Wildwood's Boardwalk Undergoes Major Rehabilitation

#008

March 04, 2024

In This Cape Local Scoop Issue…

☀️ Cape May Local Weather

 📆 Cape May Events

⛱️ Revitalization in Progress: Wildwood's Boardwalk Undergoes Major Rehabilitation

💰 Stone Harbor Plans Slight Tax Increase to Support Capital Projects and Community Maintenance

 🏈 Ocean City Welcomes Back High School Football Elite for 'Battle at the Beach' Under the Stars

👨🏽‍🍳 End of an Era: Cape May's Harbor View Restaurant Closes After 30 Years

 🌳 New Tree Protection Ordinance Passed in Cape May

 🏈 ESPN Mourns the Loss of Esteemed NFL Reporter Chris Mortensen at 72

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Revitalization in Progress:
Wildwood's Boardwalk Undergoes

Major Rehabilitation

Wildwood's historic boardwalk is undergoing a significant transformation this winter, with three key rehabilitation projects aimed at revitalizing the beloved seaside walkway. These efforts, known as Phases III, IV, and V, are part of a comprehensive plan to enhance the boardwalk's appeal and functionality for both residents and visitors.

Cedar Ave Boardwalk Reconstruction is at the forefront, undergoing a complete overhaul with a new timber-framed structure. The project is well underway, with timber piles and framing finished and decking installation in progress. This section will also see the addition of new signage and lighting enhancements.

Oak to Schellenger Ave Repairs are nearing completion, with 90% of the timber framing repairs done. The project awaits the final delivery of materials expected shortly, signaling the near end of this phase.

Schellenger to Spicer Ave Rehabilitation focuses on extensive concrete substructure work, including repairs and a protective coating, alongside the introduction of a new timber-framed superstructure and decking.

With construction on track for completion by early May, these projects extend previous renovations from 26th Ave to Spicer Ave. Plans for future phases are in development, promising continued improvements.

Additionally, the city is advancing Street End Improvements and ADA Access Ramps at Spicer and Maple avenues, aiming for enhanced accessibility and aesthetic appeal. This project includes new sidewalks, landscaped gardens, benches, bike racks, pedestrian tunnels, and ADA-compliant ramps, with completion expected in June.

Governor Murphy's support has been crucial in these efforts, highlighted by the signing of New Jersey’s $100 Million Boardwalk Preservation Fund. State and federal contributions, alongside the City of Wildwood’s investment, underscore the commitment to the boardwalk's future. Fred M. Schiavone Construction, with a history of successful boardwalk projects, continues as the primary contractor.

Stone Harbor Plans Slight Tax Increase
to Support Capital Projects and Community Maintenance

In Stone Harbor, residents can anticipate a slight uptick in the local purpose tax rate for 2024, as outlined by Chief Financial Officer James Craft. The proposed increase of 1 cent would adjust the rate from $0.302 to $0.312, marking a 3.3% rise. This adjustment is part of the borough's broader financial strategy, aiming to enhance its fiscal health while investing in critical infrastructure and community projects.

Craft highlighted key dates in the budget's approval process, indicating that the budget proposal is set to be introduced at the March 19 Borough Council meeting. A detailed presentation to the public is scheduled for April 2, with a final hearing and budget adoption planned for April 16. These steps are aligned with extended statutory dates for municipal budgets set by the Local Finance Board in Trenton, offering municipalities additional time to finalize their financial plans.

The forthcoming budget is designed to bolster the general fund surplus, which presently amounts to $4.3 million. It encompasses $7.1 million for capital expenditure authorizations, including $1.8 million in cash allocations for capital projects funded on a pay-as-you-go basis and a $1 million reduction in bond anticipation notes. Additionally, the budget allocates $350,000 annually for essential beach and back bay maintenance and improvements.

Emphasizing long-term fiscal planning, Councilwoman Jennifer Gensemer mentioned ongoing efforts to develop a 10-year capital plan, aiming to ensure sustainable growth and investment in the borough's future.

🏈 Ocean City Welcomes Back
High School Football Elite for
'Battle at the Beach' Under the Stars

The "Battle at the Beach" high school football event is set to make a thrilling return to Ocean City in 2024, featuring top-tier teams and promising an exciting showcase under the lights of Carey Stadium. The highlight of the event will be a showdown between national football giants IMG Academy and Bergen Catholic, scheduled for 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 29, with the game receiving national coverage on ESPN. Kicking off the day's action, Ocean City High School will face Cinnaminson at 4 p.m. Organizers are in the process of finalizing additional details for the event, including dates and venues for other games in the series.

Last year, the event spanned three days leading up to Labor Day Weekend, with Carey Stadium hosting 11 games. However, adjustments in New Jersey's high school football regulations have shifted this year's schedule, setting the commencement of games no earlier than August 29. This change aligns with Carey Stadium's tradition of hosting Pennsylvania Catholic League games during the Labor Day Weekend, now incorporating the Battle at the Beach into its schedule on a Thursday, enabling a portion of the event to be held in Ocean City once again.

Ocean City's Mayor, Jay Gillian, expressed enthusiasm for the event's return, highlighting Carey Stadium as an outstanding venue that not only provides a platform for high school football talents but also puts Ocean City in the national spotlight, benefiting the local community and businesses.

End of an Era: Cape May's Harbor View Restaurant Closes After 30 Years

The Harbor View Restaurant in Cape May, NJ, has announced its sudden closure after 30 years, a decision that came as a surprise to many. This closure reflects the broader challenges faced by the restaurant industry, with a significant number of establishments failing within their first few years. The restaurant, which evolved from a marina to a popular dining and social spot, has been a staple in the Cape May community, and its owner has expressed gratitude to customers and staff while wishing the new owners luck with the future of the property.

New Tree Protection Ordinance
Passed in Cape May

Cape May City Council has adopted an updated tree protection ordinance to strengthen the preservation of trees. This ordinance, passed on Feb. 20, clarifies application procedures for tree removal and delineates the roles of the Planning and Zoning boards and the Shade Tree Commission. It mandates strict compliance with application, approval, and tree replacement requirements, addressing loopholes in the previous code.

ESPN Mourns the Loss of Esteemed NFL Reporter Chris Mortensen at 72

Chris Mortensen, a celebrated ESPN NFL reporter known for his impactful journalism and dedication to sports reporting, passed away at 72. His career at ESPN was marked by significant contributions, including breaking major news stories and earning the Pro Football Writers of America's Dick McCann Award. Tributes from colleagues, sports figures, and the NFL community highlight his professional excellence and personal integrity. Mortensen's legacy extends beyond his ESPN tenure, with a career that began at the South Bay Daily Breeze and included notable achievements such as the George Polk Award for investigative reporting.

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