Street, Along Ocean Drive
in 2022
Improve Outdoor Dining Rules for '21
At a recent meeting, two realities appeared to motivate Avalon
officials as they discussed proposed ordinance amendments concerning
outdoor dining regulations during the 2021 summer season. The first
of these realities is that the vaccination program, however well it
is being organized in the county, would not likely lead to an end of
the health emergency by Memorial Day. The second factor motivating
the borough to review its ordinances is the success of outdoor
dining in 2020.
Avalon Moves to Improve Outdoor Dining Rules for '21
Subdivision Application Approved
Almost one year after it first approved a subdivision application
for Charles Street Developers, the Stone Harbor Planning Board,
again, gave its approval, this time in response to a judicial order.
The property at the heart of the year-long controversy sits at 10315
Sunrise Drive. As a single home lot, the property exceeds the
borough's minimum size requirements. The minor subdivision
application allows the developer to split the lot into two building
lots, both of which would be below the borough's minimum size, in
short, to take a conforming lot and make it into two non-conforming
lots. The Planning Board Feb. 1, 2020, said yes to the plan.
Subdivision Application Approved Again in Stone Harbor
Army Corps Announce Dredging, Marsh Restoration Project Near
Avalon
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Philadelphia District has issued
an advisory regarding upcoming dredging along the New Jersey
Intracoastal Waterway. On or about Jan. 25, the Army Corps'
contractor Barnegat Bay Dredging Company will begin dredging the
federal channel of the waterway between markers 419 and 421 in the
vicinity of Nummy Island, NJ. The Dredge Fullerton will conduct the
dredging and pump the sediment to Great Flats to adaptively manage
habitat created for nesting birds. This operation is expected to
take approximately two weeks including equipment mobilization and
demobilization.
Army Corps Announce Dredging, Marsh Restoration Project Near Avalon
2021 Avalon Department of Public Works Info: Bulk Trash,
More!
Here is all of the information for 2021 for trash, recycling, bulk
trash collection and more, courtesy of the Avalon Department of
Public Works.
2021 Avalon Department of Public Works Info: Bulk Trash, More!
Stone Harbor Plans Rescue Task Force
Police Chief Thomas Schutta briefed Stone Harbor Borough Council
recently on the county's effort to establish municipal Rescue Task
Force (RTF) initiatives, a move the council endorsed later in its
regular business meeting. Schutta said the concept grew out of an
effort by the Arlington County Virginia Fire Department's 2009
review of active shooter incidents across the nation. The goal of an
RTF is to allow emergency medical personnel the ability to intervene
in such an incident under the direction and support of local law
enforcement. EMS (emergency medical services) technicians would have
the equipment and training to provide emergency wound stabilization
for victims and facilitate their extraction from the scene.
Stone Harbor Plans Rescue Task Force
Avalon OKs Public Works Reorganization Plan
Avalon Borough Council recently adopted two ordinances that endorsed
and authorized the reorganization plan for the borough's Public
Works Department. The plan was presented in December by Mayor Martin
Pagliughi.
Avalon OKs Public Works Reorganization Plan
Avalon Nixes Proposed Dune Restaurant Plans
The essence of the proposal before the Avalon Planning Board
recently was a request by Avalon developer and businessman Tim Kerr
to demolish the existing pizza parlor, arcade and ice cream shop now
on the site, replacing it with a new, two-story restaurant and
catering-event venue. Public concern ranged broadly, but a certain
focus emerged on issues of public safety, sanitation, noise, the
project's congruence with the newly completed Surf Side Park and
parking.
Avalon Nixes Proposed Dune Restaurant Plans
Public Introduced to Updated Hazard Mitigation Plan
The Cape May County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) held a
virtual public meeting recently to introduce its updates to the
county's Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP). The plan was last updated in
2016. Eligibility for FEMA pre-disaster funding requires an update
every five years. The plan is in two large volumes, with several
appendices added to the already-extensive detail in the document.
While this is a county-level plan, it also serves as a repository of
municipal-level planning, with a chapter in volume two for the
county's 16 municipalities.
Public Introduced to Updated Hazard Mitigation Plan
Brant Tagging to Commence Mid-January at 80th Street
Recreation Fields
Staff from the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife's Waterfowl
Ecology and Management Program will be capturing and tagging
Atlantic Brant at Stone Harbor's 80th Street Recreation Fields from
Mid-January through Mid-March 2021, as part of their Atlantic Brant
Banding Project. Approximately 30 GPS backpacks and hundreds of
colored leg bands will be deployed on Atlantic brant as part of
their research. The Borough of Stone Harbor requests that the public
refrain from using this area while the project is in process.
Brant Tagging to Commence Mid-January at 80th Street Recreation
Fields
Investigation Prompts Plan to Reorganize Avalon
Public Works
In December 2020, Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi presented a
reorganization plan to Avalon Borough Council, asking for the
council's support and approval where necessary. The reorganization
plan establishes an operations coordinator position to be filled by
then-Assistant Director Steve Camp, a certified public works
manager. The new position would have direct supervision of employees
in each of the department's four divisions. The divisions deal with
public works, fleet management, waste management, and utilities.
Investigation Prompts Plan to Reorganize Avalon Public Works
Avalon Community Hall
Avalon Community Hall is currently being used by the Cape May County
Department of Health as a Covid-19 vaccination clinic for health
care workers, and first responders, from throughout Cape May County.
This program started on December 28th, and will continue for at
least a few/several weeks.
Avalon Community Hall - Health Care/First Responders
Cape May County Hazard Mitigation Plan Virtual
Meeting January 11, 2021
Cape May County Department of Emergency Management is leading the
update of the Cape May County Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) for the
County and its jurisdictions. This plan is an opportunity to detail
a variety of potential hazards that could affect some or all of our
residents and will also allow the County and the participating
jurisdictions to be eligible for future mitigation funding from the
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Cape May County Hazard Mitigation Plan Virtual Meeting January 11,
2021
Limited Public Access to Borough Hall
Stone Harbor Borough Hall will be closed to the public beginning
January 6th until further notice, with the exception of public
meetings and pre-approved appointments. This limited access only
applies to the public. The Borough Hall staff is working and can be
reached by phone or email to assist the public. Visits by
appointment will only be allowed for specific services such as
wedding licenses or construction permits. Please call or email in
advance to schedule an appointment.
Limited Public Access to Borough Hall Starting January 6th
Christmas Trees Will Be Picked Up At The Curb
Through The End Of January
The Stone Harbor Department of Public Works will be picking up
Christmas trees as they appear on the curb line through the end of
January. The trees must NOT be bagged and be clean of all ornaments
and decorations.
Christmas Trees Will Be Picked Up At The Curb Through The End Of
January
Avalon Council Adopts Ordinance
Regulating Expansion of Wireless Technologies
The Avalon Borough Council approved a new ordinance recently that
regulates the future implementation of wireless communication
upgrades and services, including the implementation of 5G
technology. The ordinance requires wireless communications
technologies to follow a process in order to use, or place, any new
facilities in the public right of way to expand wireless
communication services while simultaneously protecting the aesthetic
environment in the municipality.
Avalon Council Adopts Ordinance Regulating Expansion of Wireless
Technologies
Avalon's 2021 Seasonal Beach Tag Art Award
Winner
The official art work for the Avalon 2021 seasonal beach tag was
announced on Friday, December 18th. The winner of this year's beach
tag art contest is Avalon Elementary School 8th grader Cynthia
Sakoulas, who's art will appear on all of the seasonal beach tags
sold in Avalon, starting next spring, for the summer 2021 beach
season.
Avalon's 2021 Seasonal Beach Tag Art Award Winner
An Historic Event For The Borough Of Stone
Harbor
Congratulations and best wishes to the eight paid firefighters who
were sworn-in recently to supplement Stone Harbor's dedicated
volunteers! December 15th was an historic day for the Borough of
Stone Harbor and the Stone Harbor Volunteer Fire Company. After 108
years of volunteer service, they added 8 paid firefighters to
supplement the volunteers.
An Historic Event for The Borough of Stone Harbor
Traffic Advisory: Ingram's Thorofare Bridge
Through Wednesday night, December 23rd 2020, the Ingram's Thorofare
Bridge will be closed between the hours of 7:00pm thru 5:00am due to
ongoing construction. 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.
Traffic Advisory: Ingram's Thorofare Bridge
Strong Late Summer/Early Visitors Fall
Offsets Loses In Tourism Revenue
Short-term rentals are booming with some realtors reporting double
and triple the number of rentals this time last year. Remote work
and virtual learning is keeping second homeowners in the county
during the fall and into the winter months. Home sales are reaching
record numbers among beach counties and Cape May County is part of
the boon in sales. These new homeowners along with second homeowners
will support local businesses and attractions.
Strong Late Summer/Early Visitors Fall Offsets Loses In Tourism
Revenue
Public Hears Plans for Villa Maria Property
A recent Stone Harbor Zoning Board meeting was the setting for the
Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary to make public the details
of their plan for the Villa Maria by the Sea site, on 111th Street,
in Stone Harbor. The three-story, 250-bed, summer-only retreat house
that graced Stone Harbor since 1937 is to be demolished and replaced
by a smaller, year-round retreat house and a 13-lot residential
subdivision. As Sister James Dolores, the property's manager, told
board members, the diminishing number of sisters and their rising
average age necessitated a new smaller nun's retreat house that
could be used at any time of the year.
Public Hears Plans for Villa Maria Property
More Holiday Avalon Beach Tags Are Now Available
Avalon just received its final order of seasonal holiday beach tags!
These beach tags are seasonal tags that can be used for the entire
2021 beach season in Avalon. They sold out during Thanksgiving
weekend, but received one additional shipment of tags. They will be
sold on a first come, first served basis.
More Holiday Avalon Beach Tags Are Now Available
Avalon Police Department Holds 2nd Annual Toy
Drive for County Children
The Avalon Police Department will be hosting their Second Annual Toy
Drive for the Cape May County Department of Child Protective
Services. The donations will be provided to children and families
who have been exposed to domestic violence, abuse and neglect. They
will be accepting donations of new and unwrapped toys for children
up to the age of 15 years. The wrapping paper and tape donations are
also needed.
Avalon Police Department Holds 2nd Annual Toy Drive for County
Children
Lane Restrictions on 96th Street Bridge
The 96th Street Bridge along Stone Harbor Boulevard leading into the
Borough of Stone Harbor has been undergoing emergency repairs to the
bascule span (movable span) during nighttime hours. Work has
progressed Mondays thru Thursdays with a lane restriction during the
fall. However, due to the nature of the work and impending nighttime
temperatures, the emergency work will proceed during the hours of
7:00am - 5:00pm Monday thru Thursday. The daytime work will require
that one lane of the bridge be temporarily closed during these work
hours.
Lane Restrictions on 96th Street Bridge Through December 23rd
Tips on Preventing Frozen Pipes
Freezing weather can take its toll on you and your home but you can
act now to reduce cold weather threats. Middlesex Water Company is
reminding customers to take preventive measures before winter sets
in - to protect water lines which can freeze, expand and possibly
burst, causing flooding and costly water damage to your home and
belongings.
Tips on Preventing Frozen Pipes
New Location for Emergency Siren Sought
Stone Harbor Borough Council recently discussed the future of the
Stone Harbor Office of Emergency Management (OEM) siren, at 106th
Street, specifically if it should be relocated or eliminated.
New Location for Emergency Siren Sought
Stone Harbor Ponders Marina Park Improvements
Stone Harbor Council recently saw a conceptual design for
improvements to Marina Park, a municipal marina bordering Avalon.
The three-acre bayfront parcel was without major rehabilitation for
many years. Upgrading the marina was an ongoing discussion at
governing body meetings.
Marina Park Improvements
Avalon Engineer Thomas Thornton Recognized With Honor for
8th Street Jetty Project
Avalon municipal engineer Thomas Thornton from Mott MacDonald earned
an Honor Place recipient award from the New Jersey Society of
Municipal Engineers.
Avalon Engineer Thomas Thornton Recognized With Honor for 8th Street
Jetty Project
Avalon Introduces 5G Agreement
Avalon introduced an ordinance authorizing the use of the municipal
right of way for the purpose of installing wireless small cell
telecommunications equipment, further preparing the borough for 5G
cellular networks.
Avalon Introduces 5G Agreement
Avalon, Stone Harbor Enter Into Agreement for Shared Court
Starting January 1st
The governing bodies of both Avalon and Stone Harbor have entered
into a new Shared Services Agreement that will result in a shared
court to be located at Avalon Borough Hall starting January 1, 2021.
The agreement was ratified by both governing bodies during separate
meetings earlier this week.
Shared Court Starting January 1st
Winterization of Property is Encouraged for Seasonal Homes
It's time to winterize! If you do not plan to occupy your home for
the winter season the Borough of Stone Harbor strongly encourages
winterization. Please ensure that summer homes and irrigation
systems are properly winterized.
Winterization of Property is Encouraged for Seasonal Homes
Avalon Floodplain Management Plan Report
Each year, a volunteer committee in the Borough of Avalon creates a
Floodplain Management Plan for the review of Avalon Borough Council.
Visit the Borough's site to view the 2020 plan.
Avalon Floodplain Management Plan Report
Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
Cape May County residents who are concerned about the impact of
flooding, storms, and other events in their communities are now
encouraged to participate in the mandatory update of the county's
hazard mitigation plan, which addresses risks and threats in all 16
municipalities. Participation in this project takes only a few
minutes, and responses will be shared with municipal, state, county,
and federal entities for planning purposes only.
Participate in Hazard Mitigation Plan
Avalon Borough Hall Roof Reconstruction
The replacement of the aging roof on Avalon Borough Hall will begin
on November 23, 2020. The Avalon Borough Council has previously
awarded the contract for the roof replacement and funds are
available in the 2020 municipal budget. During this project, the
parking lot behind Avalon Borough Hall will be a partial
construction area. Avalon Borough Hall will be open for the duration
of the project. Some parking spaces in the Borough Hall parking lot
will be available. There is also parking by the Avalon Elementary
School and Avalon Free Public Library, and curbside parking is
available as well.
Avalon Borough Hall Roof Reconstruction Project to Begin November 23
Litigation Over Inlet Sand Continues
With a federal replenishment project likely in 2022, Avalon and
Stone Harbor may not be guaranteed sand from Hereford Inlet. In
2016, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) invoked provisions
of the 1982 Coastal Barrier Resources Act (CBRA), complicating a
hydraulic replenishment project for Seven Mile Island. The USFWS
argued that the CBRA barred the use of federal dollars for the
borrowing of sand from the inlet. A temporary solution was cobbled
together, costing the state and Stone Harbor funds not planned for
the replenishment.
Litigation Over Inlet Sand Continues
Avalon from Above
When was the railroad built in Avalon? What was the population in
1970? Using a combination of historic maps and census data, this
video shows how Avalon has grown and changed over the years.
Avalon from Above - Avalon Free Public Library and Avalon History
Center Video
Avalon to Replace Three Bulkheads Starting in December, 2020
Avalon held a pre-construction meeting recently regarding the
replacements of three bulkheads in the community. Channel Marine was
awarded the contract for the project by Borough Council. This
contract will result in the replacement of bayfront bulkheads at
22nd Street and 26th Street, and the replacement of approximately
ten feet of bulkhead at 80th Street. The project is expected to
begin before the end of the year, with all of the work to be
completed within 150 calendar days.
Avalon to Replace Three Bulkheads Starting in December, 2020
Federal Permit Issues to Table Wind Project Construction
Delays in federal permits for offshore wind projects will mean the
estimated start of construction for four projects planned by Danish
energy company Ørsted will be delayed by a year, according to
reports. That includes the Ocean Wind project planned for southern
New Jersey, which was projected to be online by 2023. Ørsted CEO
Henrik Poulsen stated that even if the delayed permitting process
starts moving early next year, the projects Revolution Wind, Ocean
Wind, Skipjack, and Sunrise will be delayed beyond the previously
expected construction in 2023 and 2024.
Federal Permit Issues to Table Wind Project Construction
Shoreview Panelists Note Bright Spots, Pitfalls In COVID-19
Impact On Jersey Shore
Jersey shore businesses that could adapt to COVID-19 regulations
were able to weather the unprecedented summer season, speakers at
the first Jersey Shoreview said during a Zoom webinar presented by
the Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality and Tourism
at Stockton University. Vicki Clark, president of the Cape May
County Chamber of Commerce, said Cape May County did not have as
successful season as they had hoped, but did better than expected as
some summer homeowners relocated to the shore fulltime and new
customers arrived who wanted to stay closer to home. "When the
U.S./Canadian border closed, we lost that business," Clark said.
"But they were replaced by new customers who had never been to the
Jersey shore." She said camping became very popular, as did outdoor
dining, which was helped along by the relaxation of local liquor
regulations.
Shoreview Panelists Note Bright Spots, Pitfalls In COVID-19 Impact
On Jersey Shore
Listen and Learn: Southern NJ Wind Farm
Mark your calendars now for AHLOA's November Listen and Learn
session to be held on November 10th. Kris Ohleth, Senior
Environmental & Permitting Specialist from Ørsted, will provide
information on the wind farm to be constructed off the southern New
Jersey coast. The wind farm is scheduled to be operational by 2025.
To participate in this Listen and Learn session registration is
required.
Listen and Learn: Southern NJ Wind Farm
Veterans Day Ceremony
American Legion Post #331 and the Borough of Avalon invite you to
attend the Veterans Day ceremony next Wednesday, November 11th, 2020
at 11:00am. The ceremony will be held outdoors at Avalon's Veterans
Plaza, 21st Street and Dune Drive in Avalon. They ask all attendees
to practice social distancing and follow all CDC guidelines.
American Legion Post #331 to Hold Veterans Day Ceremony
Operation Fireside Takes Different Look This Year
"Different" may be the operative word in 2020, as the coronavirus
impacted nearly every aspect of life. One of the latest areas to be
affected is Operation Fireside, the American Red Cross program
started in 1981 that offers recruits an opportunity to take a break
from basic training and spend Thanksgiving and/or Christmas with a
local family. Instead of spending the day with local families, some
550 recruits on hand at Thanksgiving and another 400 at Christmas
will watch video messages recorded by families who hosted recruits
in the past. Former host families were also asked to send letters
and cards to the recruits and to provide desserts.
Operation Fireside Takes Different Look This Year
96th Street Bridge and Ocean Drive Bridge Inspections
WSP USA has been contracted by the NJDOT and the County of Cape May
to perform biennial inspections on 23 bridges throughout Cape May
County. Continuing through Friday, October 30, 2020, WSP is
scheduled to perform inspections on the Stone Harbor Blvd Bridge
(County Route 657) as well as the Ocean Drive/Great Channel "free"
Bridge (County Route 619).
96th Street Bridge and Ocean Drive Bridge Inspections
Beach Patrol Building in Holding Pattern
Two years ago, plans were discussed for a new beach patrol building
at 95th Street and the beach in Stone Harbor. Those discussions
spoke of having the building completed and in use by spring 2020.
Two years later, a recent meeting of the council witnessed continued
discussions regarding the building that is not designed beyond a
conceptual level. The hope is "shovels in the ground" after Labor
Day 2021.
Beach Patrol Building in Holding Pattern
Stone Harbor Fire Department Creates Combination
Paid/Volunteer Organization
Over the years the volunteer services of the Stone Harbor Fire
Department has met the challenge of maintaining the necessary
manpower to safely operate and quickly respond to all emergencies.
In the past this challenge has been met with an adequate number
volunteers that lived in the local community. However, over the past
twenty years, rising property values combined with a lack of
affordable year-round rentals, has resulted in fewer year-round
volunteers living in Stone Harbor. The fire department’s goal is to
sustain a rapid response time to all emergencies. This is absolutely
fundamental to maintaining a competent and successful EMS and Fire
Department. In order to accomplish this goal, nine paid
firefighter/EMTs will be hired to supplement the volunteer fire
department at a cost of $500,000 per year, starting on January 1,
2021. With this addition, the department will always have a minimum
of 3 firefighter/EMTs scheduled, so that coverage is in place 24
hours per day.
Stone Harbor Fire Department Creates Combination Paid/Volunteer
Organization
Autumn In The Marsh
The Wetlands Institute is open Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30-4:30,
as conditions allow. Enjoy seasonal science activities, creature
features & crafts, aquarium feedings and more! Unless otherwise
stated, all activities are free with admission and occur onsite at
The Wetlands Institute.
The Wetlands Institute
Reconstruction of 69th Street, Sunrise Drive, 7th Avenue
A preconstruction meeting was held last week regarding Borough
Contract M-120/Reconstruction of Various Streets. The project
includes a portion of 69th Street between Ocean Drive and Dune
Drive; Sunrise Drive; and 7th Avenue. The contractor for the project
will be Asphalt Paving Systems of Hammonton, NJ. The contract has
been authorized by Borough Council.
Notice: Reconstruction of 69th Street, Sunrise Drive, 7th Avenue
5G Plan Nears Completion
Avalon and Stone Harbor are developing complementary plans for
implementing 5G cellular data systems across Seven Mile Island.
Using the same consultant, V-Comm, the neighboring towns are seeking
to have ordinances in place before the state passes legislation
giving carriers significant discretion in how to implement small
cell networks in municipal right of ways. An ordinance already in
place is likely to be grandfathered in the legislation, providing
both boroughs with more control over issues of aesthetics, location,
and safety, as carriers place small cell antennae throughout the
island.
5G Plan Nears Completion
Avalon Eases Cellular Congestion
Avalon Borough Council awarded a contract to a Verizon company for
placement of a limited-range, small, cellular antenna system on the
Dune Drive Municipal Tower. The new antenna system promises to
relieve some of the cellular data congestion in the business
district, while also netting the borough over $1,000 a month in
additional revenue. The move comes as Avalon is developing plans to
implement fifth-generation cellular technology, which will depend
less on fourth-generation centralized antennae on high towers and
more on a wide distribution of small cell systems with limited but
greatly enhanced broadcast range.
Avalon Eases Cellular Congestion in Business District
Stone Harbor's Real Estate Market Soars
One month ago, Stone Harbor Tax Assessor Margaret Slavin said the
real estate market, in the borough, was "crazy." Two years after a
borough-wide reevaluation, the residential home market was soaring
in the middle of a once-in-a-century pandemic. On October 6th,
Slavin returned for her monthly report to the borough's governing
body. She reported dealing with 37 deeds last month. "In a busy
month before this, we might handle 20 deeds," she added. She
indicated that she had 40 deeds to download for October. "This is
not going to change anytime soon," she added.
Stone Harbor's Real Estate Market Soars
Learn More About Ørsted's Ocean Wind Project Via Virtual
Open House Events In October
This is your opportunity to learn directly from subject matter
experts about environmental, economic and technical aspects of the
project and offshore wind in the region. Dates for the Virtual Open
Houses are October 20th, October 21st, and October 24th.
Registration is required to attend.
Learn More About Ørsted's Ocean Wind Project Via Virtual Open House
Events In October
Stone Harbor to Add Paid Firefighters
Since 1912, the Stone Harbor Volunteer Fire Company has been
protecting residents, as the borough's fire service agency. In
recent years, the organization had difficulty maintaining sufficient
personnel levels for all shifts due to "individuals not being able
to afford to reside in the borough." This statement was part of the
ordinance introduced at a recent Stone Harbor Borough Council
meeting. That ordinance would allow the creation of paid firefighter
positions to "supplement the volunteer squad." The ordinance doesn't
specify the number of such positions. The second reading and public
hearing of the ordinance should occur at the Nov. 3 council meeting.
Stone Harbor to Add Paid Firefighters
Avalon Police Chief, Captain Complete Command and Leadership
Training Academy
Avalon Police Chief Jeffrey Christopher and Avalon Police Captain
John Roscoe have both completed New Jersey State Association of
Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) Command and Leadership Academy, an
intensive program that fosters and improves leadership skills among
police supervisors in the State of New Jersey. Captain Roscoe
graduated his class as valedictorian with the highest overall
average in his class, 97.4 percent, earning Captain Roscoe the Chief
Harry Wilde Award for Highest Academic Score. Chief Christopher was
the first member of the Avalon Police Department ever to complete
the training in 2019. Avalon Police Det. Sergeant Matthew Sykes is
currently attending the Academy. The Avalon Police Department has
achieved three consecutive accreditations from the NJSACOP. During
its most recent accreditation, the Department achieved a perfect
score of 100 percent.
Avalon Police Chief, Captain Complete Command and Leadership
Training Academy
Bald Eagle Exhibit Reopens At The Cape May County Zoo
As part of the continued efforts to update animal habitats and
exceed all current animal care standards, the Cape May County Zoo is
excited to announce the re-opening of the Bald Eagle exhibit. The
habitat has been expanded and redesigned to mimic a flight pen. The
new exhibit is 80 feet long and 20 feet high and will allow the
Eagle space to stretch his wings and take flight.
Bald Eagle Exhibit Reopens At The Cape May County Zoo
Help Keep Our Beaches Clean! Register for Clean Ocean
Action's Fall Beach Sweep
This event will adhere to all state, municipal and CDC guidelines.
All participants will be required to pre-register, which will allow
COA to contact them directly to update them of any changes or
cancellations, and to control the number of participants at each
location. Volunteers will be required to sign a waiver and agree to
adhere to safety guidelines, which will include social distancing
and required mask use when social distancing is not possible.
Help Keep Our Beaches Clean! Register for Clean Ocean Action's Fall
Beach Sweep
Avalon Fall Dune Grass Planting
Volunteers are needed to help plant dune grass on Saturday, October
24th. Everyone is welcome to participate in this important project.
Volunteers should report outside of Avalon Community Hall at 8:30am,
please wear a mask.
Avalon Fall Dune Grass Planting
Fire Hydrant Flushing Begins October 13th
The Stone Harbor Water and Sewer Department would like to remind
Stone Harbor residents that fire hydrant flushing will commence on
October 13th and continue throughout the week.
Fire Hydrant Flushing Begins October 13th
Native Vegetation Returns to Avalon Dunes
The Avalon dune system is experiencing tremendous growth in native
vegetation courtesy of the Borough's successful Dune Vegetation
Management Plan and its use of a state grant to thin out dead and
stressed invasive Japanese Black Pine trees that have proliferated
part of the dune system. These programs have resulted in beach paths
between 44th through 50th streets experiencing recovery by native
vegetation that provides ecological diversity and integrity of the
dunes.
Native Vegetation Returns to Avalon Dunes After Removal of Black
Pines
County Maintains Strong Bond Rating
There has been a tangible increase in property demand in Cape May
County. Moody's Investors Service has maintained the county's Aa1
rating on the county and specifically mentioned the spike in demand
for shore property as a long-term positive. This is one of the
reasons Moody's maintained the county's positive bond rating, which
allows the government to borrow money at extremely low rates, while
also making the county's debt attractive to investors, which allows
the freeholder board to implement its capital plan. The capital plan
includes the important road and bridge infrastructure projects, the
reimagining at County Commons, and on-going projects at the Cape May
Airport.
County Maintains Strong Bond Rating
Avalon Borough Hall to Undergo Roof Replacement
Avalon Borough Hall will experience a total roof replacement this
fall. The Avalon Borough Council has awarded a contract to D. A.
Nolt of Berlin, New Jersey to replace the aging roof on Borough Hall
that has experienced some leaks and other minor failures. The
project is expected to begin in early October. The contractor has
105 days from the Notice to Proceed to finish the project. It is
anticipated that the roof replacement will be completed before
winter.
Avalon Borough Hall to Undergo Roof Replacement
Pandemic's Legacy May Include Outdoor Dining
Restaurants were forced outside by the pandemic. The experience is
one many don't want to give up. Avalon Borough Council recently
heard plans to alter existing ordinances, allowing for more outside
dining, even in a post-pandemic world. Outdoor dining, this year,
based on exceptions to state and local laws, was the product of a
rushed process this spring when restaurants were forced to close for
everything except takeout. Avalon is reviewing that process to have
a well-thought-out plan for summer 2021. An effort is underway to
draft ordinance changes that would allow this year's best practices
to proceed, while correcting for inevitable shortcomings in policies
established quickly last spring. Much will depend on what the state
Alcohol and Beverage Commission's (ABC) does when it is not relying
on a declared health emergency as justification for temporary rules.
Pandemic's Legacy May Include Outdoor Dining
Avalon Firefighters to Get More Space
A 6,400-square-foot addition is being planned for the Avalon
firehouse. The plans for a two-story addition to the facility
include expanded footage for equipment, new staff quarters, on the
second floor, and significant renovation of the current space.
Driving the effort is the volunteer fire department's expanded role
since the firehouse was built, new responsibilities that bring with
them the need for new equipment, and added space to house it. The
need for more square footage for water rescue equipment was of
particular note in a recent presentation to Avalon Borough Council.
The new construction and renovations will also provide the borough
an opportunity to elevate portions of the structure to comply with
more recent floodplain requirements.
Avalon Firefighters to Get More Space
Intracoastal Waterway Dredging Commences to Restore Lost
Marsh Habitat
The Army Corps' contractor Barnegat Bay Dredging Company is
conducting dredging in the federal channel of the New Jersey
Intracoastal Waterway between markers 386 to 397 (west of Stone
Harbor and Avalon). Gull Island and Sturgeon Island, are low lying
marsh islands being restored to replace lost marsh habitat for
wading birds and enhance march resilience for coastal communities.
Work is estimated to continue through late October.
Intracoastal Waterway Dredging Commences to Restore Lost Marsh
Habitat on Gull Island and Sturgeon Island
Deadline for Census Self-Reporting
As the deadline to respond to the 2020 Census fast approaches, Cape
May County residents and second homeowners are urged to go online,
to call, or to complete the form sent to them by the US Census
Bureau. The deadline for this opportunity to participate as a
self-response provider is September 30. Census forms and invitations
to complete the 2020 Census were mailed to every household in March;
follow-up forms were sent in August.
Deadline for Census Self-Reporting is September 30, 2020
Avalon Free Public Library Announces Virtual Programming in
October
The Avalon Free Public Library and the Avalon History Center remain
open with limited services, and continue with virtual programming
through October via video conferencing and digital links. Visits to
both facilities will be limited to 20 minutes, masks are required to
enter and there will be a limited occupancy to support social
distancing. In addition to browsing for materials, patrons will also
have access to public computers, scan/fax and copier service for
sessions limited to 15 minutes.
Avalon Free Public Library Announces Virtual Programming in October
Reimagining Remote Learning
On September 17, The Wetlands Institute kicked off the 2020-2021
season of its Nature Education for Homeschool Students and Teachers
(NEHST) program. For nearly two decades, The Wetlands Institute has
provided homeschoolers with engaging learning experiences that
immerse them in science and nature, and encourage exploration and
discovery. Last year, the Institute restructured the NEHST program,
expanding the curriculum into three semesters -- Autumn, Winter, and
Spring. Each semester includes three monthly lessons that build upon
the semester's theme, and each monthly lesson includes classroom
instruction, outdoor activities, scientific experiments and
exploration, and related at-home extension activities that are ideal
for getting the whole family involved in a world of discovery.
The Wetlands Institute
Important Safety Message For Homes That Have Golf Carts/Low
Speed Vehicles
Under the right conditions and while charging the batteries of the
LSV (Low Speed Vehicle), potentially dangerous levels of hydrogen
gas can be released in the charging process. In order to prevent
injury and/or property damage, the Avalon Volunteer Fire Department
has put together a list of recommended precautions.
Important Safety Message For Homes That Have Golf Carts/Low Speed
Vehicles
Off Season Residential Property Check
Available to Homeowners
The Stone Harbor Police Department wants to ensure that all
homeowners are aware that off season residential property checks are
available. Since the Borough of Stone Harbor is a seasonal resort
the Police Department can routinely inspect the exterior of your
property to make sure that it is secure. This is a "Free" service
that the department offers to property owners. Any homeowner
interested in participating needs to complete an application form.
Off Season Residential Property Check
Stone Harbor Winter Trash Schedule
Stone Harbor residents and homeowners should take note that the
"Winter Trash Schedule" begins the week of September 20th. This
means that both trash and recycling are collected once per week. Not
every house is checked at this time of year. If you are normally not
here at this time of year, or just down for a weekend visit, please
call the department of Public Works at 609-368-7311 to be placed on
the collection schedule.
Stone Harbor Winter Trash Schedule
Fifteen-Year Bridge Plan
The County of Cape May, in partnership with the Cape May County
Bridge Commission, has embarked on a comprehensive fifteen-year plan
for the replacement, rehabilitation, and improvement of
County-controlled bridges. The Board of Chosen Freeholders
unanimously adopted the plan at their recent meeting, an action that
officially marks the County's commitment to the endeavor and begins
the implementation process.
The Cape May County Bridge Commission Embarks On A Fifteen-Year
Bridge Plan
Stone Harbor Home Values Continue to Rise
Stone Harbor Tax Assessor Margaret Slavin used the September 1st
Stone Harbor Borough Council meeting to keep the governing body
aware of a continued surge in property values. Slavin pointed to one
60s, split-level, bay-side home that sold for $2.9 million, in
November 2017; $3.2 million, in May 2019; and is now on the market
for $4.5 million. The borough recently conducted a municipality-wide
reevaluation for the 2018 tax year. Slavin noted that the assessed
value to market ratio for 2020, just two years after the completion
of the revaluation, was at 94.9%, showing continued market
appreciation.
Stone Harbor Home Values Continue to Rise
Night Closures Scheduled for 96th Street Bridge
in September
The 96th Street Bridge along Stone Harbor Boulevard leading into the
Borough of Stone Harbor will be undergoing the completion of
emergency repairs to the bascule span (movable span) during
nighttime hours between 8:00pm to 6:00am on September 8th -10th and
possibly September 14th -17th. The work involves painting steel
members that were replaced earlier in the summer and the
installation of additional bolts to replace deteriorated rivets.
Ideally the work will be completed in its entirely the week of
September 8th however there is the possibility that work will
continue into the week of September 14th. The completion of these
repairs will mark the end of anticipated bridge closures.
Night Closures Scheduled for 96th Street Bridge in September
Reconstruction of Ingram's Thorofare Bridge
The County of Cape May will be resuming reconstruction in
mid-September of the existing bridge deck and miscellaneous
structural repairs to the Ingram's Thorofare Bridge located along
Avalon Boulevard. The proposed work will be the second stage the
contract work which includes the rehabilitation of the existing
deteriorated concrete deck, structural steel, and pre-stressed
concrete beam repairs, beam jacking and bearing replacement at piers
9 and 13, and replacement of the existing beam guide rail approaches
with a new guide rail. Last winter and spring, the first stage of
this work progressed and included the re-decking of the eastbound
lane.
Reconstruction of Ingram's Thorofare Bridge Expected to Begin Week
of September 14th
Indoor Dining, Movie Theaters to Return
Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 183, which
establishes rules for the resumption of indoor dining on Friday,
September 4 at 6:00 a.m., provided businesses comply with the health
and safety standards issued by the Department of Health. The
Governor's Executive Order also contains requirements for movie
theaters and other indoor entertainment businesses, where the number
of patrons for a performance will be limited to 25 percent capacity,
up to a maximum of 150 people. The Governor's Order also increases
the limits for indoor gatherings that are religious services or
celebrations, political activities, wedding ceremonies, funerals, or
memorial services to 25 percent capacity with a maximum of 150
people, an increase from the current limit of 25 percent capacity
with a maximum of 100 people. Other indoor gatherings, including
house parties, remain at the limit of 25 percent capacity with a
maximum of 25 people.
Indoor Dining, Movie Theaters to Resume
Invitation: Cape May County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard
Mitigation Plan Meeting September 10th
Hear about how Cape May County is updating their hazard mitigation
plan and learn how the they are working towards a more resilient
County. The meeting will be held virtually.
Invitation: Cape May County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation
Plan Meeting September 10th
Avalon to Establish Environmental Trust Fund
Avalon Borough Council recently passed an ordinance to create a
non-lapsing Environmental Trust Fund. The fund's purpose is to house
money from builders and developers who may be obligated by the state
environmental permitting process to provide an economic benefit to
the borough. Currently, these types of funds must be used within the
boundary of a given fiscal year. The purpose of the new fund would
be to allow such contributions to accumulate for use on appropriate
projects regardless of the budget year. The ordinance specifies the
mechanism for what money is acceptable, how it is managed, and for
what projects it is used. Control over the fund rests with the
council.
Avalon Environmental Trust Fund
Stone Harbor Explores Court Consolidation
Stone Harbor Business Administrator Robert Smith requested, and
received, the assignment to devise a plan for the potential
consolidation of Stone Harbor and Avalon's municipal courts. The two
courts have some shared service arrangements in place, but they are
distinct from each other, and are located in each borough,
respectively.
Stone Harbor Explores Court Consolidation
Cape May County Hazard Mitigation Plan
The Cape May County Office of Emergency Management is leading the
update of the countywide HMP. This plan is an opportunity to detail
a variety of potential hazards that could affect some or all of our
residents and will also allow the county and participating
jurisdictions to be eligible for future mitigation funding from the
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The goal of the plan is
to identify projects that can reduce damages from future natural
hazards. The plan will include a risk assessment and a hazard
mitigation strategy. The primary hazards of concern in Cape May
County include: Climate Change and Sea Level Rise, Coastal Erosion,
Disease Outbreak, Drought, Flood, Hurricane/Tropical Storm,
Nor'Easter, Severe Storm, Severe Winter Storm, Tsunami, and
Wildfire. The study will focus on existing buildings and potential
future development, infrastructure, and critical facilities that
might be impacted. Critical facilities include but are not limited
to municipal buildings and infrastructure such as power-generation
facilities, water utilities, roadways, railroads and communication
systems.
Cape May Co. Hazard Mitigation Plan (PDF)
Stone Harbor Promotes Water Conservation As Usage Levels
Rise
July water consumption in Stone Harbor came close to exceeding the
NJDEP allocation level. Exceeding this allocation may result in
costly fines imposed by the State. To remedy this situation, the
Borough has implemented an education program to encourage water
conservation. There are many simple, individual conservation methods
that can help slow the rate of water usage overall. One of the
simplest methods of conservation with a significant impact is
monitoring the use of water in landscapes and gardens. In 2013,
watering restrictions were established (Ordinance #1429) and an
irrigation schedule was put into effect. Homeowners in Stone Harbor
should be aware that the Borough is taking measures to strictly
monitor irrigation usage to ensure compliance with these watering
restrictions. Homeowners are reminded that non-compliance will
result in a summons and fine. Homeowners should also consider using
sustainable landscaping and gardening methods as it will protect the
environment and property values.
Stone Harbor Promotes Water Conservation As Usage Levels Rise
Avalon to Replace Aging Water Meters
Avalon Borough Council recently discussed a project to replace all
of the water meters in the borough. With $2.5 million allocated in
the borough budget for the project, the municipality will begin with
an analysis of two options. Presently, the town’s water supplier,
Middlesex Water, assigns personnel to physically read each meter, a
task that can take as much as five to seven days. The new meters
would broadcast the data periodically to a passing truck with the
appropriate computer equipment, or an antenna located on the water
tower. The use of the water tower would allow the data to be
continuously updated and available via a smartphone app to the
property owners.
Avalon to Replace Aging Water Meters
Notice of Remote Access to Avalon Borough Council Meetings
The Borough Council of the Borough of Avalon will be holding all
regularly scheduled Work Sessions and Regular Meetings in the
Meeting Room within Borough Hall, located at 3100 Dune Drive,
Avalon, NJ 08202 from this point forward, unless otherwise
advertised. In attempt to contain COVID-19/coronavirus, certain
special requirements and procedures will be followed during each and
all of said meetings by Borough Council.
Notice of Remote Access to Avalon Borough Council Meetings
Ice Cream Portraits
Who's in Stone Harbor having fun and eating ice cream in the Summer
of 2020? If you are, The Stone Harbor Museum wants to put you on
their website! You will be entered into a drawing to win a tasty,
cold treat from their sponsor, Springer's Homemade Ice Cream!
Stone Harbor Museum - Photo Submission Instructions
Stone Harbor Public Works Department Update
When Stone Harbor Public Works Department Director Grant Russ gave his
monthly report to Stone Harbor Borough Council Aug. 4, he noted that the
amount of trash and recycling picked up by the borough this year
represented an increase over 2019, a one-month increase of 80 tons.
"There are a lot of people in town," Russ added. As the council heard a
report on the damage Isaias caused, Russ, again, pointed to the crowds
of residents at this time in summer. As his crews tried to pick up
debris, they had to abandon the effort because "when the storm passed,
residents came out and we had a lot of people on the streets," he said.
In Stone Harbor, the pandemic doesn't appear to have reduced the number
of second homeowners and visitors who have traveled to the borough.
Every measure of activity related to public service functions suggest
the population of the town swelled earlier than usual and has maintained
itself more continuously this year than most. The impact on the
borough's experience of the pandemic appears to have been minimal. The
beaches are crowded but spread out, with extra lifeguard stands to aid
distancing.
Activity Measures Indicate Second Homeowners Came Early, Stayed in Stone
Harbor
New Jersey School Reopening Guidelines
Information was provided to the Borough of Avalon courtesy of the
Cape May County Department of Health on Tuesday, August 11th, 2020
regarding reopening NJ schools.
Frequently Asked Questions: New Jersey School Reopening Guidelines
Goodbye Tropical Storm Isaias!
Minor damage was observed throughout the Boroughs, including wires and
trees down as well as some wind damaged homes. The storm passed quickly
and Seven Mile Island is back open for business. Come down to see us!
Stone Harbor Office of Emergency Management
The Wetlands Institute Osprey Talk
The Ospreys all made it through the storm like champions! The three
chicks look great, and are really getting big.
The Wetlands Institute Osprey Camera
Avalon Streamlines Fire Alarm Protocol
After working with leadership at the Avalon Volunteer Fire Department,
Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi has announced a new streamlined system
that will reduce the number of audible fire alarms in the municipality
by approximately 70 percent, or more. This new system is embodied in a
mayoral executive order that went into effect on Thursday, July 30th,
2020.
Avalon Streamlines Fire Alarm Protocol at Volunteer Fire Department
5th Annual SHPOA Amateur Photo Contest
The competition is open to all Stone Harbor homeowners, guests and
visitors. To take part in the contest, submit up to 3 photographs taken
while in Stone Harbor in 2020. Examples of pictures include the beaches,
ocean, bay, gardens, birds and wildlife, people and local points of
interest in Stone Harbor. All photographs must be identified with the
photo location, photographer name, address, and phone number.
Photographs must be in its true form. Photos that have been digitally
altered beyond standard optimization will be disqualified. All
photographs must be submitted by midnight August 29, 2020.
Stone Harbor Property Owner Association
Weekly Fireworks Returning to Wildwood
The Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement & Development Authority
(GWTIDA) announced that the weekly fireworks held in Wildwood would be
returning to the city, beginning Aug. 7 at 10 p.m.
Weekly Fireworks Returning to Wildwood
Avalon's 8th Street Jetty Reconstruction Project
The Avalon Borough Council received a report recently from Business
Administrator Scott Wahl and Municipal Engineer Tom Thornton regarding
the reconstruction of the 8th Street jetty. The jetty was compromised
during Winter Storm Jonas with its resiliency performance compromised
during the storm. The Borough has received a generous grant from the
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to reconstruct the jetty that
will result in greater protection for the north end, a deceleration of
sand displacement from north end beaches, and of course, a safer
recreational fishing experience.
Final Stages of Work on Avalon's 8th Street Jetty Reconstruction Project
Avalon Free Public Library Maintains Virtual Programming for
August
The Avalon Free Public Library and the Avalon History Center have
reopened with limited services, and continue with virtual programming
through August via video conferencing and digital links. Visits to both
facilities will be limited to 20 minutes, masks are required to enter
and there will be a limited occupancy to support social distancing. In
addition to browsing for materials, patrons will also have access to
public computers, scan/fax and copier service for sessions limited to 15
minutes.
Avalon Free Public Library Maintains Virtual Programming for August
Weekly COVID-19 Meetings to End,
Stone Harbor Mayor Says
For months, the county Health Department held weekly meetings with
municipal mayors to brief them on the progress in the battle against the
pandemic. At a recent Stone Harbor Council meeting, Mayor Judith Davies-Dunhour
said the Tuesday morning meetings would cease, and be held on an
as-needed basis going forward. Davies-Dunhour said the Health Department
felt the July uptick in cases was showing a downward trend. The mayor
said she also noticed more masks being worn and more social distancing
being observed by people in the business district.
Weekly COVID-19 Meetings to End
The Crafty Chef Academy Drop 'N Chop
Drop the kids off Friday nights and enjoy some alone time! Space is
limited to allow for social distancing and a thorough safety protocol is
in place! Grab your Chefs' spot today!
The
Crafty Chef Academy - Stone Harbor
Avalon Halts $9.5M Drainage Project
Avalon's north end drainage project was set to move to the final design.
The estimated $9.5 million effort was intended to relieve serious
flooding in the borough's low-lying northern portion, sometimes referred
to as the “bowl.” The project included the establishment of a much
larger stormwater pump station, at 11th Street, demolition of the
existing 22nd Street pump station, a new outfall pipe that would
traverse a path under the dunes and push out into the inlet through the
Eighth Street jetty, and an enhanced gravity pipe drainage route along
Avalon Avenue. Avalon Borough Council recently discussed a proposal from
Thomas Thornton, of Mott MacDonald, for the final design on the project.
Although the council had several reports on the project since Mayor
Martin Pagliughi announced the start of a drainage study for the north
end in 2017, the project's price tag was always a hurdle. Early
estimates, beginning with a 2018 public presentation, were consistently
high. By fall 2019, new recommendations were being developed by the
engineering firm, including using one larger pump station at 11th Street
and expanding the use of gravity systems. In the end, the redesign
didn't accomplish any reduction in the estimated price. At the July 8
meeting, the governing body halted the project.
Avalon Halts $9.5M Drainage Project
The Great Stone Harbor Art & Writing Contest
The Stone Harbor Museum is hosting two contests for young and old alike;
an art contest and a writing contest. Let your heart and your creativity
guide your hand to create images and memories that will be celebrated
this year and archived for the future. Due to overwhelming interest in
the contest, the deadline for the Art and Writing Contest has been
extended to August 12th, giving you even more time to showcase your
talents and love of Stone Harbor!
The Great Stone Harbor Art & Writing Contest
Pedestrians Now Welcome
on Cape May-Lewes Ferry
Foot passengers are now welcome on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry following a
months-long prohibition. The ferry's operator, Delaware River and Bay
Authority, enacted a ban on pedestrians in March in an attempt to slow
the spread of COVID-19, while vehicle transit continued. The Delaware
River and Bay Authority announced the restart of foot passenger
operations on July 15th.
Pedestrians Now Welcome on Cape May-Lewes Ferry
Late Evening/Overnight Hours - Avalon's Beaches & Boardwalk
Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi has issued municipal executive order
2020-15 that results in the closure of the Avalon beaches from
9:00pm-4:00am daily, and boardwalk from 11:00pm until 4:00am daily. The
closure of the beaches and the boardwalk during this time attempts to
remove and disperse large groups of minors who are gathering in these
locations and violating municipal and state executive orders that
require social distancing and the wearing of masks. The order also
reinforces Avalon’s current municipal ordinance 9-6.9, amended in 2000,
that maintains peaceful gatherings on the municipal beach.
Avalon To Close Beaches, Boardwalk During Late Evening/Overnight Hours
5G Rollout Could Bring More Poles to Stone Harbor
During a recent Zoom meeting, Stone Harbor Borough Council set in motion
the development of a plan to give the municipality some control over the
distribution of 5G cell technology across the borough. The major cell
carriers have been moving expeditiously to establish small cell nodes to
relieve congestion in their large cell 4G infrastructure and to prepare
for a more robust set of offering when 5G technology is fully deployed.
5G is more than just the next generation of cell technology. It promises
to revolutionize the speed and capacity of cellular networks. To do
this, it requires a very different infrastructure of distributed small
cell node equipment on utility polls close to areas of use.
5G Rollout Could Bring More Poles to Stone Harbor
Spring 2020 Municipal Oceanfront Beach
Survey
The spring 2020 municipal oceanfront beach survey was completed on April
15th and 16th at the eight established sites in Stone Harbor. The
Stockton University Coastal Research Center (CRC) completed the first of
two scheduled seasonal surveys for 2020. Semi-annual shoreline and sand
volume changes were calculated between survey #55 (conducted in October
2019) and survey #56 to determine changes over the 2019 to 2020 winter
season and review changes to the Corps project on the Borough beaches.
Spring 2020 Municipal Oceanfront Beach Survey
McCorristin Named New President
of Avalon Borough Council
John McCorristin is the new President of the Avalon Borough Council.
Council held its official reorganization meeting on Monday, July 6th.
McCorristin assumes the presidency from Dr. Nancy Hudanich. It is
customary for Council to rotate the leadership of the governing body on
an annual basis. Barbara Juzaitis was named Vice President of Council.
Both McCorristin and Juzaitis were approved with unanimous 4-0 votes,
with one abstention during each vote.
McCorristin Named New President of Avalon Borough Council
Notice for July, 2020 Meetings - Avalon
The Borough Council of the Borough of Avalon will be holding all
regularly scheduled Work Sessions and Regular Meetings in the Meeting
Room within Borough Hall, located at 3100 Dune Drive, Avalon, NJ 08202
from this point forward, unless otherwise advertised. Certain special
requirements and procedures will be followed during each and all of said
meetings by Borough Council, visit the Borough's site to learn more:
Notice for July, 2020 Meetings of the Avalon Borough Council
New Jersey Now Requires Masks
Outdoors in Many Instances
Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 163, which requires
individuals to wear face coverings in outdoor public spaces when it is
not practicable to socially distance and keep a six-foot distance from
others, excluding immediate family members, caretakers, household
members, or romantic partners, except where doing so would inhibit that
individual’s health, where the individual is under two years of age, or
in situations where individuals cannot feasibly wear a face covering,
such as when eating or drinking at outdoor dining areas.
New Jersey Now Requires Masks Outdoors in Many Instances
A Taste of July 4th From The Bay Atlantic Symphony
Due to concerns over social distancing and crowds, Avalon's Bay Atlantic
Symphony concert and fireworks will not be held this year. However,
please see a special message from Symphony Conductor Jed Gaylin who is
pleased to introduce to you some patriotic selections from recent
Symphony concerts.
A
Taste of July 4th From The Bay Atlantic Symphony
Work Continues on Avalon Jetty
Under almost all circumstances, normal practice is that public
construction projects are completed before Independence Day, or they are
stopped and resumed in the fall. The Eighth Street jetty project will be
allowed to extend three weeks into July. Avalon Borough Council agreed
to the extension at its June 24th meeting, after Borough Engineer Thomas
Thornton described the remaining work as “low intensity” and unlikely to
be a great disruption to beachgoers.
Work Continues on Avalon Jetty
The Wetlands Institute Reopens
The Wetlands Institute reopened on Wednesday, July 1, and will be open
daily from 9:30-4:30! They are working hard to put procedures in place
to keep both visitors and staff safe & healthy, and we will be ready to
welcome you back!
The Wetlands
Institute Reopens
Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order Temporarily Pausing the
Resumption of Indoor Dining
Governor Phil Murphy recently signed Executive Order No. 158,
temporarily pausing the resumption of indoor dining, which had been
scheduled to resume later this week. The Order also prohibits the
consumption of food or beverages and smoking in the indoor premises of
any retail, recreational, or entertainment business, including casinos,
where masks are strictly required. The Order notes that there is an
exception for health and safety, such as an individual briefly removing
their mask to drink water. In light of this Order, the Department of
Health issued an updated Executive Directive for food and beverage
establishments, which will be continue to be restricted to in-person
service at outdoor areas only.
Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order Temporarily Pausing the Resumption
of Indoor Dining
Dining on 7 Mile Island
Although indoor dining is postponed, you can still enjoy dining in
Avalon and Stone Harbor. Check out a list of some of the great places to
dine outdoors, get takeout or delivery, and support our local
businesses!
7 Mile Island Restaurants Open for Outdoor Dining, Takeout and Delivery
Some Avalon Municipal Buildings
Open to Public Monday, July 6th
Some public buildings in Avalon will open to the public Monday, July
6th, according to Mayor Martin Pagliughi. Avalon municipal employees
have been working on shifts/remote locations during the pandemic to
conduct the essential business for our community. All staff started
working inside municipal buildings on Monday, June 29th. Avalon
Community Hall will remain closed until further notice. It will be open
for the primary election on Tuesday, July 7th. The only access to Avalon
Borough Hall will be through the front doors that face Dune Drive. Side
entrances/exits will remain closed. For your protection and safety,
Avalon public buildings will have a strict “No mask, no entry policy”
and social distancing will be in place; please wear a mask for entry
into any Avalon municipal buildings.
Some Avalon Municipal Buildings Open to Public Monday, July 6th
Reminder: Plastic Bags Cannot Be Part of Your Recycling
Container/Recycling Waste Stream
The Avalon Department of Public Works reminds you that plastic bags
cannot be part of the recycling trash stream in Cape May County. This
County participates in single stream recycling, where all clean
recyclables can go into one container. However, if your container
contains plastic bags, it will not be collected by Avalon's trash and
recycling contractor.
Reminder: Plastic Bags Cannot Be Part of Your Recycling
Container/Recycling Waste Stream
Indoor Dining to Resume July 2nd
The Jersey Shore will receive another economic boost next month. Gov.
Phil Murphy announced that indoor dining can resume at 25% capacity July
2nd. The governor stated that health guidelines for both will be
released in the coming days. In a separate announcement, Murphy added
that the limit on outdoor gatherings will increase to 250 people,
effective immediately, and indoor gatherings are limited to 25% of
capacity, but can't exceed 100 people.
Indoor Dining to Resume July 2nd
Stone Harbor Recreation
Stone Harbor Recreation is happy to announce Youth Sport Clinics and
Youth Arts & Crafts will be starting July 6th and run till August 14th!
Property owner registration started June 22nd. Non Property owners June
26th.
Stone Harbor
Recreation
Flood Mitigation Projects Planned
Stone Harbor Borough Council recently discussed major projects that are
a part of the big picture response to flooding and rising seas. One
effort involved the construction of a stormwater pump station at 93rd
Street, which comes with an estimated price tag of $11 million. Another
is a set of changes to the borough's lot grading ordinance. If adopted,
the ordinance changes would drive private property owners to meet
specifications that would facilitate an eventual borough action to raise
streets to 6 or 6.5 feet.
Flood Mitigation Projects Planned
Avalon Looks to Further Lower Flood Insurance Costs
Just over one month ago, Avalon property owners could take advantage of
a 10% reduction in federal flood insurance premiums. Avalon and Sea Isle
City earned coveted level three status in Federal Emergency Management
Agency's (FEMA) Community Rating System. That level earns a 35%
discount, up from the 25% property owners previously enjoyed. Avalon
jumped from level five to level three in one review cycle, moving into
rarified air in the FEMA program. What got them there was a relentless
search for ways to improve the borough's resiliency, to keep its
property owners as informed as possible on the national flood programs,
and to engage in a seemingly never-ending set of projects to mitigate
the potential effects of flooding on the barrier island. The borough is
setting its sights on moving up again.
Avalon Looks to Further Lower Flood Insurance Costs
Library Porch Pick Up Service
The Avalon Free Public Library offers contactless borrowing via Porch
Pick Up. This service allows patrons to borrow library materials without
entering the building. Library buildings are still closed to the public
but the State of New Jersey is now allowing them to operate curbside
service. Pickup times will occur from 10am-6pm Monday through Friday and
10am-1pm on Saturday and Sunday. All pick ups must be scheduled in
advance. The last pick up slot each day will be 30 minutes before
closing.
Avalon Free Public Library
Countywide Library Curbside Pickup
The Cape May County Library will begin curbside pickups June 29. As
outlined in Gov. Phil Murphy's orders, patrons are currently not allowed
inside any library building, but curbside pickups are permitted.
Contactless pickups will be located near the main entrance of each
library branch. Patrons will be required to wear a face mask while
picking up items. Staff will begin contacting patrons June 22 to arrange
contactless pickup of holds that were filled before the library closed.
These items have been located safely on the holds shelves since
temporarily closing in March.
Countywide Library Curbside Pickup
Limits Lifted on Indoor & Outdoor Gatherings, Pools to Open June
22, Additional Outdoor Recreational Businesses to Open
Governor Phil Murphy signed two executive orders: 1) raising limits on
outdoor and indoor gatherings; and 2) opening pools effective June 22
and additional outdoor recreational businesses effective immediately.
Under Executive Order No. 152, effective immediately, indoor gatherings
are limited to 25 percent of the capacity of the room, but regardless of
the room's capacity, such limit shall never be less than 10 or more than
50 people. All attendees at the gathering must wear face coverings,
unless for a medical reason or if the individual is under 2 years old,
individuals must remain six feet apart at all times, and physical items
may not be shared by multiple attendees of the same gathering unless
sanitized before and after uses.
Limits Lifted on Indoor and Outdoor Gatherings, Pools to Open June 22,
and Additional Outdoor Recreational Businesses to Open
Avalon's Activities Rescheduled
At a recent virtual Avalon Borough Council meeting, Business
Administrator Scott Wahl announced the reestablishment of some programs
that the borough closed before Gov. Phil Murphy increased the number of
people who could participate in outside gatherings. Wahl said beach
movies would begin again July 7. The borough's sports camps for
non-contact sports will start June 22. Tennis and pickleball courts were
reopened June 15. Wahl said that the new increased limits for outside
gatherings, even if they continued to expand in the direction the
governor suggested, would still be too constraining for Independence Day
fireworks or the traditional Bay Symphony Concert. Those events were not
able to be restored.
Avalon's Activities Rescheduled
Avalon Public Works Rebuilds Beach Access Ramp, Major Repairs To
Boardwalk
Avalon Department of Public Works has built a beautiful new access ramp
to the 30th Street beach. The ramp was completely rebuilt with new
pilings and a wider pedestrian surface for public safety and ease of
access to the beach. Additionally, the carpenters at Public Works have
replaced literally thousands of boards on the Avalon Boardwalk, one by
one, to provide a very safe and enjoyable experience. While carpenters
focused on these projects, the rest of the staff worked hard to get the
Borough ready for another summer of fun in Avalon.
Avalon Public Works Rebuilds Beach Access Ramp, Major Repairs To
Boardwalk
Jitney's Back in Avalon
The jitney service will return to Avalon for the summer. At one of the
virtual gatherings of Avalon's governing body, Business Administrator
Scott Wahl briefed Avalon Borough Council on the altered parameters for
the jitney service this year. Explaining that the drivers are
independent operators whose revenues have to, at least, cover their
expenses for fuel and tolls, Wahl said that shared ride services, like
Uber and Lyft, eroded the customer base for the jitneys, especially on
slow weekdays after weekend crowds departed. Wahl and Assistant
Administrator James Waldron explained that the new contract provisions
with the Jitney Association required service Friday through Sunday, and
left Thursday optional depending on projected use at various times
during the summer. Part of the uncertainty is caused by the inability to
project visitor volume in the summer, with the recent health concerns.
What is certain is that jitney weekend service on Seven Mile Island will
return.
Jitney's Back in Avalon
Avalon Free Public Library Enters Phase 2 of Reopening Plans
The Library has entered phase 2 of their reopening plans; book drops are
open and more services will be coming soon. During this phase, staff are
returning to the facilities to prepare for new on-site services and
address building needs for working during COVID-19. You can begin
returning materials via the library book drops. All materials will be
quarantined for 72 hours before being checked in. Once they are ready to
begin accepting requests for Porch Pick Up and enter Phase 3, they will
make an announcement via regular print and online channels.
Avalon Free
Public Library
Stone Harbor Farmers Market
The Stone Harbor Farmers Market will be back for another great summer!
Starting June 21st, vendors will be offering fresh produce and flowers,
specialty food and drink, baked goods, spices and sauces, artisan cheese
and even pet treats! Please note: a face-covering is required for
entrance and social distancing of 6' must be maintained. Every Sunday
from 8:00am - 12:30pm at 95th and 2nd Streets.
Stone Harbor Farmers Market
Cape May County Zoo Reopens
In yet another welcome sign of recovery, the Cape May County Zoo opened
its gates to visitors June 13 for the first time in three months.
According to earlier reports, the zoo's 550-plus animals, representing
over 250 species, were well cared for by the zoo's staff of caregivers
and veterinarians during the hiatus, but missed the stimulation that
comes with being star attractions for many in the region. Before the
opening, Associate Veterinarian Dr. Alex Ernst said, "We have these
animals here for the public to make a connection with them and to
hopefully realize they are worth saving and conserving. That is our
mission, and we are finally able to get back to that." Throngs of people
streamed through the gates of the zoo, as is a traditional rite of
summer for so many families, both residents and visitors. Cars waited to
access the zoo premises and parking lots in locations more remote from
the gates were filled.
Visitors Return to Reopened Zoo
Cape May County Expands Well-Received 'Social Distance
Ambassadors' Initiative
An initiative to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in Cape May County
coastal communities has been successful and will expand into July,
officials said. Before Memorial Day weekend, Cape May County deployed
"social distancing ambassadors" throughout high volume areas, including
boardwalks. The initiative, dubbed "Six Feet Saves," intends to remind
people to keep their distance to help slow the spread while also
distributing educational information and face masks. The
representatives, comprised of volunteer Medical Reserve Corps members
and Cape May County Health Department staff, focus on positive
reinforcement for people that are properly socially distancing and
wearing masks.
Cape May County Expands Well-Received 'Social Distance Ambassadors'
Initiative
Notice of Night Closures for 96th Street Bridge
The 96th Street Bridge along Stone Harbor Boulevard leading into the
Borough of Stone Harbor will be undergoing emergency repairs to the
bascule span (movable span) during nighttime hours beginning on Monday,
June 8. Work will proceed Monday through Thursday nights between 8:00 pm
to 6:00 am. 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 6:00 am each workday and remain opened until 8:00 pm that
night. There are no anticipated closures on Fridays through Sundays
during the construction phase. The contractor anticipates that the
emergency work will be completed by June 25 barring any unforeseen
complications.
Notice of Night Closures for 96th Street Bridge
County Extends Work on Avalon Boulevard in Middle Township
Through June 17th
Portions of Avalon Boulevard (C.R. 601) will have temporary lane
closures next week as construction crews perform temporary and permanent
patching of deck spalls located along the Ingram's and Leonard's
Thorofare bridges. The lane closures will occur June 8 thru 11 and June
15 thru June 17. The anticipated hours of closure will be from 8:00am to
4:00pm on those days. Both lanes of the roadway will be reopened at the
end of the day. During the closure, traffic will alternate around the
construction zone using flaggers or a temporary traffic signal. The road
will not be closed, however, motorists should expect delays. Motorist
are urged to drive with caution through the construction zone for their
safety and the safety of the workers.
County Extends Work on Avalon Boulevard in Middle Township Through June
17th
Summer Nature Program Adventure Chest
This summer, The Wetlands Institute will be launching a brand new Summer
Nature Program Adventure Chest. Over the course of nine weeks, they will
offer a once weekly Summer Nature Program Adventure Chest, for ages 4-7
and 8-13, available for curbside pickup or mail to your door, filled
with arts and crafts, activities and artifacts, things to do and places
to go, as well as easy instructions and live-session virtual components
with our educators, allowing your child to explore deeper the nature
theme of the week. A few of the exciting nature themes to look forward
to this summer: The Magic, Mystery, and Wonder of Nature, Whatever
Floats your Boat, Overnight and Under the Sun, The Forces of Nature,
Marine Mammal Soundings, and What Color is Nature?
The Wetlands Institute
Health Department Issues Guidelines for Summer Youth Camps
New Jersey's Department of Health issued COVID-19 health and safety
guidelines for summer youth camps following Gov. Phil Murphy's executive
order allowing operations beginning July 6. According to a release, the
opening of youth day camps will provide New Jersey families who need
childcare services with a viable option in addition to traditional
childcare centers. The guidelines provide procedures for camp operators
to implement health and safety standards for staff and campers, such as
screening, hygiene, social distancing and staff/camper ratios. Executive
Order 149, signed by Murphy, allows the resumption of childcare
services, youth day camps and organized sports.
Health Department Issues Guidelines for Summer Youth Camps
Enjoy The Water Safely
Being on a paddlecraft (kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard), boaters
enjoy the feel of closeness with the water, the sun and the waves. So
it's not unusual for people to go out on a paddlecraft without a life
jacket. But that's no excuse not to wear a life jacket on the water!
Federal law states that all paddlecraft must carry one Coast Guard
approved wearable life jacket for each person aboard. Though it is not
required that adults wear a life jacket, one should be worn at all times
when the vessel is underway. Children 12 and under must wear a life
jacket when aboard any boat underway. A wearable life jacket can save
your life, but only if you wear it.
Enjoy The Water Safely
New Jersey to Enter Stage II of Restart and Recovery on June
15th
As part of his restart and recovery plan, "The Road Back: Restoring
Economic Health Through Public Health," Governor Phil Murphy announced
that New Jersey will enter Stage Two on June 15, 2020. Guided by strict
protocols from the New Jersey Department of Health, as well as input
from the Governor's Restart and Recovery Commission and complementary
Advisory Councils, Stage Two will include outdoor dining for restaurants
and indoor, non-essential retail as of June 15th. Beginning on June
22nd, barber shops and salons will be able to reopen. In the period to
follow, New Jersey will work toward the gradual opening of personal
care, gyms, and health clubs, at reduced capacities as the stage
progresses. All of these activities will be allowed pursuant to strict
health and safety guidelines that will be issued in the coming days. New
Jersey ended maximum restrictions and moved to Stage One on May 18,
2020.
New Jersey to Enter Stage II of Restart and Recovery on June 15th
Stone Harbor to Allow Outdoor Retail Sales for Non-Essential
Businesses Starting June 3rd
At their June 2nd meeting, Stone Harbor Borough Council approved a
resolution that will allow temporary, outdoor retail sales for
non-essential businesses starting June 3rd. These outdoor sales may
occur daily 9 am - 9 pm from June 3 through June 14. Indoor retail sales
can resume on June 15th. This action provides much needed relief to
non-essential businesses who were unable to open their businesses to the
public during the recent crisis.
Stone Harbor to Allow Outdoor Retail Sales for Non-Essential Businesses
Starting June 3rd
Avalon Creates Program for Outdoor Dining/Retail for 2020 Summer
Season
Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi has signed municipal Executive Order
2020-09 that permits an expansion of outdoor dining, and outdoor retail,
for the 2020 season. These opportunities are provided to merchants as a
way to help recover from the restrictions created by the pandemic and
various subsequent state executive orders. This executive order allows
both retail businesses and restaurants to use, when possible and
practical, private property adjacent to their deeded business and the
public Right of Way (essentially, Borough sidewalk) for outdoor retail
and outdoor dining. The process requires an application to be made to
the Zoning Officer that includes the insurance certificate that is
required by the order.
Avalon Creates Program for Outdoor Dining/Retail for 2020 Summer Season
A Message from the Department of Public Works
The Stone Harbor Department of Public Works is asking for the patience
of homeowners, residents and visitors as they begin the task of safely
opening the town for the summer season. Please understand that the
consequences of COVID-19 have resulted in a severe decrease of available
DPW staff. Additionally, the Borough is tasked with following rigorous
safety protocols instituted by the State of New Jersey, to ensure the
health and wellness of the public as we begin to restore services in
full.
A Message from the Department of Public Works
Borough Hall to Re-Open For Appointments Only
After careful consideration, Stone Harbor has opened its doors to the
public beginning Monday, June 1. Visitation will be by appointment only.
In order to ensure the public health and safety of all visitors and
employees, conditions will apply.
Borough Hall to Re-Open For Appointments Only (PDF)
Stone Harbor Tennis and Pickleball Courts to Re-Open with
Restrictions
Pickleball & Tennis Facilities at 82nd & 97th Street partially reopened
June 1st, 2020. The partial opening measures comply with current State
and Borough social distancing practices. They will operate on a
reservation only basis and ask that you do not show up without a
reservation to ensure no more than 25 individuals will be at the
facility at any given time. At 82nd Street, both Pickleball & the hard
tennis courts will operate at 50% capacity (Every other court). Har-Tru
will not be available at this time. At 97th Street, the same policy will
be followed for the synthetic turf tennis courts.
Stone Harbor Tennis and Pickleball Courts to Re-Open with Restrictions
Avalon Partially Open Pickleball, Tennis Operations
Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi has amended his executive order regulating
access to public facilities to include a limited opening of the
Borough's popular pickleball and tennis courts. The amendment to the
order took effect Monday, June 1st. Facilities at both 8th Street and
39th Street will partially reopen per the Mayor's directive. The partial
opening measures comply with current State and Borough social distancing
practices. The new policy will permit both facilities to open with
separation of one vacant court between courts that will open. At 39th
Street, both hard and soft courts are established in banks of three
courts per area. The courts in the middle of each bank will remain
closed for social distancing separation. At no time will more than 25
individuals be playing on the courts. At 8th Street, the same policy
will be followed for tennis courts. And, five pickleball courts will be
available while five will remain closed for player separation.
Avalon Partially Open Pickleball, Tennis Operations
Notice of Meeting Change Avalon Borough Council
The Borough Council of the Borough of Avalon will not be holding the
scheduled Work Sessions and Regular Meetings of June 10th and June 24th
in the regularly scheduled manner. Said public meetings will be held via
telephone conference call, as allowed by A-3850. Any interested member
of the public may join the conference call.
Notice of Meeting Change Avalon Borough Council - June, 2020
Avalon Wants Faster Internet, Seeks Provider
Borough Council approved initiating a new bid process for
telecommunication providers who want to place a small cell network
antenna on a borough-owned tower. The result of the placement would be
an increased capacity for data transmission in the business district and
surrounding streets. The move to lease the space began when Verizon
approached the borough earlier this year, asking to place antennas on
the municipal radio tower, located next to Borough Hall. A necessary
change in technical specifications led to a new bid process.
Avalon Wants Faster Internet, Seeks Service Provider
Temporary Road Closure on Avalon Boulevard
Temporary lane closures along portions of Avalon Boulevard continue this
week as construction crews perform temporary and permanent patch work
along the Ingram's and Leonard's thorofare bridges. The lane closures
will occur from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. through June 4th. Both lanes of the
roadway will be reopened at the end of the day.
Temporary Road Closure on Avalon Boulevard
Notice of Night Closures for 96th Street Bridge
The 96th Street Bridge along Stone Harbor Boulevard leading into the
Borough of Stone Harbor will be undergoing emergency repairs to the
bascule span (movable span) during nighttime hours beginning on Monday,
June 8. Work will proceed Monday through Thursday nights between 8:00 pm
to 6:00 am. 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 6:00 am each workday and remain opened until 8:00 pm that
night. There are no anticipated closures on Fridays through Sundays
during the construction phase. The contractor anticipates that the
emergency work will be completed by June 25 barring any unforeseen
complications.
Notice of Night Closures for 96th Street Bridge
It's Terrapin Nesting Season!
Mothers and hatchlings are active on the roads now, or will be soon, so
take extra care when driving. If you do encounter adults or hatchlings,
it's best to leave them where they are unless they're in immediate
danger (on the road, for example). If you have to move one from the
road, move it in the direction it's crossing if it's safe to do so -
never put yourself in harm's way. And remember, never take any wild
turtle as a pet or move one to a different location.
It's Terrapin Nesting Season!
Short Term Rentals to Commence Immediately
Avalon, NJ - Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi announced that he is amending
his executive order that regulates short term rentals per a resolution
approved by the Cape May County Board of Chosen Freeholders on Tuesday,
May 26th. Short term rentals were previously allowable on Monday, June
1st; they now can begin immediately. Long term, seasonal rentals were
allowable as of May 11, 2020.
Stone Harbor, NJ - After careful consideration, and in accordance with
the latest resolution passed by the Cape May County Board of Chosen
Freeholders, the Borough of Stone Harbor will allow for the commencement
of short rentals, effective immediately. Yesterday the Freeholders took
the steps to allow local municipalities to decide their own date to
commence short term rentals and the Borough of Stone Harbor has taken
the opportunity to react accordingly. Short term rentals, of under 30
days, including hotels and motels, may commence immediately. Hotels may
operate at up to 60% capacity until June 21st. Hotels may begin
operating at up to 100% capacity beginning June 22nd.
More Information:
Avalon | Stone
Harbor
Special Memorial Day Video
Memorial Day events hosted by American Legion Post #331 and the Borough
usually begin the summer season in Avalon. Sadly, this year due to
social distancing regulations, the parade and the ensuing ceremony could
not happen. Avalon paid tribute to the brave men and women who made the
ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy today, and to our Legion
members with whom we proudly stand shoulder to shoulder to support with
a very special tribute video. This video captures what Memorial Day is
really about in Avalon, and throughout the United States. We are honored
to feature several of the veterans who live on the 7 Mile Beach from
Post #331.
Special Memorial Day Video - Avalon
Gov. Murphy Increases Number Of People For Outdoor Gatherings In
New Jersey To 25
Gov. Phil Murphy recently announced that he is signing an executive
order that increases the number of people allowed at outdoor gatherings
from 10 to 25, but with strict social distancing guidelines still in
place. Murphy said the new directive on outdoor gatherings does not
include dining. He also made it clear the 10-person limit for indoor
gatherings remains unchanged. The governor added recreational
campgrounds, both public and private, are open effective immediately.
Gov. Murphy Increases Number Of People For Outdoor Gatherings In New
Jersey To 25
Temporary Lane Closures on Avalon Boulevard
Beginning this week, there will be a temporary lane closure along
portions of Avalon Boulevard (C.R. 601) as construction crews perform
permanent patching of deck spalls located along the Graven's, Ingram's
and Leonard's Thorofare bridges. The lane closures will occur on May
28th, June 1st and June 2nd.
Temporary Lane Closures on Avalon Boulevard
Avalon Volunteer Fire Department T-Shirts
The 2020 AVFD collector's t-shirt is available NOW for sale at the fire
station. Stop by to get yours. (Station is manned after 7pm, curbside
sales only). Adult sizes $20; Kids shirts $15.
Avalon Volunteer Fire Department
Stone Harbor To Allow Full Access to Beaches, With
Some Restrictions, for Memorial Day Weekend
The Borough of Stone Harbor is pleased to announce that on Friday, May
22nd their beaches will be open for the enjoyment of all residents and
visitors. Stone Harbor beaches will be open for passive and active
purposes, which now includes the use of beach chairs and blankets.
However, due to Governor Murphy's recent executive order, organized
games, contact sports, sports camps, and special events are prohibited
on the beach. Additionally, included in the new guidelines from the
Governor are the requirements of capacity management and social
distancing. Protocols for capacity management are currently under review
and are forthcoming. Residents and visitors will be trusted to adhere to
the same social distancing practices that are already in place in all
aspects of our lives. The Borough asks that you follow any direction
provided as it remains necessary to protect everyone's health and
safety.
Stone Harbor To Allow Full Access to Beaches, With Some Restrictions,
for Memorial Day Weekend
Updated Avalon Information-Facilities,
Beaches, Boardwalk, Event Cancellations, Rescheduled Services, Meetings,
Payments, and More!
Starting Friday, May 22nd, passive recreation including beach chairs,
blankets, and sunbathing is permissible. Starting Friday, May 22nd
lifeguards will be on duty for the summer. The Avalon Beach Tag Booth
remains closed until further notice. No beach tags will be required on
Avalon's beaches until Friday, July 3rd. Preseason beach tag rates are
effective until June 30th, 2020; the preseason rate is $25. Social
distancing is both required and mandated this summer on the Avalon
beaches by gubernatorial and mayoral executive orders. Families who come
to the beach should remain at least six feet apart from other blankets
and chairs. Face masks are strongly encouraged this summer. Avalon
Police will be patrolling the beaches to encourage social distancing
among guests.
Updated Avalon Information-Facilities, Beaches, Boardwalk, Event
Cancellations, Rescheduled Services, Meetings, Payments, and More!
Avalon Beach Ambassadors to Help With Social
Distancing, Beach Tag Policies Memorial Day Weekend
It's hard to keep up with the new rules and regulations in the State of
New Jersey this season. Avalon will have beach ambassadors at select
beach paths during Memorial Day weekend to help spread the information
about their beaches. The ambassadors will be handing out two-sided post
cards at select beach paths to spread the message. One side discusses
the requirements for social distancing on the beach, and the strong
recommendation for face masks. The other side discusses beach tag
policies.
Avalon Beach Ambassadors to Help With Social Distancing, Beach Tag
Policies Memorial Day Weekend
Seasonal Beach Tags
Seasonal beach tags are available via mail, smartphone app or in person
at some locations.
Avalon |
Stone Harbor
Charter Boat Fishing, Watercraft Rentals Now Both
Permissible in New Jersey
Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 146, which allows
charter fishing services and for-hire vessel activities, as well as
watercraft rental businesses, to open May 17th, with required social
distancing measures.
Charter Boat Fishing, Watercraft Rentals Now Both Permissible in New
Jersey
New Executive Order Allows Curbside Pick-Up for
Non-Essential Retail, Allows Non-Essential Construction
As part of New Jersey's Road Back, Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive
Order No. 142, permitting the resumption of non-essential construction,
curbside pickup at non-essential retail businesses, and car gatherings
for the purpose of drive-through and drive-in events. The construction
and non-essential retail provisions took effect at 6:00 a.m. on Monday,
May 18, while the car gatherings provision took effect last week.
New Executive Order Allows Curbside Pick-Up for Non-Essential Retail,
Allows Non-Essential Construction
Avalon, Be Counted! 2020 Census
The Census 2020 effort is underway, and Avalon, they want you to be
counted! If you are a resident or property owner in Avalon, there are
many benefits to being counted in the United States Census. They
understand there are so many other matters to consider these days, but
be sure you fill out your census form, it takes only a few minutes!
Avalon, Be Counted! 2020 Census Effort is Underway
New Code Red System Provides Subscribers Direct
Access to Weather Alerts
The Borough of Stone Harbor's Code Red Emergency Notification System has
been updated, and the new improvement allows residents and visitors to
sign up to receive weather alerts directly from the National Weather
Service. When severe weather strikes, seconds can make a difference in
how people prepare and respond. These automatic notifications deliver
another layer of preparedness and protection in an extreme weather
situation. Weather warnings are launched moments after a bulletin is
issued by the National Weather Service directly to the public.
New Code Red System Provides Subscribers Direct Access to Weather Alerts
Ultimate Bucket List For New Jerseyans Who Are
Obsessed With Nature
If you love nature, you're in luck - New Jersey has plenty to enjoy.
Here is a bucket list full of fun, outdoor activities that every Garden
Stater should try. In addition to the Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary, there
are other local sites and many statewide, so feel free to pick and
choose what works best for you! There's something for everyone, from the
avid hiker to the casual kayaker, to the person who adores nature…from a
distance.
Ultimate Bucket List For New Jerseyans Who Are Obsessed With Nature
Cash Toll Collection Resumes On The GSP
After nearly two months, cash toll collection returned to the Garden
State Parkway and the New Jersey Turnpike this week. The New Jersey
Turnpike Authority announced in late March that cash toll payment would
be temporarily suspended to reduce the spread of coronavirus. While
there was no change for E-ZPass users, those without transponders
received a bill in the mail.
Cash Toll Collection Resumes On The Garden State Parkway
May 11th: Mayor's Letter Regarding Second
Homeowners, Outside Retail/Dining
Avalon continues to provide best practices and guidance as they navigate
through executive orders that come from the Governor's office. There is
no travel ban on New Jersey roadways, and individuals may come to their
second home in Avalon. Follow strict social distancing guidelines/safety
practices and understand that for now, many of the amenities and
businesses are not yet open. Additionally, the Borough has recently
received guidance from their insurance carrier on how to legally and
safely permit outside dining and retail this summer adjacent to
businesses.
May 11th: Mayor's Letter Regarding Second Homeowners, Outside
Retail/Dining
May 8th: Letter from Mayor Pagliughi / Short Term, Transient
Rental Policy
The Cape May County Board of Chosen Freeholders approved a resolution
that establishes an allowable schedule of seasonal and short term
rentals in our County. It is up to each individual community to adopt,
reject, or modify the suggested schedule for these rentals. Seasonal
rentals may begin as early as May 11th. The schedule also allows both
transient rentals of less than 30 days, and hotel/motel rentals of a
maximum occupancy of 60%, to begin on June 1st, and full motel/hotel
occupancy allowable on June 22nd.
May 8th: Letter from Mayor Pagliughi / Short Term, Transient Rental
Policy
Stone Harbor Adopts 2 Bond Ordinances
The Stone Harbor Borough Council adopted two bond ordinances, totaling
$14.6 million. The general-purpose bond ordinance, for $10.3 million,
includes funding to improve storm water drainage facilities, new heavy
equipment for the Public Works Department, road work in various borough
locations, and $4.1 million for a new Beach Patrol building and public
restroom facilities, at 95th Street and the beach, along with street
work, parking, signage and other external improvements incidental to the
new structures. The second bond ordinance, for $4.4 million, is directed
at various water and sewer system improvements, including infrastructure
repairs and water meter upgrades.
Stone Harbor Adopts 2 Bond Ordinances
Avalon Beach Tags
A letter from Mayor Pagliughi regarding beach tags and procedures:
May 7th: Letter from Mayor Regarding Beach Tags and Procedures
Stone Harbor Beach Tags
Information on the extension of pre-season pricing:
Stone Harbor Beach Tags
Cape May County-Wide Recovery Initiative
The Cape May County Board of Chosen Freeholders created a Business
Recovery Task Force, Co-Chaired by Freeholder Vice-Director Len
Desiderio and Freeholder Will Morey. Over a dozen members of the
business community volunteered their time and talents and all sixteen of
Cape May County's Mayors were made a part of what has become the Cape
May County-Wide Recovery Initiative. The Recovery Initiative, in
consultation with health care professionals and with respect for the
orders and directives of the Governor, crafted a proposal that is
focused on four main topics for the Governor's consideration.
Cape May County-Wide Recovery Initiative
Social Distance Ambassadors
Cape May County Department of Health is proud to announce their social
distance campaign, Six Feet Saves. Six Feet Saves is an educational
campaign whereby Social Distance Ambassadors will be monitoring high
volume areas, such as boardwalks, to remind individuals to keep their
six feet, and to give educational materials on how to prevent being
exposed.
Social Distance Ambassadors are Coming to your Community
Let's Give The Birds A Big Hand
At some point in your day, stop for a moment. If you can, open a window
or step outside. Do you feel it? There's a change in the air. It carries
the breath of spring and the promise of warm, sunny days, evening light,
and renewal. There's something else, though, and for many it fills the
air with a sense of electric anticipation: Spring migration is almost
upon us. Birders everywhere are gearing up for one of nature's great
spectacles as millions of migratory birds set off on their epic journeys
– a flood of birds bound for points north. And when this feathered wave
breaks, there's no better place to be than right where we are.
Let's Give The Birds A Big Hand
Stone Harbor and Avalon to
Provide Limited Beach Access Starting Friday, May 8th
A letter from Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi
and Stone Harbor Mayor Judith Davies Dunhour announced there will be
access to 7 Mile Beach for walking, running, fishing and surfing, from
dawn to dusk. There will be no stationary activity on the beach for the
time being (chairs, blankets, etc.). Social distancing regulations must
be followed. All other public spaces in Avalon and Stone Harbor will
remain closed, including playgrounds, tennis/pickleball/basketball
courts, boardwalk, libraries, and recreational centers/fields.
Stone Harbor and Avalon to Provide Limited Beach Access Starting Friday,
May 8th
Stone Harbor Planning Board
Meeting
The Borough of Stone Harbor Planning Board
Meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 11, 2020 at 4:30 PM and will take
place via video conference. The State has recently adopted legislation
that has made it possible for The Borough of Stone Harbor to hold
official Meetings via electronic means. While this scenario is not
ideal, the Borough believes it is necessary to ensure the health,
safety, and welfare of their citizens.
Stone Harbor Planning Board Meeting
Beach Patrol Project To Be
Pared Down
Responding to a constituent letter, at a
recent meeting, Stone Harbor Council tried to dispel the notion that a
new beach patrol headquarters, planned for 95th Street, would cost $4.1
million. Council members expressed concern that the public associated
the entire $4.1 million figure with the beach patrol building, instead
of understanding that the project being planned involves more than just
a new building. Other goals of the capital project include new restrooms
and the construction of changed traffic patterns.
Beach Patrol Project To Be Pared Down
County Clerk Keeps Real
Estate Moving
Citing a critical backlog of title searches
preventing new homebuyers from settling, current homeowners from
refinancing, and insurance companies from issuing policies, Cape May
County Clerk Rita Fulginiti reopened the Hall of Records May 4. Property
records after 1996 are available online for anyone conducting a title
search; however, records before that year are recorded in deed books.
County Clerk Keeps Real Estate Moving
Golf Courses Are Reopening:
What You Need To Know Before You Play
Golf organizations in both New Jersey and
Pennsylvania have issued numerous recommendations meant to insure the
health and safety of golfers and course staff. While some may vary
between the two states, or even from course to course, read the article
linked below for some general answers to questions you might have:
Golf Courses Are Reopening: What You Need To Know Before You Play
Surveys Set To Begin For
Second Wind Farm
Ocean floor surveying will be getting underway
off the southern New Jersey coast as part of a second major offshore
wind project planned for the Garden State. The geophysical surveying off
the coast of Ocean and Atlantic counties is for the Atlantic Shores wind
farm and within a 183,000-acre lease area on the U.S. Outer Continental
Shelf that extends between nine to 20 miles in an area between Barnegat
Light and Atlantic City. Water depth in the area ranges from 60 to 100
feet.
Surveys Set To Begin For Second Wind Farm Off N.J.
Sysco Foods Donation Of Fresh
Foods Feeds Zoo Animals, Supports Local Food Pantries
Sysco Philadelphia, a food delivery service,
has donated to the Cape May County Zoo 17 pallets of fresh vegetables,
herbs, and fruits that could not be used by local restaurants due to the
temporary closing of restaurants. The pallets contained a combination of
bananas, strawberries, cantaloupes, lemons, limes, and avocados as well
as parsley, tarragon, garlic, squash, peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes,
cabbage, and several varieties of lettuce, according to Parks Director
Ed Runyon. The Zoo dietary staff determined what could be used and cold
stored for the animals, once that was done, they realized there were
still several pallets remaining. The food that the Zoo was unable to use
was donated to local food pantries.
Sysco Foods Donation Of Fresh Foods Feeds Zoo Animals, Supports Local
Food Pantries
Governor Signs
Executive Order Extending Grace Period to Pay Taxes
Governor Murphy signed
Executive Order No. 130, which allows municipalities to extend the grace
period for property tax payments due on May 1st to June 1st. Such an
extension would provide much-needed relief to homeowners struggling
financially as a result of the recent health crisis.
April 28th: Governor Signs Executive Order Extending Grace Period to Pay
Taxes
Flood Insurance
Discount Arrives May 1
At the Avalon Borough Council
meeting April 22, Business Administrator Scott Wahl announced that the
new flood insurance discount would be available to property owners
beginning May 1. The decrease is a result of the borough lowering its
Community Rating System (CRS) score from five to three. Ten is the
highest and worst. This effectively moves the insurance premium discount
from 25% to 35%.
Flood Insurance Discount Arrives May 1
Notice of Meeting
Change Avalon Borough Council May, 2020 Meetings
The Borough Council of the
Borough of Avalon will not be holding the scheduled Work Sessions and
Regular Meetings May 13, 2020 and May 27, 2020 in the regularly
scheduled manner. Public meetings of Borough Council of the Borough of
Avalon will be held via telephone conference call, as allowed by A-3850.
Notice of Meeting Change Avalon Borough Council May, 2020 Meetings
Mild Weather Spares
Avalon's Beaches
Dr. Stewart Farrell, of
Stockton University’s Coastal Research Center, presented his semi-annual
report on the state of Avalon’s beaches, at the April 22 borough council
meeting. He concluded that the borough’s north end is in “good shape”
following an unusually mild winter season. Farrell said that no back
passing effort would be needed this year.
Mild Weather Spares Avalon's Beaches
Stone Harbor
Municipal Marina/Boat Ramp Open
The Municipal Marina/Boat
Ramp as well as the lot located at 81st Street & the bay are now open.
Public Works will be installing the floating docks at that location over
the next few weeks weather permitting. All residents and visitors are
reminded to adhere to strict CDC guidelines concerning social distancing
at all times.
Stone Harbor Office of Emergency Management
Stone Harbor Bird
Sanctuary Habitat Restoration Project
A number of non-native,
invasive plants have become established in the wetlands and transition
areas located within the Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary. These plants have
crowded out native vegetation, reduced species diversity, and degraded
habitat functions and values for wildlife within the Sanctuary. To
address this issue, the Borough of Stone Harbor proposes to conduct the
Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary Habitat Restoration Project to manage the
invasive species common reed (Phragmites australis) and purple
loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) via herbicide application, hand cutting
and removal. This project is currently in the permitting phase and there
is a requirement within this process to notify all neighbors within 200
feet of the proposed project. The Initial treatment is scheduled for the
Fall of 2020 (after Labor Day - October).
Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary Habitat Restoration Project 2020
Tips For Safe Boating
Boating season is nearly
here, and the New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau would like
to remind everyone to maintain social distancing while boating. They
want everyone to boat responsibly, so here are some tips boaters can
follow in order to maintain social distancing. Should you need any
assistance, troopers in the Marine Services Bureau patrolling our
state's coastline and waterways will be available.
Social Distancing Tips for Safe Boating
Social Distancing At
The Shore?
As business owners,
marketers, property managers, and public officials contemplate how to
save the Shore from the economic disaster of a season lost, the question
remains: How do you keep people safely apart in a place whose charm is
based, in part, on a gangs-all-here crowding together?
At The Jersey Shore, Is Social Distancing Even Possible?
April 20: Summary of Restrictions, What's Allowable/Closed/Open
in Avalon
New Jersey, the County of Cape May, and the Borough of Avalon have
numerous executive orders in place that eliminate non-essential travel
and strongly encourage "stay at home". These orders and directives
remain in effect until action is taken by the Governor, County, or
Borough of Avalon. The Governor has made it clear that one set of rules
will be followed, and they are issued by the State of New Jersey.
April 20: Summary of Restrictions
Stone Harbor Police Department Now Accepting Online Police
Reports
In an effort to increase public access to file a police report while
decreasing person to person contact, the Stone Harbor Police Department
is now accepting online police reports.
Stone Harbor Police Department
Lit Up Blue for Frontline Workers
In support of the courageous efforts of first-responders and healthcare
workers who are currently working on the frontlines, three Stone Harbor
Motels are now illuminated in a bath of blue light.
Stone Harbor Motels Lit Up Blue
A Stone Harbor Museum Project
The Stone Harbor Museum has a new project, a photographic documentation
of those who were on and around the island during this difficult time.
These photos will be part of a larger collection of images, and writings
that will tell the story of these days of worry and isolation.
The Stone Harbor Museum
N.J. Marinas Can Operate Only With
'Strict Social Distancing, Sanitization'
As boating season nears in New Jersey, marinas, boatyards, and marine
manufactures will be allowed to operate only if managements follow
strict social distancing and sanitation protocols, officials announced
recently. But chartered watercraft services or rentals are prohibited,
and restaurant activity at the facilities must be limited to take-out or
delivery.
N.J. Marinas Can Operate Only With 'Strict Social Distancing,
Sanitization'
Avalon Council Approves 2020
Municipal Budget
The Avalon Borough Council unanimously
approved the 2020 municipal budget during its meeting on Wednesday,
April 8th. The new budget includes no tax increase, the elimination of
the last general obligation serial bond, and finances necessary capital
improvement projects needed in the community. There is no increase in
the water and sewer rates charged in Avalon in 2020.
Avalon Council Approves 2020 Municipal Budget
Stone Harbor Tax Rate
Increases
Borough Council
adopted an $18.4 million budget at its April 7 meeting. The budget calls
for $13.1 million in local property tax revenue. The local purpose tax
rate is increased from $0.25 to $0.267 per $100 of assessed value. Some
municipalities have been reluctant to adopt an annual budget, given
significant uncertainties in non-property tax revenues, which depend on
tourism traffic. Chief Financial Officer James Kraft said he was
confident the borough would be able to control expenses in ways that
would offset any declines in such revenues.
Stone Harbor Tax Rate Increases
Notice of Temporary Closure
of Ingram's Thorofare Bridge - Thursday, April 16th
On Thursday night, April 16th, the Ingram's
Thorofare Bridge will be closed between the hours of 7:00pm thru 5:00am
due to ongoing construction. 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.
Notice of Temporary Closure of Ingram's Thorofare Bridge - Thursday,
April 16th
Avalon Reschedules Bulk Trash
Pickup to Week of June 15th, 2020
The Borough of Avalon has rescheduled the
spring bulk trash collection day. Bulk trash collection was scheduled to
occur starting May 11th but has been postponed. Bulk trash may now be
placed curbside for collection from June 1st through June 14th, with
collection beginning on June 15th. These dates are again subject to
change.
Avalon Reschedules Bulk Trash Pickup to Week of June 15th, 2020
Ordinances Introduced to Fund
Borough Projects in Stone Harbor
Borough Council introduced two bond ordinances
April 6, which together would provide almost $15 million for capital
projects in the borough. The general fund ordinance was for $10.3
million, with $4 million of that total designated for stormwater
drainage projects, and $4.1 million for the construction of a new beach
patrol headquarters, at 95th Street and the beach. The other large
allocation in the ordinance was $1.6 million for road improvements. The
second ordinance introduced bonds for the borough's water/sewer utility,
totaling $4.4 million. One project, listed at $1.2 million, involves
upgrading water meters and associated piping. The other large allocation
of dollars is for upgrading infrastructure, along specific enumerated
streets, estimated at $2.3 million.
Ordinances Introduced to Fund Borough Projects in Stone Harbor
Veterans Organizations Giving
Back to Community
During these uncertain times when most
businesses are closed and citizens are being asked to stay home, members
of veteran organizations throughout Cape May County are working to
supply meals and services to those in need. They are working together to
ensure elderly veterans and shut-ins are being cared for and their needs
are met.
Veterans Organizations Giving Back
These Incredible Photos Will
Transport You To The Jersey Shore Of Yesteryear
The present feels a little overwhelming and,
while we should all look forward to a brighter future, many find comfort
in the past. Here are a few fantastic shots of the Jersey Shore from the
1950s-1980s.
These Incredible Photos Will Transport You To The Jersey Shore Of
Yesteryear
Social Distancing, Neighbors
Still Bond
In a socially distanced world, neighbors are
feeling more neighborly. Families are spending more time at home as
cities close non-essential services. Stay-at-home and shelter-in-place
orders are prompting neighbors to step outside and use their front porch
as a venue to connect even as they maintain a physical distance.
Social Distancing, Neighbors Still Bond
Offshore Wind Connections
The company building an offshore wind farm
about 10 miles southeast of Atlantic City recently got approval to hook
into the grid at the retired B.L. England electric plant in Upper
Township.
BPU Approves B.L. England For Offshore Wind Connections
Avalon Mayor Issues Second
Executive Order; Beaches, Boardwalk, Recreation Fields to Close; Events
Cancelled
All public beaches, boardwalk, recreational
fields, playgrounds, and the kayak park are closed until further notice;
the directive includes restrictions on municipally-operated marinas. The
Borough has cancelled all special events up until Memorial Day weekend.
Avalon Mayor Issues Second Executive Order; Beaches, Boardwalk,
Recreation Fields to Close; Events Cancelled
April 8th Closure of Beaches,
Public Parks and Municipal Marina/Boat Ramp
In an effort to contain, mitigate and control
the spread of COVID-19 the Stone Harbor Office of Emergency Management
has closed beaches, public parks and the municipal marina/boat ramp.
April 8th Closure of Beaches, Public Parks and Municipal Marina/Boat
Ramp
State of the
Library/Community Report
The Avalon Free Public Library provides annual
reports to the Avalon Borough Council during April of each year. These
are the reports provided to the Borough, which you can view online:
2020 Avalon Free Public Library State of the Library/Community Report
Drive-thru COVID-19 Testing
Site for County Residents, By Appointment Only
Cape May County Department of Health and
CompleteCare Health Network are partnering to open a drive-thru COVID-19
testing site.
CMC Announces Opening of Drive-thru COVID-19 Testing Site for County
Residents, By Appointment Only
Help the Shore
Community
As the coronavirus
outbreak upends our daily lives, many local businesses are giving back
to support the community and you can, too. Find out how you can help,
from near or far, and how businesses are supporting the community during
this difficult time.
Help the Shore Community
Directive
From Mayor Martin L. Pagliughi
As everyone knows, the
COVID-19 Pandemic has hit New Jersey especially hard together with our
sister States of New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Delaware. As a
result, and in order to protect our citizens and our first responders
and others who are working to provide essential services to us, Governor
Murphy has issued a series of Gubernatorial Executive Orders which have
the force and effect of law. These Executive Orders ("EOs") are
currently in effect and will remain in effect until further notice.
Directive From Mayor Martin L. Pagliughi-Short Term Rentals, Visitation
Notice of Meeting
Change of Avalon Borough Council - April, 2020
The Borough Council of
the Borough of Avalon will not be holding the scheduled Work Sessions
and Regular Meetings of Wednesday, April 8, 2020 and Wednesday, April
22, 2020.
Notice of Meeting Change
Mayors of Cape May
County Speak Up to Reduce Non-Essential Visitation
The Cape May County Board
of Chosen Freeholders are supporting a unanimous position from the 16
municipalities in Cape May County agreed upon on Monday, March 30th.
16 County Mayors Approve Joint Message on Visitation, Short Term Rentals
CRC Study on Beaches
and Back Bay Basins
The Borough recently
published a report by Stockton University's Coastal Research Center
(CRC) on the condition of our Beaches and Back Bay Basins.
CRC Study on Beaches and Back Bay Basins
Open Businesses
In these challenging
times our local business partners are in need of your support. These
local business owners are members of our community, employers of our
neighbors, and providers of an amazing array of food and services that
keep our community diverse and vibrant. Check out the list of local
businesses that are open during the restrictions related to the
coronavirus:
Seven Mile Island |
Atlantic County and Cape May County
County Asks for Donations of Gloves, Masks, PPE
Cape May County government is seeking the public's help in
gathering necessary medical supplies for those at the front line
of the COVID-19 outbreak. According to a release, the Cape May
County Health Department and the Cape May County Office of
Emergency Management are seeking donations from businesses that
are closed during this pandemic of sealed boxes of gloves,
masks, and personal protective equipment. Businesses, salons,
schools and others may have access to some of these materials
that could be vital to medical personnel as time goes forward.
County Asks for Donations of Gloves, Masks, PPE
Cape May County Implements Restrictions on the 96th
Street Bridge
The Cape May County Engineer has determined that based on the
results of the most recent inspections a weight restriction on
the 96th Street Bridge will be placed into effect immediately.
The 96th Street Bridge over the Great Channel will be load
posted to restrict vehicles in excess of 15 tons gross weight
from using the bridge. In addition, vehicles less than 15 tons
gross weight are reminded that the bridge speed is 30 MPH.
Impact conditions resulting from speeding vehicles also continue
to be an issue and the public is encouraged to cross the bridge
while obeying the posted speed. Vehicles in excess of 15 tons
will be required to access Stone Harbor via Avalon Boulevard
(C.R. 601). Due to the current re-decking of the Ingram's
Thorofare Bridge (coming into Avalon), oversized vehicles wider
than 11'-0” will not be able to cross the bridge until May 7,
2020. All other vehicles will be able to cross the Ingram's
Thorofare bridge without restriction.
Cape May County Implements Restrictions on the 96th Street
Bridge
Avalon Prepares for 5G Service
Avalon Borough Council used a portion of its March 11 work
session to discuss planning for 5G network deployment. Business
Administrator Scott Wahl shared the view of borough technology
consultants that "4G will be exhausted in the State of New
Jersey in 24 months." Despite an extreme outcome not occurring,
the wait for 5G is short, and the moment to prepare is now. The
discussion's result is a move by the borough to prepare a small
cell deployment plan ready for council consideration before
Labor Day.
Avalon Prepares for 5G Service
Notice Regarding Avalon Water/Sewer, Tax Payments
The Borough of Avalon will continue to accept Tax and
Water/Sewer payments as scheduled. Please note that payment
received after the grace periods will still be subject to
interest and penalties in accordance with NJ State Statutes
until otherwise directed.
Avalon Water/Sewer, Tax Payments
Stone Harbor Mayor Attains
'Municipal Leader' Designation
Stone Harbor Mayor Judith M. Davies-Dunhour is the first person
to complete the courses and apply to attain "Municipal Leader"
designation from the New Jersey League of Municipalities.
Stone Harbor Mayor Attains 'Municipal Leader' Designation
Market Values Climb
in Stone Harbor
In January 2018, Stone Harbor announced the
completion of its revaluation of borough properties. The process was
ordered by the Cape May County Board of Taxation. Two years after
completion of the revaluation in Stone Harbor, property values continue
to grow in relation to assessed value. At a recent Borough Council
meeting, Tax Assessor Margaret Slavin reported a 94% market ratio.
Market Values Climb in Stone Harbor
Borough of Stone Harbor 2020
Municipal Budget Presentation
The Borough of Stone Harbor has released it's
2020 Municipal Budget Presentation. To view this presentation and
additional Financial Information visit the Borough of Stone Harbor’s
Municipal Website:
Borough of Stone Harbor 2020 Municipal Budget Presentation
Bulk Trash Pick Up - March
16th
Items may be placed along the curb 72 hours
prior to March 16th.
Borough of Stone Harbor
Avalon Woman Wins Her Battle
To Keep Treasured Vines On Her Beach-Block Home
A woman who ended up in court over the leafy
vines covering the walls of her beach-block home does not have to cut
them down, a judge ruled recently. In a brief hearing, Municipal Court
Judge Andrew Cafiero dismissed the borough’s complaint against Elaine
Scattergood for violating a town ordinance on overgrowth. His decision,
which followed a daylong hearing in January, concluded that officials
failed to follow the procedures required after they issued the
citations, such as following up with recommendations. The ruling brought
an end to a dispute that lasted more than a year and grew to represent
more than a single homeowner’s stand. Scattergood has been cultivating
Virginia creeper vines on her 30th Street property for decades, as
Avalon morphed into an exclusive community with multimillion-dollar
homes.
Avalon Woman Wins Her Battle To Keep Treasured Vines On Her Beach-Block
Home
Avalon to Regulate Free Rides
Avalon Borough Council introduced an ordinance
recently that establishes regulations for commercial providers of
free-ride services. One such service, 7 Mile Free Ride, launched in
2017. The venture boasts an "eco-friendly free ride experience." The
service uses golf carts to provide free point-to-point transportation in
Avalon and Stone Harbor. Revenue comes from advertisers. The regulations
will require that free-ride service providers obtain municipal consent
to operate on the borough’s streets along with appropriate licensing of
the business activity.
Avalon to Regulate Free Rides
Do Saint Patrick's Day at the
Shore
Cape May County will go green this St.
Patrick's Day weekend with a range of especially shamrockin'
celebrations. Both Irishmen and non-Irishmen alike won't want to miss
these spirited special events!
Do Saint Patrick's Day at the Shore
Council Introduces 2020 Municipal Budget; No Increase in
Tax Rate, or Water/Sewer Rates
The Avalon Borough Council introduced the 2020 municipal budget
that includes no increase in the municipal tax rate. The budget
totals $28,659,238 and includes a municipal tax rate of 19.9
cents per $100 dollars of assessed valuation. This is one of the
lowest municipal tax rates among developed communities in the
State of New Jersey.
Council Introduces 2020 Municipal Budget; No Increase in Tax
Rate, or Water/Sewer Rates
N.J. Legislator Proposes Fines For Beachgoers Who Don't
Secure Umbrellas
A new bill in the New Jersey legislature sets fines for
beachgoers who don't properly secure beach umbrellas and vendors
that fail to warn the public about the risks of their use. The
pending bill prohibits opening a beach umbrella at a public
beach during wind speeds of 25 mph or greater unless it is
secured to the ground using an auger, sandbag, or another
anchoring device. Any violators could be subject to a civic
penalty of $50 for the first offense, $100 for the second, and
$250 for the third or subsequent offense. The government entity
with jurisdiction over the public beach would be responsible for
collecting and enforcing the penalty. The legislation also
requires retailers that sell beach umbrellas to post a sign
informing consumers of the risks associated with the device.
Violators would be subject to a $500 fine.
N.J. Legislator Proposes Fines For Beachgoers Who Don't Secure
Umbrellas
2020 United States Census - What You Need To Know!
The Borough of Avalon, from time to time, will release
information about the 2020 Census effort. Here are some answers
to frequently asked questions about this year's Census count.
Additional information will be posted on the municipal website.
2020 United States Census - What You Need To Know!
Facing Lifeguard Recruitment Problems, Shore Town
Significantly Raises Pay
Stone Harbor has responded to a problem of recruiting and
retaining lifeguards through a significant pay hike. The pay for
new lifeguards will increase from $100 daily last year to $155
in 2020, according to a Cape May County Herald report. The same
increase applies across the pay scale. A guard with 15 years of
experience will move from $128 a year ago to $183 per day in
2020. Beach badge checkers will receive an increase from $9.50
to $16 last year to $12 to $18.50 in 2020. And it's not just a
problem in Stone Harbor...
Facing Lifeguard Recruitment Problems, Shore Town Significantly
Raises Pay
2020 Avalon Kayak
Park Registration Procedures
Avalon will continue to
offer free registration to Avalon residential property owners for the
216 berths available at the Avalon Kayak Park. Avalon will conduct an
"open registration" through March 31, 2020. Registrations are accepted
in person during regular business hours, seven days a week, at Avalon
Community Hall, 30th Street and the beach in Avalon or by filling out
the convenient form located on their web page:
2020 Avalon Kayak Park Registration Procedures
Board Backs Hike in Shore Funding
The County of Cape May passed a resolution supporting an
increase in State funding for the "Shore Protection Fund," from
$25 million to $50 million. There is a bill in the Assembly and
Senate that would increase that allotment. The Shore Protection
Fund provides important funding that allows the State and
Municipalities to engage in cost-share partnerships with the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on shore protection projects
including beach restoration and maintenance.
Board Backs Hike in Shore Funding
Free Beach Movies During Summer, 2020 – Here is the
Lineup!
The Avalon Department of Recreation has announced its schedule
of free beach movies that will again be offered on Tuesday
evenings during the Summer of 2020. Nine beach movies will be
shown at Avalon's 30th Street beach on Tuesday evenings, at
8:45pm, starting on June 30th.
Free Beach Movies During Summer, 2020 – Here is the Lineup!
How Do Ratings Affect Flood Insurance Premiums?
Cape May County property owners had just over 53,000 policies
with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) in 2019,
covering $12.7 billion worth of property and furnishings. For
that coverage, they paid over $36 million in premiums and fees.
Flood insurance is big business in the county and actions that
can result in premium reductions are similarly important
business. Across the county, 12 of the 16 municipalities are
Community Rating System (CRS) communities, meaning they
participate in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
program that offers various insurance discounts based on a
community’s voluntary efforts in community floodplain
management, making the insured property in the community safer
for flood risk. A CRS class can be within the range of 1, the
highest, to 10, the lowest. At the top is a class 1 community
that receives a 45% discount on premiums. The highest rating in
Cape May County is a class 3, a level that only 13 communities
in the country and two in the state have achieved. The two are
Sea Isle City and Avalon. Property owners will be entitled to a
35% premium reduction. The county has four communities with a
class 5 rating. They are Ocean City, Stone Harbor, Upper
Township, and Wildwood. This rating carries a 25% discount.
How Do Ratings Affect Flood Insurance Premiums?
New in Summer 2020: Sundays at Surfside Concerts, at
Surfside Park
The Avalon Department of Recreation has announced a brand new
concert series at Avalon’s Surfside Park, located adjacent to
the Avalon Boardwalk at 30th Street and the beach. Nine concerts
will be held this summer during the "Sundays at Surfside"
events, starting Sunday, June 28th. All concerts will begin at
7:00pm and conclude at approximately 8:30pm. The Avalon
Recreation Department has scheduled some of the most popular
entertainers in the Delaware Valley, and the event will feature
a cross section of music from oldies to country to Irish music,
and everything in between.
New in Summer 2020: Sundays at Surfside Concerts, at Surfside
Park
Boat Ramp a Flood Source
Stone Harbor Borough Council heard recently that the borough may
be calling on Dutch expertise to resolve flooding issues at the
municipal marina boat ramp. Office of Emergency Management
Director J. T. Lakose said flooding at the boat ramp is getting
progressively worse. "We can take action to increase minimum
bulkhead heights, but we also need to plug the holes. The boat
ramp is a hole," he said. He spoke of neighbors asking the
borough to take action.
Boat Ramp a Flood Source
Think Summer! Start Planning Your
Summer Fun at the Jersey Shore
According to Punxsutawney Phil, spring is just around the corner
but winter's not over just yet! Is the chilly weather leaving
you with the winter blues but you can't escape to the shore just
yet? Luckily there is a perfect way to warm up your winter -
start planning your summer fun at the Jersey Shore! Besides
chasing away the winter blues with warm thoughts, planning your
time at the Jersey Shore now has many advantages: increased
availability for your preferred dates and accommodations, early
booking discounts and perks, and time to research and plan what
to do!
Think Summer! Start Planning Your Summer Fun at the Jersey Shore
Update on Proposed Hotel
As an update to the question of a hotel near the Stone Harbor
Boulevard-Garden State Parkway entrance, according to the
municipal engineer, last summer Middle Township Committee
decided not to vote on an ordinance that would have approved a
zoning change for the proposed hotel property. The project
cannot proceed without the zoning change, which would make the
land part of the Town Center and thereby qualify it for water
and sewer infrastructure. The matter was referred back to the
Planning Board. It is now part of the master plan review
process. The master plan is expected to be approved by the
Planning Board in the late March or early April.
Update on Proposed Hotel
Update:
Ingram's Thorofare Bridge to Close Monday Evening, February 24th
Note: The overnight
closure was scheduled for February 20th. However, the closure is now
scheduled for Monday, February 24th, starting at 7:00pm. Unfavorable
temperatures have delayed this closure to the 24th as a concrete pour
for the new span is expected. The Ingram's Thorofare Bridge will be
closed between the hours of 7:00pm thru 5:00am due to ongoing
construction. 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.
Update: Ingram's Thorofare Bridge to Close Monday Evening, February 24th
Avalon
to Regulate Free Ride Services
Fixed route and
point-to-point transportation services are regulated by Avalon "to
ensure the safety" of residents and visitors, according to Business
Administrator Scott Wahl. The borough requires background checks on
drivers, as well as proof that licenses are valid and adequate liability
insurance is in force. Beginning in 2017, a new form of transportation
service evolved: free ride services. The lack of a public fee allowed
the service to run without being required to conform to the regulations
placed on other transportation providers. Wahl told Avalon Borough
Council recently that the administration would be bringing forth a
resolution to extend the existing regulations to current and future free
ride services.
Avalon to Regulate Free Ride Services
Avalon Garden Club 38th
Annual Flower Show-Here's How to Enter!
Avalon Garden Club will
hold its 38th Annual Flower Show on Saturday, June 13, 2020. The
location is Avalon Community Hall, 30th Street and the beach. The show
is open for the public from Noon to 4:00pm. Admission is free. Avalon
Garden Club encourages the public and any amateur to enter the show
regardless of your skill level.
Avalon Garden Club 38th Annual Flower Show-Here's How to Enter!
Van Drew's Aid Sought
in Snare-trap Issue
The use of snare traps
for predator control at Stone Harbor Point was a hotly debated issue at
Stone Harbor Borough Council meetings in summer 2019. Faced with a need
to maintain a strong working relationship with state and federal
wildlife officials, the borough stopped attempts to press for an end to
the use of what some considered inhumane use of snare traps. The
governing body is trying to continue its support of federal and state
predator-control processes at the Point, while also requesting the
intervention of U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-2nd). The goal is to see if
alternative means of control can be employed, despite the insistence of
federal and state officials that snare traps are the most effective
mechanism.
Van Drew's Aid Sought in Snare-trap Issue
Upcoming Shopping
Events at the Shore
Are you looking for the
perfect gift or something to wear? At the right price of course! Nothing
beats a day, or better yet a weekend, of browsing local shops or getting
a great bargain! Check out the local shopping events coming up in March
and April:
Upcoming Shopping Events at the Shore
The Jersey Shore Pops
Music Director and Conductor Linda Gentille
and The Jersey Shore Pops proudly announce the highly anticipated Pops
upcoming "2020 Summer Concert Series," a trio of themed concerts
featuring talented guest artists including singer Peter Oprisko,
trumpeter and vocalist Nicole Sasser, comedian Tom Drake, and soprano
Jennifer Fair. Purchase tickets early before they sell out! The average
price is $40, with group rates available. Some venues have free parking,
including the Middle Township Performing Arts Center.
The Jersey Shore Pops 2020 Summer Concert Series
Sea Isle City First Responders
Help Deliver First Baby In City Since 1977
First responders help deliver the first baby
born in Sea Isle City in more than 40 years. It was supposed to be Joe
and Jeanne Golato's last weekend away before baby number two came. They
wanted to spend some quality time with 3-year-old Briella before she
became a big sister. On Monday, January 27, the Golatos were in Sea Isle
City, New Jersey and Jeanne was three weeks from her due date. "She
started having more pain and within a half an hour, she was telling me
to call 911," explained Joe Golato. Police and EMTs were there within
minutes. Within five minutes of police and EMTs arriving, Jeanne
delivered a healthy baby girl named Luciana.
Sea Isle City First Responders Help Deliver First Baby In City Since
1977
Committee to Analyze Beach Patrol Building
Outgoing Stone Harbor
Business Administrator Jill Gougher presented a tentative schedule, in
November 2019, for the construction of Beach Patrol Headquarters. At
that Stone Harbor Borough Council meeting, Gougher was authorized to
move ahead with the cumbersome permitting process. Gougher's projected
schedule called for a detailed design to be completed by May, a June bid
process and a July construction award. The schedule called for
construction beginning after Labor Day 2020. The aim was to have the
building ready for use by Memorial Day 2021. The project also called for
the replacement of the public restrooms on a site adjacent to the
building. Discussion, at a recent February council meeting, introduced
the potential use of a modular structure for the Beach Patrol. An
additional possibility is to maintain the modular restroom facility,
rather than move ahead with the construction of new restrooms.
Committee to Analyze Beach Patrol Building
Stone Harbor Considers
Tax-rate Increase
Stone Harbor Borough
Council discussed a possible increase in the municipal tax rate for
2020. The increase would move the rate per $100 of assessed value from
$0.25 to $0.267, resulting in a 6.8% increase in property tax for
homeowners in Stone Harbor. The proposed increase would net the borough
an estimated $932,000 in new revenue. The new rate would raise the levy
by $170 on a home assessed at $1 million. The council discussion
included an examination of the items that would benefit from the
increase. These included several initiatives that deal with the
oceanfront beaches or the back bay waterways. Almost 55% of the proposed
increase in spending is targeted at beach replenishment, back bay dredge
management, beach and bay access, and flood mitigation. Municipal
departments, in which holding employees has been an issue, saw salary
and wage adjustments. The actual increases in the proposed budget
totaled $1.2 million. Borough actions resulting in about $300,000 in
savings covered almost 25% of the proposed increase in spending. A
recent decision to move the borough to the county's Central Dispatch has
paid dividends, with an estimated saving, in the 2020 budget, of
$53,623.
Stone Harbor Considers Tax-rate Increase
Annual Forest Fire
Mitigation Program Is Underway In N.J.
A seasonal program for
mitigating forest fire risk is underway throughout New Jersey. According
to the New Jersey State Forest Fire Service, the prescribed burning
program reduces wildfire risks by burning buildup of undergrowth, fallen
trees and branches, leaves and other debris on forest floors. Prescribed
fires, also known as controlled burns, are generally conducted during
the mid to late winter months to minimize the amount of smoke produced
and when weather conditions tend to be safer for controlled fires,
according to the DEP. Pending weather conditions this season, the state
Forest Fire Service, part of the DEP's Division of Parks and Forestry,
expects to burn between 35,000 acres of forests and grasslands.
Annual Forest Fire Mitigation Program Is Underway In N.J.
Who Pays When A
Candidate Comes To Town?
President Donald Trump
came and went from Wildwood in a matter of hours, while drawing crowds
of supporters and protesters to the dormant winter Shore town. But long
after the President left town, remnants of the rally remained, and city
employees spent two long nights cleaning up garbage, beach chairs,
signs, and blankets from outside the Wildwoods Convention Center. Weeks
later, Wildwood is still tabulating the costs for extra policing and
cleanup, and Mayor Pete Byron says he just wants his city's money back.
Wildwood is hardly the first, or likely the last, city to encounter
billing trouble when a presidential candidate comes to town...the
question is, who pays?
Costly Presidential Campaign Rallies Leave Cities Wondering Who's Paying
The Bill
Stone Harbor Mayors
Wellness Campaign
Get ready to Jump Start
Your Health! The Mayors Wellness Campaign starts February 20th. Sign up
now
for more info!
Mayors
Wellness Campaign 2020
94th Street Sewer
Pump Station Presentation
As reported last week, Stone Harbor is initiating a ten-month project to
relocate and replace one of its two municipal sanitary sewer pumps. The
project is on an expedited schedule, with completion scheduled for the
second week in November. View the presentation from a recent Borough
Council Meeting:
94th Street Sewer Pump Station Presentation
Coalition for Safe Community, Cape May County Prosecutor's
Office Partner to Host Black History Month Event
Anthony Ray Hinton, former wrongfully convicted prisoner held on death
row for 30 years for a crime he did not commit and author of "The Sun
Does Shine," will be at the Middle Township Performing Arts Center in
Cape May Court House at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18, for a meet-and-greet
and book signing. The event, open to the public, is hosted by the
Coalition for a Safe Community and the Cape May County Prosecutor's
Office.
Coalition for Safe Community, Cape May County Prosecutor's Office
Partner to Host Black History Month Event
Avalon Seeking Applications for Beach Patrol/Beach Tag Checkers
The Borough of Avalon has exciting employment opportunities for the
Summer of 2020! They are seeking applications for positions with the
Avalon Beach Patrol as lifeguards, and beach tag checkers. Hurry,
positions fill up quickly!
Avalon Seeking Applications for Beach Patrol/Beach Tag Checkers
Number of Peregrine Falcons Hatched in NJ Up in 2019
The nonprofit Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey (CWF) and New
Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife's Endangered and Nongame Species
Program (ENSP) released the 2019 New Jersey Peregrine Falcon Research
and Management Program Report highlighting the continued recovery of the
peregrine falcon in New Jersey. According to a release, the number of
peregrine falcons young produced in New Jersey rose slightly to 78 in
2019, as compared to 75 in 2018. The adult population was slightly lower
at 38 known pairs, as compared to 40 known pairs in 2018.
Learn More: Number of Peregrine Falcons Hatched in NJ Up in 2019
N.J. Legislators Quickly Reintroduce Single-Use Plastic, Paper
Bag Ban Bill
Legislators are acting quickly a few weeks after the New Jersey Assembly
failed to act on the comprehensive ban on single-use plastic and paper
bags. The New Jersey Senate Environment and Energy Committee released
the bill, known as S-864, sending it for further action. The bill
prohibits the provision or sale of single-use plastic carryout bags,
single-use paper carryout bags, and polystyrene foam food service
products. It also limits the provision of single-use plastic straws and
appropriates funds from the Clean Communities Program Fund for public
education. The previously proposed ban on single-use plastic and paper
bags would be implemented after one year, and a ban on polystyrene
containers - such as Styrofoam - would take effect after two years. Now,
the new legislation would go into effect 18 months after it is signed
for plastic bags, paper bags, and polystyrene, and one year for straws,
although they could be provided at a customer's request.
N.J. Legislators Quickly Reintroduce Single-Use Plastic, Paper Bag Ban
Bill
Stone Harbor Appoints Smith as
Borough Administrator
Robert J. Smith, of Turnersville, has been
appointed as the administrator for the Borough of Stone Harbor. A
licensed attorney, and a former New Jersey State Assemblyman, he joins
Stone Harbor with eight years of executive-level experience in municipal
government.
Stone Harbor Appoints Smith as Borough Administrator
Pump
Station Project Set to Begin
Stone Harbor is initiating a ten-month project to relocate and replace
one of its two municipal sanitary sewer pumps. The project is on an
expedited schedule, with completion scheduled for the second week in
November. The borough's wastewater system utilizes two municipally owned
pump stations at 114th and 93rd streets, and one additional pump station
owned and operated by the county Municipal Utilities Authority (MUA)
near the 80th Street Marina.
Pump Station Project Set to Begin
Avalon Construction
Office Implements FEMA Floodplain Development Permit Application
In 2020, the Borough of Avalon will be elevated from a Class 5 to a
Class 3 community in the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Community
Rating System (CRS) program. This elevation will provide 35 percent
discounts on flood insurance for Avalon property owners. With the new
class, FEMA is requiring more documentation for the CRS Program to
maintain the Class 3 rating and the benefits derived by property owners
and our community. The Floodplain Development Permit Application will
now be required for all new construction, house raises, additions, and
substantial improvements. Visit the Borough of Avalon Website to view a
sample application.
Avalon Construction Office Implements FEMA Floodplain Development Permit
Application
Flood Mitigation Project Quizzed
In response to a question from a property owner at a recent Avalon
Borough Council meeting, Borough Engineer Thomas Thornton provided an
update on the flood mitigation project in the north end, and outlined
the next steps. In fall 2018, Avalon committed to the
multimillion-dollar drainage project. At the time, Thornton explained
that it would be a "big and complex project." The first conceptual
design for the drainage improvements suggested a $10 million project.
Subsequent design work, presented to the council in October 2019,
expanded the use of gravity systems, eliminated one of the two existing
pump stations and held the promise of reducing the burden on taxpayers.
Thornton explained that preliminary talks have begun with permit
agencies and that, pending borough approval of the funds, the next step
would involve the detailed design, a task that could take much of 2020,
he added.
Flood Mitigation Project Quizzed
County Holds Poster Contest For Fourth-Graders
The constitutional officers of Cape May County are sponsoring their
twenty-eighth annual My County poster contest open to fourth-grade
students countywide. Sheriff Robert Nolan, county Clerk Rita Marie
Fulginiti and Surrogate Dean R. Marcolongo sponsor this annual event to
bring awareness of the function of county government to fourth-graders,
who regularly study the topic as part of their curriculum. The object is
for the student to depict his or her concept of what is unique about
Cape May County and how it relates to county government. Deadline to
submit entries is February 28th by 4:30pm.
County Holds Poster Contest For Fourth-Graders
Portion
Of Popular Back Road To The Shore Closed Until June
A popular secondary road that connects the Delaware River and the
Atlantic Ocean is closed until June for what state officials say are
"priority roadway repairs." According to a New Jersey Department of
Transportation news release, Mount Construction recently began repairing
a culvert over Dias Creek on Route 47 in Cape May County's Middle
Township. Officials say sinkholes that have formed are compromising the
state highway - which runs for 75 miles from Brooklawn to Wildwood -
that typically jams during the summer when it becomes a two-lane road
toward the coast. Detours are in place, and local access is available
for residents and businesses. State transportation officials expect the
project to finish by June 2020.
Portion Of Popular Back Road To The Shore Closed Until June
Kayak Storage Available
in 2020
The Borough of Stone Harbor will once again
offer Kayak storage at the 81st Street Marina location. Stone Harbor
Property Owners may apply for a Kayak space starting March 1, 2020 and
continuing until March 31, 2020, proof of property ownership is
required. Spaces are limited to two (2) per property and will be awarded
through a lottery. A fee of $100.00 per space has been implemented in
2020.
Kayak Storage Available in 2020
Stone Harbor Council
The new year brings some new voices and leadership
to the Stone Harbor Borough Council! Newly elected council members,
Jennifer Gensemer, Charles Krafczek, Reese Moore and Frank Dallahan took
their oaths of office at the annual municipal reorganization meeting on
Tuesday, January 7th. Incumbent Council Member, Charles Krafczek was
nominated and elected as Council President for the 2020 term.
Stone Harbor Council
Salary Ordinance Changes Proposed
Finding "some inequities that need to be
addressed," Avalon's administration proposed changes to the borough’s
salary ordinance, the first such changes since 2016. Under Avalon’s form
of government, the mayor sets the salaries for most borough employees.
The exceptions are those salaries required to be fixed by Avalon Borough
Council or by the mayor, with the consent of the council. The former
salary ordinance focused on ranges for appointive and elective officers
of the borough, and not on the larger employee positions where the mayor
fixed salaries by executive order. The proposed "Salary Ordinance of
2020" would codify all job titles and positions in the borough, setting
minimum and maximum salary ranges for each, with the exception of
salaries of employees covered by collective bargaining agreements.
Salary Ordinance Changes Proposed
Construction Beginning at Avalon’s 8th
Street Jetty in Early January
Crews from South State Construction are
currently mobilizing to being making necessary repairs to Avalon’s 8th
Street Jetty. The beach entrance at 8th Street will be a construction
zone and off limits to the public. Members of the public are required to
stay clear of the jetty due to the construction activity that will last
until late April or early May, 2020. Heavy rock for the project will be
brought in to town starting on or about January 10th.
Construction Beginning at Avalon’s 8th Street Jetty in Early January
Hazard Mitigation Initiative
As a part of the Borough of Stone Harbor's
Community Rating System (CRS) requirements, the "2019 Progress Report on
Hazard Mitigation Initiatives" has been made public.
2019 Progress Report on Hazard Mitigation Initiative
January 2020 Events and Schedule at
the Avalon Free Public Library
The Avalon Free Public Library and History
Center features a number of programs for all ages. Take a break from the
winter weather and enjoy some time at the library!
January 2020 Events and Schedule at the Avalon Free Public Library
Avalon Seeks Hike in Shore Protection
Fund
Avalon officials recently met with Senator
Michael Testa (R-1st) to urge support for an increase in the state’s
Shore Protection Fund. The present $25 million per year funding level
has not been increased since 1998 and is considered inadequate to the
task of supporting protection programs for the state’s beaches, back
bays, and inland waterways.
Avalon Seeks Hike in Shore Protection Fund
How to Do The Shore this Winter
When you say the word 'beach,' most people
think sunny skies, hot temperatures, and warm ocean water. In January,
that's not really the case at the Jersey Shore! But cold temperatures do
not mean you can't have fun with the whole family. During the winter you
can stay inside, cozy by the fire, or you can go outside and explore
South Jersey in the snow!
How to Do The Shore this Winter
Stone Harbor Beach Tag Fees to
Increase
Effective January 1, 2020 the following beach
tags fees will apply: Pre-Season Tags - $25.00; Season Tags (After May
31, 2020) - $30.00; Weekly Tags - $13.00 Daily Tags - $6.00. Stone
Harbor beach tags are reciprocal with Avalon. All persons 12 and over
must display tags the Friday of Memorial weekend to Monday of Labor Day
weekend, 10a.m. - 5p.m.
Stone Harbor Beach Tag Fees to Increase
Avalon Attains Class 3 CRS Rating; 35
Percent Discounts on Flood Insurance Come in 2020
The Borough of Avalon has achieved a Class 3
status in the Federal Emergency Management's Community Rating System
that evaluates the flood mitigation practices of a community. During its
five-year review process, the CRS program elevated Avalon from a Class 5
to a Class 3, meaning property owners who carry flood insurance will
enjoy a 35 percent discount on their flood insurance premiums. This
translates into approximately $1.6 million in cumulative insurance
savings for Avalon residents starting sometime in 2020. 1,700
municipalities participate in the CRS program nationwide; Avalon is one
of only 13 municipalities in the entire country to achieve a Class 3
rating.
Avalon Attains Class 3 CRS Rating; 35 Percent Discounts on Flood
Insurance Come in 2020
Stone Harbor Council Seeks Beach
Patrol HQ Permits
Stone Harbor Council authorized the borough
engineer, Dec 17, to move ahead with the permitting process for a
proposed Beach Patrol building at 95th Street. To gain the state and
federal permits for construction of the facility, the borough will
present plans that lock-in the building's footprint and elevation,
meaning that council is sufficiently satisfied with the design concept
to make that commitment. The proposed two-story structure has an
estimated price tag of $2.2 million, with the entire project, including
replacement of the nearby restrooms and area landscaping, priced at $3.6
million.
Stone Harbor Council Seeks Beach Patrol HQ Permits
Stone Harbor Police Department
Communications Center transitions to Cape May County Center
The Stone Harbor Police Department has
transitioned our Communications Center from the Avalon Police Department
to the Cape May County Communications Center. While the location of the
dispatchers who receive telephone calls from the public and dispatch
officers has changed, the manner in which residents and visitors of
Stone Harbor contact the police has remained the same.
Stone Harbor Police Department Communications Center transitions to Cape
May County Center
Avalon Beach Tag Art Contest
Fifth grade Avalon
Elementary School student Ginger Radzieta is the winner of the 22nd
Annual Beach Tag Art contest sponsored by the Avalon Elementary School
and the Borough of Avalon. Ginger was presented with the very first
beach tag of the 2020 beach season with her artwork, along with a plaque
from Mayor Martin Pagliughi congratulating her on the award.
Avalon Beach Tag Art Contest
7 Reasons to Do the Shore this Season
Whether you live in Cape
May County year-round or are a visitor from out of town, you're
guaranteed to love doing the shore this holiday season!
7 Reasons to Do the Shore this Season
Holiday Season Safety Tips
December is a time of
celebration for many diverse religious observances in New Jersey, but
whatever the holiday, these festivities often include lights and
decorations. The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs' (DCA)
Division of Fire Safety wants residents to be aware of potential fire
hazards that can cause electrical fires in the home and is offering
important fire safety precautions to follow this time of year.
Holiday Season Safety Tips
2020 Vision: How the Wetlands Institute
Plans to Build on Its 50-Year Legacy
As a year of celebrations
for the 50th anniversary of The Wetlands Institute comes to a close,
it's fitting to look forward to the next 50 years. Throughout the year
The Wetlands Institute has reflected upon the remarkable legacy of
research, conservation, education, and stewardship that underpins the
impact of their organization in our community and beyond.
2020 Vision: How the Wetlands Institute Plans to Build on Its 50-Year
Legacy
Avalon Police Department Holding Christmas
Toy Drive for County Children
The Avalon Police
Department will be hosting a Toy Drive for the Cape May County Children
Services. The donations will be provided to children and families who
have been exposed to domestic violence, abuse and neglect. The Avalon
Police Department will be accepting donations of new and unwrapped toys
for children up to the age of 13 years. The wrapping paper and tape
donations are also needed. Deadline for donations is December 18, 2019.
Avalon Police Department Holding Christmas Toy Drive for County Children
Irrigation Water Use Rising in Stone Harbor
Tax Collector Deborah
Candelore recently presented to Stone Harbor Borough Council a 10-year
history of irrigation water consumption in the borough. The data showed
that irrigation meter use was at an all-time high in 2019, and that
irrigation consumption was at a level not seen since 2010. The
consumption comparison was based on usage in the busiest quarter of the
year - July through September. Irrigation consumption was at a low point
in 2013, with 24 million gallons, and at a high of 35 million, in 2019.
Also discussed was the pending rate hike scheduled as part of the 2021
budget. This is the last of three scheduled rate hikes in a five-year
period, since the plan was adopted in 2016. The first increase was in
2017.
Irrigation Water Use Rising in Stone Harbor
Avalon Receives $177,000 NJDOT Grant for
Reconstruction of Portion of 69th Street
The Borough of Avalon is
receiving a $177,000 grant from the New Jersey Department of
Transportation. The grant will be used for the Borough's reconstruction
of a portion of 69th Street between Dune Drive and Ocean Drive. The
project is expected to begin in 2020.
Avalon Receives $177,000 NJDOT Grant for Reconstruction of Portion of
69th Street
New Jersey Moves Closer To Banning Plastic
Bags - And Paper Ones, Too
New Jersey lawmakers
moved closer Thursday to banning plastic and paper bags, along with
Styrofoam containers, in what would be one of the strictest bans in the
nation. Lawmakers in the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee
approved an amended version of the bill that calls for single-use
plastic bags and paper bags to be banned one year after the law goes
into effect. Styrofoam cups and food containers, like ones used for
takeout food, would be banned two years after the law is signed.
New Jersey Moves Closer To Banning Plastic Bags - And Paper Ones, Too
Upcoming
Thanksgiving-Christmas-New Year Trash/Recycling/Brush Schedule in Avalon
The Avalon Department of
Public Works has announced the following adjustments to various
scheduled pickups for upcoming collection schedules:
Thanksgiving week:
Trash and recycling normal schedule, brush collection will occur on
Wednesday, instead of Thursday.
Christmas and New Year's weeks: Trash and recycling normally collected
on Wednesday will be collected on Thursday, both weeks.
Upcoming Thanksgiving-Christmas-New Year Trash/Recycling/Brush Schedule
in Avalon
Beach Patrol Building Moves Ahead
Stone Harbor Borough
Council received an update recently on the proposed new Beach Patrol
building at 95th Street and the beach. An earlier presentation included
a design with an estimated cost of just over $4 million. The reworked
design shaved $500,000 off the estimate. It did so largely through
changes to aspects of the project that sit outside or on the periphery
of the building. Several council members expressed support for the
modified design. While no formal vote was taken, Business Administrator
Jill Gougher was authorized to move ahead with the permitting process. A
tentative schedule for the project included a permitting and detailed
design phase that would run until April or May 2020.
Beach Patrol Building Moves Ahead
8th Street Jetty Project to Begin; Active
Construction Site, Off Limits to Fishermen
The Borough of Avalon
held a pre-construction meeting on Friday, November 22nd with South
State Construction of Egg Harbor Township to discuss the upcoming
repairs to the 8th Street Jetty in the Borough. Council has awarded a
contract to South State to make repairs to the jetty, which was damaged
during Winter Storm Jonas in January, 2016. The foundation of the jetty
was compromised and large rock has been displaced. The Borough
previously placed signs adjacent to the jetty and concrete barrier to
deter members of the public from accessing the structure. The jetty will
become an active construction zone during a period of time from
mid-December, 2019 to early January, 2020.
8th Street Jetty Project to Begin; Active Construction Site, Off Limits
to Fishermen
Postal Food Collection Solicits Donations
The letter carriers,
rural and city, along with many other postal employees and volunteers
will be collecting non-perishable food December 7, according to
coordinator John Vollrath. Those postal personnel are from the following
post offices throughout Cape May County: Cape May, Court House, Villas,
Rio Grande, Wildwood, Stone Harbor, Avalon, Sea Isle City, Ocean View,
Ocean City, Marmora and Woodbine. All will be collecting non-perishable
food items to fill local food banks.
Postal Food Collection Solicits Donations
The American Legion Post 331 To Host a
Luncheon for World War II and Korea Veterans
If you are a veteran of
World War II or the Korean Conflict, The American Legion wants to buy
you lunch. The American Legion Post 331 and Sons of American Legion
Squadron 331, Stone Harbor, will honor local World War II and Korean War
veterans with a free luncheon at its annual Pearl Harbor Day event,
Saturday, December 14, 2019, 1 - 3 p.m. at the Stephen C. Ludlam Post
331 headquarters, 11617 2nd Avenue. Post 331 will also present its
annual Home for the Holidays travel package awards to selected Coast
Guard members stationed in Cape May.
The American Legion Post 331 To Host a Luncheon for World War II and
Korea Veterans
2019 Christmas Parades
& Tree Lightings in Cape May County
Check out all the
Christmas Parades and Tree Lightings throughout Cape May County this
holiday season!
2019 Christmas Parades in Cape May County
2019 Christmas Tree Lightings in Cape May County
Avalon to Study Sewer
System Flow
At a recent work session,
Avalon Borough Council discussed the need for an "infiltration and
inflow study" of the sewer system. The Cape May County Municipal
Utilities Authority (MUA) spreads its charge to individual
municipalities based on each municipality's share of total wastewater
flow to the MUA. In recent years, some of the county's municipalities
have seen spikes in their share of total wastewater flow, leading to
unbudgeted increases in fees. Like Avalon, Middle Township has recently
undertaken a study of flows from its aging sewer system. What both towns
are seeking is evidence of groundwater infiltration or stormwater inflow
that is inappropriately entering the sewer system and causing higher MUA
costs.
Avalon to Study Sewer System Flow
FEMA Delays Flood
Insurance Hike Until 2021
New Jersey residents will
have a reprieve before flood insurance premiums will likely rise. The
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was set to implement a new
initiative, known as Risk Rating 2.0, designed to "deliver flood
insurance rates that people trust, value, and are less complex to
navigate," beginning in October 2020. FEMA previously announced that
National Flood Insurance Program premiums will increase an estimated
average of $873 per policy to $972, or 11.3 percent. But nearly 80
percent of policyholders already paying the full-risk rate will not
experience the increase, the agency said.
FEMA Delays Flood Insurance Hike Until 2021
Avalon Beach Fill
Completed
The Army Corps of
Engineers completed the 2019 Avalon beach replenishment project November
10. The project was completed ahead of schedule. This year, Avalon
received a total of 675,000 cubic yards of sand on its north-end
beaches, from Ninth to 20th streets. The replenishment is part of a
federal program to rebuild protective beaches and dunes on a three-year
cycle. The next federally sponsored replenishment is scheduled for 2022.
Avalon Beach Fill Completed
Contract Awarded to
Repair Avalon Jetty
Avalon Borough Council
awarded a $2.5 million contract to South State, Inc., of Bridgeton,
November 13 for the repair of the Eighth Street jetty, damaged in Winter
Storm Jonas in 2016. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) agreed
to $4 million in federal disaster funds for the jetty's repair.
Contract Awarded to Repair Avalon Jetty
NJDEP Urges Drivers To
Be Extra Cautious During Peak Deer Mating Season
The New Jersey Department
of Environmental Protection's Division of Fish and Wildlife is urging
drivers to use extra caution and watch for white-tailed deer as deer
mating season gets under way. Peak mating season for deer in New Jersey
runs throughout November and into mid-December in all areas of the
state. During this time of year, deer are more likely to suddenly run
onto roadways as bucks pursue does, risking the possibility of colliding
with a vehicle. when visibility may be difficult.
NJDEP Urges Drivers To Be Extra Cautious During Peak Deer Mating Season
American Legion Post
#331, Avalon Hold Veterans Day Ceremony
American Legion Post #331
and the Borough of Avalon held a Veterans Day ceremony Monday morning,
November 11th. The Post and Mayor Marty Pagliughi recognized World War
II veteran Frank D'Elia who celebrated his 100th birthday.
American Legion Post #331, Avalon Hold Veterans Day Ceremony
Do Turkey Day 2019
Don't feel like cooking
Thanksgiving dinner this year? Celebrate Thanksgiving at the shore and
let someone else do the work for you! Find out where you can enjoy
Thanksgiving dinner around Cape May County on Thursday, November 28th.
Do Turkey Day 2019
Congressman Van Drew
Joins Local Officials on Victory Regarding Beach Nourishment
New Jersey Congressman
Jeff Van Drew held a press conference on Friday, November 8th at North
Wildwood's 7th Street beach to discuss a ruling by Department of
Interior Secretary David Bernhardt regarding the availability of sand
from Hereford Inlet for non-emergency federal beach stabilization
projects. Congressman Van Drew asked Secretary Bernhardt for a meeting
involving officials from Avalon, Stone Harbor, and North Wildwood who
were all impacted by a decision by Fish and Wildlife's interpretation of
a federal statue for which the Secretary disagreed, and supported all
three coastal communities.
Congressman Van Drew Joins Local Officials on Victory Regarding Beach
Nourishment
Senators Announce
Nearly $2M to Aid Repair of Damaged Avalon Jetty
U.S. Sens. Robert
Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-NJ) announced a grant providing $1.95
million in federal funding to the Borough of Avalon to aid in repairs to
the Eighth Street jetty as a result of Winter Storm Jonas, a record
blizzard that dumped more than three feet of snow on parts of New Jersey
in January 2016 and caused severe erosion and flooding along the shore.
The funding was authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford
Act. Jonas caused an estimated $67 million in damage in Cape May County
alone, over $80 million statewide. The federal grant represents 75% of
the total $2,601,598 project cost to repair the jetty.
Senators Announce Nearly $2M to Aid Repair of Damaged Avalon Jetty
Department of Interior
Secretary Approves Avalon/Stone Harbor/North Wildwood Position on
Hereford Inlet
United States Secretary
of the Interior David Bernhardt issued an administrative directive on
Monday, November 4th that permits the use of non-emergency federal funds
for periodic beach nourishment projects, particularly in Stone Harbor
and North Wildwood. The directive follows a meeting hosted by Secretary
Bernhardt at the Department of Interior on Monday, October 21st
scheduled by Congressman Jeff Van Drew and attended by representatives
of Avalon, Stone Harbor, and North Wildwood. This directive reverses a
recent position by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service that
prevented the sand that has accumulated in the Inlet from prior beach
fills to be used for protective measures against future storm events.
Department of Interior Secretary Approves Avalon/Stone Harbor/North
Wildwood Position on Hereford Inlet
Notice of Construction
on Ingrams Thorofare Bridge on Avalon Boulevard
The County of Cape May
has entered into a contract with South State Construction for the
reconstruction of the existing bridge deck and miscellaneous structural
repairs to the Ingram's Thorofare Bridge located along Avalon Boulevard.
Work on the project will begin by the middle of November 2019 and will
proceed in two stages due to the magnitude of the work. Stage one will
involve the replacement of the concrete deck of the east bound lane and
shoulder. Work will proceed as Stage 1 thru the winter and into the
spring of 2020. The work on Stage 1 is expected to terminate by May 7,
2020 and the project will undergo a seasonal shutdown thru the summer
months. Work will resume as Stage 2 on the second Monday in September
2020. The project has an overall final completion date of June 18, 2021.
Notice of Construction on Ingrams Thorofare Bridge on Avalon Boulevard
Wetlands Institute
Research - Habitat Use and Nesting Success of Wading Birds
Wetlands Institute
Research Scientist Sam Collins recently presented a poster at the joint
meeting of the Association of Field Ornithologists and the Wilson
Ornithological Society, held this year in Cape May and organized by New
Jersey Audubon and the Cape May Bird Observatory. She and Dr. Lisa
Ferguson (the Institute's Director of Research and Conservation) have
been looking into the habitat use and nesting success of wading birds on
two marsh islands--Sturgeon Island and Gull Island. They have been
focusing on four colonial nesting species in particular: Black-crowned
Night-Heron, Glossy Ibis, Snowy Egret, and Great Egret.
Wetlands Institute Research - Habitat Use and Nesting Success of Wading
Birds
Stone Harbor Plans for
Beach, Bay Expenses
At a recent meeting,
Stone Harbor Borough Council heard capital budget projections for almost
$6 million over five years for beach replenishment, back bay dredging,
and flood mitigation efforts. The $5.7 million budget projection
represents the total in funds scheduled to be put aside over the next
five budget cycles to deal with the recurring, expensive projects aimed
at open bay channels, protected beaches, and better flood mitigation
infrastructure.
Stone Harbor Plans for Beach, Bay Expenses
Borough of Stone Harbor
Flood Information Newsletter
All properties located
within the Borough of Stone Harbor are in a Special Flood Hazard Area
between the Atlantic Ocean and the bay and are subject to serious
flooding conditions during major storms. The Borough of Stone Harbor
Flood Information Newsletter contains many topics that suggest possible
actions that a homeowner can take to protect themselves, family and
property in the event of a Hurricane or Coastal Storm.
Borough of Stone Harbor Flood Information Newsletter
Construction on
Portions of Fifth Avenue, 47th Street, 68th Street Begins in Early
November
The Borough of Avalon
held a pre-construction meeting with Asphalt Paving Systems of
Hammonton, NJ recently to discuss Contract M-115, previously approved by
Avalon Borough Council. This contract will result in various street,
concrete, and utility work on a portions of Fifth Avenue, 47th Street,
and 68th Street.
Construction on Portions of Fifth Avenue, 47th Street, 68th Street
Begins in Early November
USCG Cutter McShan
Commissioned
In a morning of tradition
and firsts, and with a heartfelt order to board and bring the cutter to
life, the Coast Guard commissioned the USCGC Angela McShan in Cape May
on October 26th. The cutter's homeport will be Cape May. It is named for
Master Chief Angela M. McShan, the first black woman promoted to master
chief petty officer in the Coast Guard. Several of McShan's family
members attended the event, held under overcast skies dockside, along
with many who served with her. McShan's sister, Marilyn Williams, gave
the order for the cutter's first crew to board the new vessel. They
stood at the port rail as she formally commissioned the cutter into
service.
USCG Cutter McShan Commissioned
Contract Awarded by
Avalon Council for Paving of Various Streets
The Avalon Borough
Council approved a contract with Asphalt Paving Systems, of Hammonton,
New Jersey for construction work on three streets in the Borough. The
contract requires Asphalt Paving Systems to conduct paving of three
streets including Fifth Avenue south of 42nd Street (paving and
concrete); 68th Street from Dune Drive to Ocean Drive (paving, concrete,
and sewer), and 47th Street from Dune Drive to Ocean Drive
(paving/concrete/water/sewer/stormwater). The Borough received a grant
totaling $150,000 from the New Jersey Department of Transportation for
work on 68th Street. The total cost of the project is $1,967,600. The
construction timeline will require Asphalt Paving Systems to complete
the work on or before May 18, 2020.
Contract Awarded by Avalon Council for Paving of Various Streets
Sand Won't Come from
Dunes
At a special meeting of Stone Harbor Borough Council, Stone Harbor's
governing body decided not to participate in a program that would've
taken sand from the dunes to replenish beaches. The dilemma confronting
the borough stems from a 3-year-old decision by the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service that bans the borrowing of sand from Hereford Inlet.
Until then, the inlet was the primary borrow area for federal hydraulic
beach replenishment projects in the borough. Without the ability to take
sand from Hereford Inlet, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the state
Department of Environmental Protection offered Stone Harbor an option of
taking sand from the highest dunes and moving it seaward over the
beaches. Council members feared that they would lower the protective
dunes at a time when the borough is embarking on a series of moves to
better protect the island community from sea-level rise and frequent
severe storms.
Sand Won't Come from Dunes
Work to Begin This Fall
on Ingram's Thorofare High Span Bridge on Avalon Boulevard
The County of Cape May
owns and maintains the Ingrams Thorofare Bridge, the high span bridge in
Middle Township on Avalon Boulevard, west of the Avalon municipal
boundary. The bridge will be re-decked and the project is expected to
take two years, during the off season only. A temporary traffic signal
will be installed on both sides of the bridge as is it anticipated that
one lane of traffic will be closed during the majority of this project.
Work to Begin This Fall on Ingram's Thorofare High Span Bridge on Avalon
Boulevard
Avalon Family Donates
Home to Habitat for Humanity
A family has donated an
entire house to Habitat for Humanity and also contributed to the cost to
move it from Avalon to a lot in Upper Township. Getting an entire home
donated isn't commonplace, said Sarah Matthews, executive director of
the charity's Cape May chapter. The process is moving quickly as a
result. The Redwood Avenue plot, which the township previously donated
to Habitat for Humanity, is already equipped with a well and a septic
system, and the chapter is preparing to open up applications to
families.
Habitat for Humanity House Moved from Avalon to Marmora (Picture
Gallery)
Information Regarding
Lead Service Lines in Stone Harbor
"In light of recent news
articles regarding the State of New Jersey's inventory of lead service
lines, the Borough of Stone Harbor made a clarification on the number of
these lines reported for the Borough. It was reported that Stone Harbor
has 1,800 lead service lines (LSLs). Unfortunately this number reflects
some data that was inaccurately reported to the NJDEP, which is in the
process of being corrected. The correct number is approximately 600
lines."
Information Regarding Lead Service Lines in Stone Harbor
Wetlands Institute
Awarded Disney Conservation Fund (DCF) Grant
"The Wetlands Institute
is excited to announce that the Disney Conservation Fund (DCF) has
awarded them a $49,800 grant in recognition of critical conservation
work with Diamondback Terrapins. This grant renews the DCF's support of
our work for another two years, and reinforces their commitment to
reverse the decline of wildlife worldwide."
Wetlands Institute Awarded Disney Conservation Fund (DCF) Grant
As Middle Neighbors
Gear Up For Fight, Parkway Hotel Hits Roadblock
"A plan for a $17 million
hotel just off the Garden State Parkway is in limbo after an issue with
the wording of a recommendation from the Planning Board. The proposed
Hampton Inn would bring tax ratables and jobs to the township, an
attorney for the developer has argued. However, neighbors have spoken
against the plan, citing concerns about traffic and proximity to
residential neighborhoods."
As Middle Neighbors Gear Up For Fight, Parkway Hotel Hits Roadblock
Avalon Hears Recommendations for North End Drainage Project
"Borough
Engineer Thomas Thornton presented Mott MacDonald's formal
recommendations to Avalon Borough Council for the north end drainage
improvements. The study area was from 10th to 27th streets east of
Avalon Avenue. Previous recommendations based on earlier design concepts
focused on a new water collection system infrastructure of larger
drainage pipes and the augmenting of both the 11th Street and 22nd
Street pump stations. Those earlier concepts also involved improving the
outfall system, with larger pipes, but still making use of the same
locations, which discharge to both the inlet and the ocean."
Avalon Hears Recommendations for North End Drainage Project
'Mind-Boggling' Summer
Revenue In Cape May County, Officials Say
"Cape May County
officials are crediting favorable summer weather for a likely
record-breaking revenue season. In a news release, Cape May County
Tourism Director Diane Wieland points to occupancy tax collection
revenue up 8.4 percent from 2018 through July, totaling more than $7
million. The spike in occupancy tax collection indicates a minimal
increase in room rates and a "substantial uptick" in overnight guests,
according to county officials."
'Mind-Boggling' Summer Revenue In Cape May County, Officials Say
Autumn In South Jersey Means Monarchs In Migration
"This is the time of year when
the light shifts, the once harsh sun has a shimmery orange glow and
there is an invigorating crispness in the air.Nature pauses here in
South Jersey for a while as many insects and birds follow aeons-old
instinct to migrate to their warm winter palaces. Monarch butterflies
(subspecies Danaus plexippus plexippus) are among the travelers
frequenting our shores."
Autumn In South Jersey Means Monarchs In Migration
Avalon to Receive
Hydraulic Beach Fill, 475,000 Cubic Yards of Sand for North End Beaches
"The Borough of Avalon
has entered into a partnership with the United States Army Corps of
Engineers and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for
a hydraulic beach fill to restore north end beaches. The project is
anticipated to place at least 475,000 cubic yards of sand on Avalon's
beachfront from 9th Street to 20th Street to restore beaches to a
federal template that existed prior storm events over the past two
years."
Avalon to Receive Hydraulic Beach Fill, 475,000 Cubic Yards of Sand for
North End Beaches
Zoning Enforcement to
Shift to Code Enforcement Office
"At a recent meeting of
Avalon Borough Council, Assistant Business Administrator James Waldron
briefed council on a new plan to restructure zoning enforcement. Waldron
said that given the number of demolitions and construction projects
annually in the borough, the zoning official is overloaded with site
plan approvals and paperwork. Zoning enforcement is a burden that
borough officials want to shift elsewhere. The plan calls for enlarging
the role of the borough's code enforcement office by adding zoning
enforcement to its portfolio. This frees the zoning official from that
task and allows for focus on plan review, approvals, and paperwork
requirements."
Zoning Enforcement to Shift to Code Enforcement Office
Contract Awarded for
Avalon Jetty
"Avalon Borough Council
approved a $200,000 contract with Mott MacDonald Sept. 11, for design,
planning and bid specifications for the rehabilitation of the 8th Street
jetty damaged by Winter Storm Jonas in 2016. The contract award begins a
process that should result in reconstruction of the jetty."
Contract Awarded for Avalon Jetty
A Little Off The Top:
State May Rearrange Some Ocean Dunes
"New Jersey, which has
waged relentless court battles to build protective sand dunes along its
coast, may take the unusual step of trimming some large dunes and using
the sand to widen the beach in front of them. The proposal would appear
to fly in the face of strenuous and costly efforts to ensure dunes are
in place along most of the state's 127-mile coastline. That included
court cases against dune opponents and people seeking financial
compensation for the loss of oceanfront property and ocean views. But a
special set of circumstances, including robust dunes that are
considerably larger than minimum standards, and a federal policy placing
a traditional sand pumping site off limits to federally funded projects,
has led U.S. and state authorities to consider 'harvesting' sand from
some dunes in Stone Harbor."
A Little Off The Top: State May Rearrange Some Ocean Dunes
New Jersey Wind Farm
May Connect To Ex-Nuke Plant Equipment
"A wind energy farm
planned off the coast of Atlantic City could bring its power ashore at
the site of a former nuclear power plant. Ørsted, which plans the
windmill project, said recently it would run a cable from the Atlantic
City offshore site to the former Oyster Creek nuclear plant in Lacey
Township. There already is extensive electrical transmission
infrastructure at the site. Ørsted, the Danish wind energy pioneer, says
it bought “capacity interconnection rights” at the Oyster Creek site. It
says it still can't calculate the final cost to bring power ashore,
pending additional studies."
New Jersey Wind Farm May Connect To Ex-Nuke Plant Equipment
Vote to Purchase
Smuggler's Cove Defeated 4-2
"Stone Harbor Borough
Council has been discussing the potential purchase of Smuggler's Cove,
an iconic spot boasting one of the borough's oldest structures and
housing a marine gas station, a bait shop and a history of service to
anglers whether novices or veterans. During council's regular business
meeting September 17th, Council President Joselyn Rich made a motion
that the borough not purchase Smuggler's Cove. It was immediately
seconded by Mantura Gallagher."
Vote to Purchase Smuggler's Cove Defeated 4-2
Recycling Change
Reminder
"Due to
limited end markets and increased contamination potential, bulky mixed
rigid plastics and shredded paper have been removed from the County's
"Recommended" and "Designated" recyclables list, respectively. Changes
will take effect October 1, 2019."
Cape May County Announces Recycling Changes Effective October 1, 2019
Stone Harbor Joins
Central Dispatch
"Stone Harbor Borough
Council approved a $500,000 purchase of radios for the police and fire
departments in preparation for the move to central dispatch. The shared
services agreement with the county was also approved. Stone Harbor
became the most recent municipality to make the move to countywide
dispatch services. So far, police departments in Lower Township and
Wildwood Crest, along with emergency medical services in Lower Township,
Avalon and Stone Harbor have moved under the county communications
center, located at the Lower Township Public Safety Building."
Stone Harbor Joins Central Dispatch
Beach Replenishment Set
To Begin This Fall
"Dredging and beachfill
operations are set to begin in a portion of Cape May County this fall,
officials announced. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has awarded a $7.5
million contract to Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company of Oak Brook, Ill.
to complete periodic beach nourishment between Avalon and Stone Harbor."
Army Corps Awards Contract For Cape May County Beach Replenishment Set
To Begin This Fall
Should Stone Harbor Buy
Smuggler's Cove?
"On multiple occasions,
Stone Harbor Mayor Judith Davies-Dunhour has lamented the unenviable
position of being caught in the middle with preserving borough history
and character. At a recent Stone Harbor Borough Council meeting, she
reiterated the sentiment. 'We are sometimes criticized if we do and
criticized if we don't,' Davies-Dunhour said. Her reference was to those
among the residents who want the borough to do more to preserve elements
of the town that contribute to its special character, and those who feel
the borough should not become a landlord for a private business. At
issue is the future of Smuggler's Cove. A landmark for decades, the
business at 81st Street and the bay is often billed as a fishing
headquarters, a bait and tackle, and a marine supply store with fuel
docks."
Should Stone Harbor Buy Smuggler's Cove?
Borough
to Project Budget Through '24
"Ten years can be a long
time when the challenges facing a barrier island community are mounting
as rapidly as the projected sea-level rise. As the 2020 budget
preparation process gets underway in many of Cape May County's
municipalities, the Borough of Stone Harbor is undertaking a process
that will project budget requirements to 2024. At the first unveiling of
the process during the recent Stone Harbor Borough Council meeting,
Administrator Jill Gougher promised that a subsequent five years would
be added to the projection beginning in mid-2020."
Borough to Project Budget Through '24
Stone Harbor Point Open
to Beach Vehicle Permit Holders 9/10/19
"Effective September 10,
2019 Beach Vehicle Permit holders are now able to access Stone Harbor
Point. Visit the Borough of Stone Harbor's website to access the Beach
Vehicle Permit Application. All appropriate documentation and fees must
be paid before the Beach Vehicle Permit application is issued."
Stone Harbor Point Open to Beach Vehicle Permit Holders 9/10/19
High Risk of Rip
Currents Along Avalon Beaches Week of September 3rd
"The National Weather
Service has issued an advisory for the presence of rip currents along
the coastline. Please follow all instructions provided by the Avalon
Beach Patrol as rip currents are difficult to see. Hurricane Dorian is
expected to pass to our south later this week, likely causing rough surf
and rip currents."
High Risk of Rip Currents Along Avalon Beaches This Week
Avalon
Police Receive Third Accreditation; Top One Percent Statewide With
Perfect Compliance
"The Avalon Police
Department has received its third, three-year accreditation from the New
Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP). During this
process, the Avalon Police Department received a perfect 100%
compliance, putting the department in the top one percent of departments
statewide that have been re-accredited for a second time with a perfect
compliance record."
Avalon Police Receive Third Accreditation; Top One Percent Statewide
With Perfect Compliance
Borough Hears Plans for
Beach Patrol Building
"Stone Harbor Borough
Council heard a presentation recently on the conceptual design of Beach
Patrol Headquarters. The building would be located on the site of the
existing facility at 95th Street and the beach. The design calls for a
structure with two floors and a crow's nest. The first floor would house
boats, vehicles, storage, and locker areas. The second floor is laid out
for office areas and a break room. The building would be used for
beach-tag sales. Restroom facilities would also be redone, with access
in the same general area, but further north to allow for a circular
drive drop-off point at the beach entrance."
Borough Hears Plans for Beach Patrol Building
South Jersey Gas to
Continue EFV Work, Street Paving in the Fall
"Starting in mid to late
September, South Jersey Gas' contractor, Lantier Construction, will
visit Avalon again to complete a project that began in the spring with
the installation of the Excess Flow Valves (EFV's) that provide safety
to a property and neighbor during emergencies including extreme flooding
events. An additional 100 properties will be affected by this project
and notification from the utility to the customer will be provided
directly. Final full and half width street paving for the work that was
done in the Spring will begin likely in late October with all final
paving from the Spring, 2019 project to be completed by Thanksgiving
Weekend, 2019."
South Jersey Gas to Continue EFV Work, Street Paving in the Fall
Flood Alert System
"In
August 2017, Stockton University's Coastal Research Center placed
sensors in flood-prone areas of Avalon and Longport as part of a study
of nuisance flooding. The goal was to collect data that could be tied to
weather information and tide levels for the development of a better
predictive capability, an effort to reduce property damage caused by
flooding. Stockton's Dr. Stewart Farrell and Matthew Suran went before
Avalon Borough Council recently to report on the conclusion of the
study."
Study Seeks to Establish Flood-Alert System
Cottages May Gain
Second Floors
"The Courts are a subset
of Stone Harbor's residential district, with small cottages, narrow
streets and the smallest buildable lots allowed in the borough. The
homes are reminiscent of the bungalows that once were staples of
summer-shore living. In the recently adopted Master Plan Reexamination
Report, the borough is confronted with recommendations some said would
drastically change the character of the community. The report recommends
additional space be allowed for storage and location of heating and air
conditioning systems. It also recommends allowing 'limited' second
floors for additional living space. According to the report, the
recommendations are a response to requests from homeowners who feel
their properties have lost value in a town increasingly dominated by
larger homes. However, not all court homeowners feel the same way."
Cottages May Gain Second Floors
Study: Staring At
Seagulls Could Prevent Them From Snatching Your Food
"British researchers have
found that staring at seagulls could keep them from snatching your food.
Scientists at the University of Exeter placed a bag of chips on the
ground and tested how long it took seagulls to approach both when a
human was and wasn't watching. They conducted the study in coastal
towns. Out of 74 gulls, the researchers say that most flew away or
didn't get near, while 27 approached and 19 completed what they dubbed
the 'looking at' and 'looking away' tests. The result? The gulls, on
average, took 21 seconds longer to approach the food when being stared
at, according to the study."
Study: Staring At Seagulls Could Prevent Them From Snatching Your
Food
So Long, Inlet Sand
"As bids go out for the
upcoming federal beach replenishment on Seven Mile Island, Stone Harbor
is unable to borrow sand from Hereford Inlet due to restrictions placed
on the traditional borrow areas by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
That agency's interpretation of the Coastal Barrier Resources Act has
upended the long-standing use of Hereford Inlet sand by the Army Corps
of Engineers for hydraulic beach replenishments."
So Long, Inlet Sand
Ocean Galleries Hosts Jane Seymour
"Ocean Galleries welcomes international artist
Jane Seymour with her latest collection of gorgeous oil paintings,
watercolors, and bronze sculptures. A multiple award winning actress,
Ms. Seymour's collection of expressive art often reflects her passions
in life and her surroundings, which is evident in her watercolors,
beachscapes, and figurative paintings."
Ocean Galleries Hosts Jane Seymour
Avalon Extends Grace Period for Payment of 3rd Quarter Tax Bills
"On Wednesday, July 24th the Avalon Borough Council unanimously approved a resolution to extend the grace period for the payment of 3rd quarter tax bills to August 19, 2019. This extension was necessary due to the State of New Jersey approving its budget on June 30, 2019, the last day of the fiscal year. The County of Cape May certified the tax rate to the Borough of Avalon on July 16, 2019."
Avalon Extends Grace Period for Payment of 3rd Quarter Tax Bills
Avalon Council Reorganizes
"Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi, and councilmembers Barbara Juzaitis and Sam Wierman were sworn in to four year terms on Avalon Borough Council during a reorganization meeting held on Monday, July 1st. Pagliughi, Juzaitis, and Wierman all receive four year terms courtesy of the May 14th, 2019 municipal election. They took their oaths of office from New Jersey Superior Court Judge Susan Sheppard."
Avalon Council Reorganizes
Pump Station Could be Eliminated in $10M Drainage Plan
"Borough Engineer Thomas Thornton updated Avalon Borough Council on potential changes to the conceptual design of the north end drainage project
recently.
The projected $10 million project would revamp the systems which drain water from major rain events, like those experienced in 2005, 2009, and 2017, when several feet of water collected in the area, defeating the aging infrastructure in place.
Thornton said the final report would come before council for approval in July. If council then authorizes a detailed design effort, Thornton expects that effort would be completed by December, which would allow the borough to begin the process of seeking the federal and state permits."
Pump Station Could be Eliminated in $10M Drainage Plan
Avalon Unveils New Beach Tag Art Wall to Honor Past, Future School Contest Winners
"Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi unveiled a brand new wall inside Borough Hall that honors students who have created art work for annual beach tags in the community. The tags have been photographed and enlarged, showing all of the art work of the students who have created art for beach tags dating back to 1999. The wall also includes space for artwork by future honorees."
Avalon Unveils New Beach Tag Art Wall to Honor Past, Future School Contest Winners
Ultimate Beach Hacks
"The Inquirer recently
asked readers for their ultimate beach hacks. They got a lot of
responses, ranging from aloe cubes to heal sunburns to fitted sheets to
keep sand off beach towels and baby powder as a trick to get sand off
hands and feet. Of course, baby powder wasn't the only advice. From
U-locks to bungee cords, check out the link below for more responses..."
Ultimate Beach Hacks
Avalon Establishes Pollinator Habitat at Armacost Park
"The Borough of Avalon has created a new pollinator habitat on the northwest corner of Armacost Park in the southern portion of the community. The new pollinator habitat is established at a site where a mowed lawn previously existed. The habitat is intended to provide a location for migratory pollinators and birds to stop during migration and help rebound the numbers of important pollinators including Monarch Butterflies on the east coast of the United States."
Avalon Establishes Pollinator Habitat at Armacost Park
NJ Selects Ørsted for First Offshore Wind Project
"The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) June 21 unanimously granted the state's first award for offshore wind to Ørsted's Ocean Wind 1,100 megawatt (MW) project, giving the company the opportunity to build 1,100 MW of offshore wind in federal waters.
According to a recent press release, the 1,100 MW of offshore wind is expected
to power roughly 500,000 New Jersey homes and generate $1.17 billion in
economic benefits, in addition to creating an estimated 15,000 jobs over
the project life."
NJ Selects Ørsted for First Offshore Wind Project
Recycling Reminder: Do Not Place Recycling in Plastic Bags
"The Borough of Stone Harbor would like to remind residents and visitors to not place your recycling in plastic bags.
Place all recyclables loose in your recycling bin."
Recycling Reminder: Do Not Place Recycling in Plastic Bags
Dock Repairs Continue
"Business Administrator Scott Wahl provided Avalon Borough Council with an update on repair to the public dock at 24th Street and Fifth Avenue.
The work was scheduled for completion by May 22 but ran into a series of delays. The most serious of which was the inability of the general contractor to get a subcontractor with the right skill set for elements of the work concerning the pilings."
Dock Repairs Continue
Avalon Implements $30,000 Tree Planting Grant, 89 New Trees Planted in Avalon
"The Borough of Avalon has completed the execution of a $30,000 grant from the New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry, New Jersey Forestry Service to plant 89 new trees at key locations throughout the community. The new trees provide both environmental and aesthetic enrichment for the Borough and culminates a cooperative effort that involved Borough employees, professionals, and volunteers who have been involved in this project."
Avalon Implements $30,000 Tree Planting Grant, 89 New Trees Planted in Avalon
2019 Master Plan Reexamination Report
"The New Jersey Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL)
requires that a municipality undertake a general reexamination of its
master plan and development regulations at a minimum every ten years
(NJSA 40:55D-89). The report linked below is the culmination of the reexamination for the Borough of
Stone Harbor and fulfills the required objectives set forth in NJSA 40:55D-89."
Borough of Stone Harbor 2019 Master Plan Reexamination Report
Avalon Offers New Tax and Water/Sewer Payment Drop Box for Nights, Weekends
"The Borough of Avalon is making it more convenient to drop off tax, and water/sewer payments to the Avalon Tax Office. A new secure drop box is available in front of Avalon Borough Hall, at 32nd Street and Dune Drive in Avalon. This service is in addition to making payments inside Borough Hall during normal business hours, and the Borough's electronic and direct debit payment programs that are currently offered."
Avalon Offers New Tax and Water/Sewer Payment Drop Box for Nights, Weekends
Slow Down for Terrapins! Nesting Season Begins, Tips for Motorists
"Protecting our local environment is most effective when it is a community-wide effort. Thank you to everyone who is doing their part!
Read more for information from the Wetlands Institute of Stone Harbor."
Slow Down for Terrapins! Nesting Season Begins, Tips for Motorists
Test Planned for County's Reverse 911 System
"Cape May County will be testing its Code Red system June 7 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
The program is a Reverse 911 system to notify residents in the event of a major storm event or disaster.
Roughly 100,000 people who have signed up for the service in Cape May County will get the message via a phone call, text, or email.
County officials use the Code Red system to notify residents and visitors in the event of an evacuation during a major storm event or in a similarly significant event."
More
- Test Planned for County's Reverse 911 System
Avalon's Surfside Park Takes Shape
"Avalon's new Surfside Park is nearing overall completion with finishing touches on the park being completed in early June. The Park has been constructed by Fred M. Schiavone Construction and supported by a $2 million grant from the Cape May County Open Space program. Project management has been provided by Mott MacDonald Engineers and by the Taylor Design Group."
Avalon's Surfside Park Takes Shape
Avalon Police to Participate in
"Click it or Ticket" Starting May 20th
"Avalon Police will participate in the annual “Click it or Ticket” campaign which runs from May 20th through June 2nd, 2019. The campaign is designed to remind motorists and passengers to buckle up while driving in, or riding in, a motor vehicle."
Avalon Police to Participate in "Click it or Ticket" Starting May 20th
Borough to Shift Scavenging Policy
"Bulk pickup day in Stone Harbor can mean items are put out at the curb that have use and value.
In a community where a large number of property owners are not permanent residents, bulk pickup schedules offer a chance to rid the owner of items no longer wanted.
Municipal ordinances state that once the items are at the curb they belong to the municipality and those who drive by seeking curbside treasures do so illegally.
At its work session May 7, Stone Harbor Borough Council discussed changes to the ordinances that would allow individuals to retrieve items curbside within 72 hours of a scheduled bulk pickup date."
Borough to Shift Scavenging Policy
Drone, No-wake Ordinances OK'd
"In an ordinance regulating the use of drones
within the municipality, the borough had to retreat from an earlier
attempt to ban recreational use of drones. The ordinance was adopted 'to
protect the public from the hazards associated with the operation of
unmanned aircraft.' "
Drone, No-wake Ordinances OK'd
Avalon Clean Water Initiative/Single Use Plastics Ordinance
"Last year the Avalon Borough Council approved Ordinance 779-2018 that supports the Avalon Clean Water Initiative. It regulates and prevents the distribution of certain plastic items deemed to constitute a threat to the environment. Avalon and Stone Harbor have adopted very similar ordinances with advice and consultation from Dr. Lenore Tedesco at the Wetlands Institute in Stone Harbor. Avalon's Clean Water Initiative includes this effort to remove single-use materials from our waterways; increases locations for monofilament disposal locations; and educates boaters on the importance of securing polluting materials during a day on the water."
Avalon Clean Water Initiative/Single Use Plastics Ordinance
Drinking Water Quality
"The Borough of Stone Harbor Annual Drinking
Water Quality Report is designed to inform you about the quality water
service we deliver to you every day. Their constant goal is to provide
you with a safe and dependable supply of drinking water."
Stone Harbor 2019 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report/CCR
Avalon Sand Back Passing Project to be Completed on or About April 30, 2019
"Avalon is in the final days of a major sand back passing project that results in restored beaches in the northern end of the community that were compromised during winter storm activity. The project is anticipated to conclude on Tuesday, April 30th and results in approximately 55,000 cubic yards of sand being back passed from a borrow area in the central part of the community to beach blocks between 9th through 15th streets that lost most of the beach to the toe of the dune system."
Avalon Sand Back Passing Project to be Completed on or About April 30, 2019
2019 Avalon Budget
Presentation: Zero Increase in Taxes, Water/Sewer, Beach Tags
"The Avalon Borough Council formally adopted
the 2019 municipal budget on April 10, 2019. The budget includes
no increases in municipal taxes, water/sewer rates, or beach tag fees.
The budget maintains a healthy surplus, and puts the Borough on a path
to eliminate all long term debt, and be essentially debt-free."
More
- 2019 Avalon Budget Presentation
Avalon Police Department Public Notice/Re-Accreditation April 20, 2019
"The Avalon Police Department is scheduled for
an on-site assessment as part of its program to achieve accreditation by
verifying that it meets recognized professional best practices.
Administered by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police,
the accreditation program requires agencies to comply with best practice
standards in five basic areas: the administrative function, the
personnel function, the operations function, the investigative function,
and the arrestee/detainee function."
Avalon Police Department Public Notice/Re-Accreditation
Brendan's Fund Kicks Off Their
28th Year!
"It has been 28 years since the creation of
The Brendan Borek High Tides Memorial Fund A Pediatric Cancer Fund (aka:
Brendan's Fund) serving local children and their families. For 28 years,
they have provided non-medical assistance for access to care and other
necessities to families in Cape May County and more recently
included families from Atlantic County. All net proceeds from their
fundraising is added to the annual donation to the Brendan Borek Endowed
Fund at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Your support has
been crucial to their assistance of families suffering the effects of
pediatric cancer."
Brendan's Fund Kicks Off Their 28th Year
2019 State of the Library - Avalon Free Public Library/Avalon History Center
"Avalon Free Public Library Erin Brown and Avalon History Center Director Nina Ranalli presented the 2019 State of the Library message to Avalon Borough Council on Wednesday, April 10th.
Visit the link below to view the presentation delivered to Borough
Council."
2019 State of the Library - Avalon Free Public Library/Avalon History Center
No-wake Ordinance Introduced
"The Borough of Stone Harbor introduced an ordinance that would ban operating a vehicle on flooded streets in a manner that produces such wakes and waves. Individuals who operate motor vehicles on flooded streets in a manner that creates waves or wakes that cross the curb line are an increasing problem in shore communities facing more frequent inundation from heavy rain events and tidal flooding."
No-wake Ordinance Introduced
Stone Harbor Nun Retreat to Tear Down Current Building, Sell Portion
of Property
"Villa Maria by the Sea, the sprawling retreat home for the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary since 1937, is slated for a downgrade.
Parts of the four-acre property will be sold and the existing building will be torn down and replaced by a smaller, energy-efficient one, according to a letter sent out Monday by the property's manager, Sister James Dolores."
Villa Maria by the Sea Slated for a Downgrade
Townsend's Inlet Bridge Update
"Despite adding additional manpower and work
shifts (at times 24 hours per day of construction activity), several
construction challenges including those associated with demolition,
underwater salvage operations, and subsurface geotechnical complications
have adversely affected the bridge's completion schedule. It is
estimated that the Townsend's Inlet Bridge will not open before late
summer."
Townsend's Inlet Bridge Update - Closed Through Late Summer
Avalon, Sea Isle Mayors Respond to Closing of Townsend's Inlet
Bridge This Summer
Avalon Semi Annual Water Main Flushing Program
"The Flushing Program will take
place weekdays during the day
from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
While flushing an area, you may
experience decreased water pressure, or
temporary discoloration.
This program will begin on April 22nd, and take approximately two (2)
weeks to complete."
Avalon Semi Annual Water Main Flushing Program
Seasonal Beach Tags at
Pre-Season Rates
Seasonal beach tags are available at a
pre-season rate of $23 through May 31st. Beach tags may be purchased via
mail, smartphone app or in person. All persons 12 and over must display
tags the Friday of Memorial weekend to Monday of Labor Day weekend,
10:00am - 5:00pm. Both boroughs are proud to offer free seasonal beach
tags to all veterans of the United States Armed Forces. Active duty
military members and their immediately families also may enjoy the
beaches without a beach tag.
More Information:
Avalon Beach Tags |
Stone Harbor Beach Tags
Borough of Stone Harbor ~ 2019 Budget Presentation
"An in-depth power point presentation was given
at the Borough of Stone Harbor public hearing April 2nd."
Borough of Stone Harbor 2019 Budget Presentation
Drone Ban Grounded After Outcry
"Following challenges to its first version of an ordinance which prohibited the flying of drones in the borough except under narrow business-related conditions, Stone Harbor Borough Council reintroduced a significantly changed ordinance April 2nd."
Drone Ban Grounded After Outcry
Avalon Receives $150,000 Grant from NJDOT for
Street Reconstruction Work
"Avalon will receive a $150,000 grant for the reconstruction of a portion of 68th Street in the community. The grant is coming from the highly competitive New Jersey Department of Transportation's Fiscal Year 2019 municipal aid program. The reconstruction of a portion of 68th Street between Ocean Drive and Dune Drive is expected sometime after Labor Day weekend, 2019."
Avalon Receives $150,000 Grant from NJDOT for
Street Reconstruction Work
Rugby Tourney Coming to Stone Harbor
"At
its March 19 work session, Stone Harbor Borough Council discussed plans
for a Super Seven Rugby Tournament to be held in the borough on Labor
Day Weekend. The special event application was making its way to the
council for approval, but members indicated support for the event."
Rugby Tourney Coming to Stone Harbor
No 2019 Federal Beach Replenishment for Stone Harbor
"Federal hydraulic beach replenishment projects on Seven Mile Island have always encompassed the neighboring boroughs of Avalon and Stone Harbor. Not so in 2019.
Stone Harbor Borough Administrator Jill Gougher told the governing body March 19 that the borough had been dropped from the planned Army Corps of Engineers' project. The replenishment was to take place this fall."
No 2019 Federal Beach Replenishment for Stone Harbor
Borough to Run EV Charging Stations
"In 2011, Avalon became the first municipality in the state to offer a public electric vehicle (EV) charging station. The initial venture was part of a public-private partnership with U-Go Stations, a company that began in 2010 to offer EV charging stations across a multi-state distributed network. At its March 13 meeting, Avalon Borough Council discussed plans for the borough to assume full responsibility for a new dual car changing station, ending the partnership with a private vendor."
Borough to Run EV Charging Stations
Stone Harbor Accorded 'Healthy Town' Designation
"The Princeton-based New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute has issued its annual New Jersey
"Healthy Town" designation to eight communities participating in the Mayors Wellness Campaign (MWC), a program of the Quality Institute, in partnership with the New Jersey State League of Municipalities.
According to a release, Stone Harbor has again been honored with the Healthy Town designation from the New Jersey Healthcare Quality Institute."
Stone Harbor Accorded 'Healthy Town' Designation
2019 Avalon Spring Sand Back Passing Project
"Due to emergent conditions on Avalon's north end beaches, the Borough will be implementing a sand backpassing project to restore north end beaches. This will be the fifth sand backpassing project conducted by Avalon since 2012 to make emergency repairs to beaches in advance of the Atlantic Hurricane season, which begins June 1st."
2019 Avalon Spring Sand Back Passing Project
Avalon Offers Recycle Coach App, Weblink to Answer Solid Waste Collection Questions
"The Borough of Avalon is providing all residents, property owners, and visitors with a new phone and website app that includes information about all solid waste, recycling, and other trash collection and disposable initiatives in the Borough. Avalon has partnered with the
"Recycle Coach", provided free of charge to the Borough via an agreement with the Cape May County Municipal Utilities Authority."
Avalon Offers Recycle Coach App, Weblink to Answer Solid Waste Collection Questions
Bulkhead Projects Get Underway In Avalon in Late March
"The Borough will be replacing two deteriorated street-end bulkheads at the following locations: 1) 32nd Street at Ocean Drive, and 2) Fifth Avenue at 24th Street. Work is scheduled to begin at the 32nd Street bulkhead on March 20th."
Bulkhead Projects Get Underway In Avalon
Mayor Authorizes South Jersey Gas to Install Excess Flow Valves Before Memorial Day Weekend
"Under the direction of Mayor Martin Pagliughi, South Jersey Gas will be performing the installation of approximately 650 Excess Flow Valves (EFVs) throughout the Borough starting in late March and ending before Memorial Day weekend."
South Jersey Gas to Install Excess Flow Valves
Openings Suspended on 96th
Street Bridge
"Openings of the 96th Street Bridge will be
suspended until repairs are completed. Estimated time for completion is
approximately 2 weeks. The bridge will remain open for traffic. The USCG
has been notified and has sent out a notice to boaters."
Openings Suspended on 96th Street Bridge
Avalon Surfside Park to Feature
"Surfside Live", "Surfside Jam" This Summer
"Avalon's brand new Surfside Park will present
fun activities for families and young children throughout the summer.
Throughout July and August, special events for children will be held on
Monday evenings starting at 6:30pm called "Surfside Live", and Friday
evenings through summer there will be a special "Surfside Jam", also
starting at 6:30pm."
Avalon
Surfside Park to Feature "Surfside Live", "Surfside Jam" This Summer
Army Corps Announces
Partnership With Wetlands Institute for Seven Mile Island Living
Laboratory
"The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers'
Philadelphia District announced the launch of the Seven Mile Island
Living Laboratory, an initiative designed to advance and improve
dredging and marsh restoration techniques in coastal New Jersey through
innovative research, collaboration, knowledge sharing, and practical
application."
Seven Mile Island Living Laboratory
2019 Avalon Budget: No Increases in Taxes, Water/Sewer, Beach Tags; Move Towards Elimination of Long Term Debt
"The Avalon Borough Council introduced the 2019 municipal budget that totals $27,855,139 and includes no increase in the municipal tax rate, water and sewer rates, and beach tag fees. This budget substantially moves the Borough towards a position of eliminating long term debt."
2019 Avalon Budget: No Increases in Taxes, Water/Sewer, Beach Tags; Move Towards Elimination of Long Term Debt
Townsend's Inlet Bridge Reconstruction Project
"Two week look ahead for work at Townsends Inlet Spans 1-7 replacement 2/28/19 thru 3/14/19: Information was provided to the Borough of Avalon on Thursday, February 28th regarding the next two weeks of construction on the
Townsend's Inlet Bridge that connects northern Avalon to Sea Isle City. This is a County-owned bridge and repairs are under the jurisdiction of the County."
Townsend's Inlet Bridge Reconstruction Project
New Policy for Kayak Storage Permits
"Stone Harbor Property Owners may apply for a Kayak space starting March 1, 2019 and continuing until March 31, 2019, proof of property ownership is required. Spaces are limited to two (2) per property."
New Policy for Kayak Storage Permits
Stone Harbor Reviews Lagoons, Oceanfront
"Stone Harbor Borough Council received two reports from Dr. Stewart Farrell of the Stockton University Coastal Research Center focused on the current state of seven back bay lagoons and the borough ocean shoreline. The success of expensive recent back bay dredging and oceanfront beach replenishment projects in Stone Harbor were tested recently as the borough looked at how well the improvements from those projects have held up 18 months to two years later. "
Stone Harbor Reviews Lagoons, Oceanfront
95th Street Reconstruction Update
"Please be aware that the road construction along 95th Street will include some periodic road closings and water main
turn-offs throughout the duration of the project, which is to be completed by April 27, 2019."
95th Street Reconstruction Update
Warming Center Designated
"At its February 13th meeting, Avalon Borough Council voiced support to share its Code Blue alert warming center with Stone Harbor. The warming center is in the Avalon Senior Center, adjacent to Borough Hall and next door to the borough's Public Safety Building."
Warming Center Designated
Jitney Seeks $3 Rides
"Avalon's jitney service began in 2013. Initial police reviews credited the service with reducing the number of driving while intoxicated arrests during the summer. Now the financial health of the service is under pressure from ride-share services like Uber. Jitney operators want to move to a flat rate of $3 at all times. They argue that the adjustment will allow them to better compete during the higher volume late evening and early morning."
More -
Jitney Seeks $3 Rides
Ready for 5G?
"Almost a year ago, Verizon Wireless
approached Avalon with a request to install a series of small area nodes
across the borough. The argument was that the nodes would boost capacity
in the most heavily trafficked areas of the cellular network, also
offloading pressure on the main network in preparation for new
technologies like fifth-generation cellular wireless (5G)."
Ready for 5G?
Spring News - Stone Harbor
View the Borough's Spring Newsletter for
information on recent Stone Harbor news, activities and happenings.
Stone Harbor Borough 2019 Spring Newsletter
Avalon to Dredge Portion of Pennsylvania Harbor in Advance of Spring
Boating Season
"The Borough of Avalon will conduct a
maintenance dredging project in Pennsylvania Harbor that will clear the
public navigation channel in advance of the spring and summer boating
seasons. The project will result in over 1,300 cubic yards of material to be dredged out of the harbor just west of the street end at 21st Street. A Notice to Proceed will be issued to the contractor before the end of February; it is expected that the project will be conducted in March and conclude before mid-April."
Avalon to Dredge Portion of Pennsylvania Harbor in Advance of Spring Boating Season
Avalon CO Reaches Accord Over
Sanctions
"The state Department of Community Affairs
(DCA) and the Borough of Avalon building inspector have reached an
agreement in the matter concerning violations of the Uniform
Construction Code, essentially settling the issue. In addition, the
borough is in the process of purchasing state-approved home warranties
for homeowners who are not properly covered on their modular homes by
Avalon Development Group, now out of business."
Avalon CO Reaches Accord Over Sanctions
Resort's Value Hits $4.85
Billion
"A year after a borough-wide reevaluation
added $363 million to the cumulative assessed property values in Stone
Harbor, the natural growth in assessed valuation continues to grow
through new home construction."
Resort's Value Hits $4.85 Billion
Avalon Mayor Swears in New Borough Clerk, Deputy Borough Clerk
"Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi conducted formal swearings in for the position of Borough Clerk and Deputy Borough Clerk on Friday, February 1st in the Council meeting room. Danielle Nollett is the new Borough Clerk, replacing Marie Hood who retired; Kristen Gannon is the new Deputy Municipal Clerk, replacing Nollett who was elevated from that position."
Avalon Mayor Swears in New Borough Clerk, Deputy Borough Clerk
Avalon OKs Dredging
"Avalon Borough Council authorized a bid process Jan. 23 for a back bay dredging project in the public channel west of 21st Street in Pennsylvania Harbor. The channel was last dredged in 2015. Estimates are that it has filled with as much as 1,750 cubic yards of a silt-like material."
Avalon OKs Dredging
2019 Changes to Avalon Construction Rules, Regulations, and Practices
"At the Wednesday, January 23rd, 2019 meeting of the Avalon Borough Council, the governing body held the second reading, public hearing, and final adoption of ordinance changes that regulate construction activity in the Borough of Avalon."
2019 Changes to Avalon Construction Rules, Regulations, and
Practices
Borough Saves Over $42,000 Via Self-Initiated Flood Insurance Audit
"The Borough of Avalon will realize over $42,000 in savings as a result of an internal, self-initiated flood insurance audit that analyzed the coverage for all facilities in the Borough of Avalon. The audit was conducted by the office of Mayor Martin Pagliughi and by the Borough's claims adjuster."
Borough Saves Over $42,000 Via Self-Initiated Flood Insurance
Audit
South Jersey Gas Pipeline Replacement Project To Begin
In Stone Harbor
"South Jersey Gas is improving our natural gas
infrastructure that provides safe, reliable affordable natural gas to
385.000 customers across southern New Jersey.
South Jersey Gas Pipeline Replacement Project To Begin
In Stone Harbor
Avalon Obtains Federal and
State Permits to Keep Road to CDF Permanently
"The Borough of Avalon has received the
appropriate federal and state permits necessary to keep the road to the
Borough's confined disposal facility (CDF) as a permanent structure.
The acquisition of the permits allows the road to remain in place for
future years, guarantees access to the facility by Avalon and other
dredging partners, and eliminates the expense of removing the road that
was put in place for Avalon's recently completed back bay dredging
project."
Avalon Obtains Federal and State Permits to Keep Road to CDF
Permanently
Work to Begin on 35th Street
Construction Project on January 11th
"A Notice to Proceed has been issued to Mathis Construction Company,
Inc. for the reconstruction of 35th Street between First Avenue and Dune
Drive. This project will begin on Friday, January 11th with an
evaluation of test pits on the easterly and westerly side of the
project."
Work to Begin on 35th Street Construction Project on January
11th
Avalon Participates in 646
Safety Training Sessions, Receives Dividend from Insurance Fund
"The Borough of Avalon stands atop the list of
40 communities in the Atlantic County Joint Insurance Fund (ACMJIF)
regarding the number of safety training courses taken by its employees.
Through the end of September, 2018, Avalon municipal employees have
participated in 646 training sessions which is the most among Fund
members. Avalon employees have accounted for 520 online training
sessions which is the highest among any of the member communities.
Employees also have 126 classroom visits, third overall in the ACMJIF."
Avalon Participates in 646 Safety Training Sessions, Receives
Dividend from Insurance Fund
Reminder From The Borough Of
Stone Harbor: No Dogs at Stone Harbor Point & Drone Usage
"Stone Harbor Point is a Wildlife Conservation
Area and there are strict guidelines in place to protect this area.
Please be conscious of the rules and regulations and respect the
importance and beauty of of this natural habitat."
Reminder: No Dogs at Stone Harbor Point & Drone Usage
Cape May County Unveils Online Flood Risk Map System
"The Cape May County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has launched a flood risk mapping system that will show the real flood risk on streets and neighborhoods as it relates to specific storm events."
Cape May County Unveils Online Flood Risk Map System
Notice: Reconstruction of Portion of 20th Street
Begins Week of December 17th
"The reconstruction of a portion of 20th Street between First and Avalon avenues is expected to begin mid-week during the week of December 17th. The contractor for the project is Asphalt Paving Systems. They will be installing well points on the south side of this one-block section of street to begin the construction process."
Notice: Reconstruction of Portion of 20th Street
Begins Week of December 17th
Barbara Juzaitis Joins Avalon Borough Council to Fill Unexpired Term
"The Avalon Borough Council has selected longtime resident Barbara Juzaitis to serve the remainder of an unexpired term on Council vacated by the retirement of Dick Dean. Juzaitis was sworn in to her position by Mayor Martin Pagliughi during the Wednesday, December 12th Borough Council meeting."
Barbara Juzaitis Joins Avalon Borough Council to Fill Unexpired Term
Avalon Rescue Squad Purchases
New Ambulance, Funding Provided Through Donations
"The Avalon Rescue Squad, Inc. has purchased a
new 2018 Ford E450 Horton Ambulance. The purchase of the new ambulance
was made possible through the Squad's own three-year fundraising effort
without the need for financing nor funds from the Avalon municipal
budget. The Avalon Rescue Squad is a 501c(3) provides emergency medical
services through a partnership with the Borough of Avalon."
Avalon Rescue Squad Purchases New Ambulance
Standard and Poor's Awards
Avalon Exemplary AAA Bond Rating
"The Borough of Avalon has achieved an AAA
bond rating from Standard and Poor's, the highest rating offered by the
financial service. The AAA rating was confirmed in a letter sent to the
Borough on October 11th, 2018. Avalon has now maintained an AAA bond
rating with both Standard and Poor's and Moody's Investment services for
over a decade."
Standard and Poor's Awards Avalon Exemplary AAA Bond Rating
Look Ahead: County Update on Work on Townsend's
Inlet Bridge
"Townsend's Inlet Spans 1-7 two week look
ahead for the period 10/25/18 thru 11/8/18. As of 10/25/18, the
contractor successfully stabilized pier 5 and the cantilevered span 5 to
permit the continuation of the demolition process. By 10/26/18 the
superstructure of spans 5, 6 and 7 will have been removed from the
bridge. During the week of 10/29/18 thru 11/7/18 the contractor
will be saw cutting piers 5 and 6 and will remove these piers."
Townsend's Inlet Bridge Construction Update
Construction Begins Late
October for Avalon's New Surfside Park
"Construction is expected to begin on Monday,
October 22nd on a major new addition to the Borough of Avalon's
recreational facilities. Surfside Park, a brand new park with abundant
green space and a new playground, will be constructed adjacent to the
Avalon boardwalk at 30th Street."
Avalon's New Surfside Park
South Jersey Gas Resiliency/Service
Improvement Project Details, Phase 2/3
"This project increases resiliency and reduces
the number of gas leaks calls that occasionally develop throughout the
year, and are more prevalent during recovery from major storm events,
like Hurricane Sandy. Phase 2 and Phase 3 of the project is coming
starting the week of Monday, October 22nd. This will result in 50,000
feet of new gas main being placed largely in the north end of the
community, with work to be conducted on portions of Avalon Avenue and
First Avenue, along with laterals to adjacent homes, where necessary."
South Jersey Gas Resiliency/Service Improvement Project Details, Phase 2/3
Avalon Resident Dr. Loretta Finnegan Honored by First Lady in Philadelphia
"Longtime Avalon resident Dr. Loretta Finnegan was honored by First Lady Melania Trump and other officials during Mrs. Trump's visit to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital on Wednesday, October 17th. Mrs. Trump delivered the welcoming remarks at the National Convening on Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome hosted by the Department of Health and Human Services.'
Avalon Resident Dr. Loretta Finnegan Honored by First Lady in Philadelphia
Borough of Stone Harbor ~ Progress Report on Hazard Mitigation Initiatives
View the detailed progress report on Hazard Mitigation Initiatives that the Borough of Stone Harbor has chosen to pursue in the future to reduce the effects of hazards.
Borough of Stone Harbor ~ Progress Report on Hazard Mitigation Initiatives
Stone Harbor Launches Participation in the
"Recycle Coach" APP
"Not sure what can be recycled? When your trash
and recycling days are? Bulk Trash Pick-up day? Recycle Coach provides
accurate, up-to-date information on Stone Harbor recycling schedules in
a handy, user-friendly mobile format."
Stone Harbor Recycle Coach
Avalon Now Hosts Own Independent Weather Station for Storm Tracking, Historical Archiving
"The Avalon Office of Emergency Management has
installed a new weather system that provides continual weather
monitoring and maintains historical data for the Borough for many years
to come. A new Davis Vantage Pro 2 weather station has been installed on
the radio tower adjacent to the public safety building."
Avalon's Independent Weather Station
Townsend's Inlet Bridge to Close September 17th, 2018 for Construction
"The County of Cape May has announced that the Townsend's Inlet Bridge
will be closed to the public starting Monday, September 17th, 2018 and
will likely remain closed through May 22nd, 2019. The purpose of the
closure is to conduct four separate rehabilitation projects on the
bridge, including major work on the Avalon side of the span."
Townsend's Inlet Bridge Closure
Off Season Residential Property Check Available To Homeowners
"The Stone Harbor Police Department wants to ensure that all homeowners
are aware that off season residential property checks are available.
Since the Borough of Stone Harbor is a seasonal resort the Police
Department can routinely inspect the exterior of your property to make
sure that it is secure. This is a "Free" service that the department
offers to property owners."
Off Season Residential Property Check Available To Homeowners
| View/Print Participation Form
Reminder: New Overlay Area Code for Avalon, Southern New Jersey
Beginning in
August, 2018
"To ensure a continuing supply of telephone
numbers, the new area 640 code is being added to the same geographic
area currently served by the existing 609 area code in New Jersey. This
process is known as an area code overlay, and requires a new dialing
procedure. In connection with this overlay, all seven-digit dialed calls
between area codes 609 and 856 will be eliminated and will require a new
dialing procedure."
| |
Call From |
|
Call To |
|
New Dialing Procedure |
| |
609 or 640 |
|
609 or 640 |
|
Area code + 7-digit telephone number |
| |
609 or 640 |
|
856 or any area code other than 609 or 640 |
|
1 + area code + 7-digit telephone number |
| |
856 |
|
609 or 640 or any area code other than 856 |
|
1 + area code + 7-digit telephone number |
| |
856 |
|
856 |
|
7-digit telephone number |
New Overlay Area Code for Avalon, Southern New Jersey
Lowest Overall Tax Rate in Cape
May County
"The Borough of Avalon has again achieved the
lowest overall tax rate in Cape May County. New certifications were
released by the Cape May County Board of Taxation."
Avalon Tax Rate
Avalon Municipal
Budget 2018
The Avalon Borough Council formally introduced
the 2018 municipal budget at the Wednesday, February 28th Council
meeting.
Avalon Introduces Municipal Budget; Decrease in Tax Rate; Lowest
Tax Rate in County
Stone Harbor Municipal Budget
2018
A special meeting was held on February 17th to
review the 2018 municipal budget for the Borough of Stone Harbor.
Presentation of Stone Harbor Municipal Budget 2018 - View
Presentation
Annual Report - Stone Harbor
Beaches
This annual report presents the status of the
beaches and dunes within the Borough of Stone Harbor from October 2016
to October 2017.
2017 Annual Report On Condition Of Municipal Beaches - Read Full Report
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