Last week, Business Administrator George Savastano and I toured the construction site at the Townsends Inlet Bridge, where we spoke with Cape May County Engineer Dale Foster, County Bridge Commission Chairman Patrick Rosenello, South State Construction Vice-President Nick Asselta and several of the workers who are repairing the bridge. Unfortunately – and with great disappointment for all of us – the Townsends Inlet Bridge will not be open for Memorial Day Weekend, as the repairs that are needed (and the conditions of making those repairs) have proven to be much more difficult than were initially anticipated. The Cape May County Bridge Commission hopes, however, that they will be able to open the bridge to vehicle traffic not long after the summer begins.
For those who are wondering why Cape May County does not simply build a new bridge over Townsends Inlet, I can tell you that the County has – and continues to – actively seek funding for a new bridge between Sea Isle City and Avalon. The estimated cost of constructing a new bridge of that scale is approximately $85 million to $100 million. However, it’s important to remember that even if the County were able to raise the money needed to construct a new bridge over Townsends Inlet, it would take approximately seven years to obtain the required permits for that type of project. Therefore, while the County seeks Federal funding for a new bridge, the only alternative at this time is to repair and maintain the current bridge. As new information about the T.I. Bridge is available, we will keep you updated on this most important issue.
In other news, I am happy to report that this year’s Community Day celebration on May 20 was a great success. I would like to thank each of the individuals and all of the organizations that participated in Community Day, including First Bank of Sea Isle City for supplying our Community Day Shredder Truck, the Cape May County Sheriff’s Department for supplying Dodge the Sheriff’s Horse and McGruff the Crime Dog, and the many City employees and representatives of local civic organizations, who shared useful information and reminded everyone what a wonderful town we have. Additionally, my congratulations go to the recipients of the numerous awards that were distributed on Community Day, including the members of AARP Chapter 710, who received First Bank of Sea Isle City’s 2017 Community Partnership Award (which came with a check for $2000); Mary Kate Monichetti and Lauren Moretti, who each went home with a 2017 scholarship from the Sea Isle City Chamber of Commerce and Revitalization; and Sis Borden, Tom Breazeale, Jr., Bill Keller, Tom Owings, Joe Robinson and Bob Thibault, who each received my “Do The Right Thing” award.
Last weekend was a busy one here in Sea Isle City. In addition to Community Day, there were also other local events that are definitely worth mentioning, such as the Sea Isle City Garden Club’s annual Flower Sale fundraiser on Saturday and Sunday at Dealy Field. During the Flower Sale, many people purchased a variety of attractive plants that will beautify their homes – and our community as a whole. My thanks and admiration goes to the members of the Garden Club, who will once again use the proceeds from this year’s Flower Sale to support their scholarship program and other charitable efforts. –Thank you all!
Sea Isle’s 2017 “Turtle Party” also took place last weekend – and it too was very well attended. The Turtle Party is hosted by the Beachcomber Tour Guides, who use the money they raise during that annual gathering to support their enjoyable summer beach tours. 2017 marks the 30th year that Sea Isle’s volunteer Beachcomber Guides have been educating residents and visitors about the local environment – and we could not be more proud of them. Each Beachcomber Guide truly is a community treasure! If you have not yet taken a Beachcomber Tour, plan on doing so this summer on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. For more information about the Beachcombers and their wonderful beach walks, please phone 215-805-9277 or go to www.VisitSICNJ.com.
Please mark your calendars and join us during Sea Isle’s annual Memorial Day Ceremony at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 29, in Veterans Park, where we will honor the many men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. As I have often said, here in Sea Isle City we don’t only honor America’s veterans and those serving in the armed forces on national holidays – we do so every day of the year. With that in mind, if you can’t be with us on Monday morning, please honor our military dead in one way or another – and don’t forget to show your support for those who have served and currently serve our nation in uniform.
As part of a Sea Isle City / Cape May County cooperative effort, a contract has been awarded to South State Construction, Inc. for the paving of Landis Avenue from 72nd Street to 78th Street, which will take place in June, 2017. My thanks go to everyone who has been inconvenienced by the road work that’s been happening along that stretch of Landis Avenue; and I appreciate the cooperation we received while major infrastructure work was being completed in that area.
Smile…You’re in Sea Isle!
Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio
