Yesterday, the Cape May County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the Mayors from each of the County’s sixteen municipalities, and the County’s Chamber Board of Directors issued an urgent request for the universal wearing of face masks throughout Cape May County.
Knowing that cases of COVID-19 are spiking in other states and that many out-of-state travelers flock to New Jersey for summer vacations each year, it is critical that everyone practices social distancing AND wearing face masks when shopping, using public bathrooms or any time you are within 6 feet of non-household members.
We have made great strides in the battle against COVID-19 in recent months, and we certainly don’t want to have some of the restrictions that have already been lifted put back in place – so please show your respect for others by following these simple directives at all times.
For more information, please see the “Coronavirus Updates” section on the home page of www.seaislecitynj.us.
As you are probably aware, Sea Isle City’s Beach Replenishment Project is now underway. While the timing is unfortunate, we’re grateful for this project being done by the Army Corps of Engineers – and that the federal and state government is paying for 90% of the cost of the work being done.
This is the most significant long-term improvement project we can undertake, because it strengthens our most precious natural asset and provides crucial shore protection. Again, we realize that this is not the optimal time of year for this project to occur, but we are not able to dictate when replenishment efforts take place. That being said, we are very grateful for everyone’s patience as we improve our beaches and make Sea Isle City even better.
You may have heard or seen that an unusual natural phenomenon occurred in Townsend’s Inlet earlier this week, which involved the erosion of a portion of the beach south of 94th Street. While not an everyday occurrence, that type of erosion can occasionally take place when the inlet beach builds up with sand and certain tidal conditions occur in conjunction with the fast moving currents in the inlet – all of which took place as we are approaching a full moon.
Following that event, our Department of Public Works was able to use heavy equipment to move around some sand and flatten the beach in that area. I am told that videos of the erosion went “viral” on the internet and were seen by approximately 3 million viewers. I hope that the video will serve as a reminder of the power of the ocean and why people should only swim on designated bathing beaches while lifeguards are on duty.
Earlier today, I had the pleasure of attending a ceremony on Sea Isle City’s Promenade, hosted by the John R. Elliott HERO Campaign for Designated Drivers. During that ceremony, a fleet of newly decorated police vehicles from numerous towns was unveiled – each displaying a safety message for the HERO Campaign’s “Summer of HEROES” drunk driving prevention program.
My thanks go to the Elliott family for hosting the event, all of the police departments that participated, and all of the citizens who recognize the value of designated drivers and the importance of stopping drunk driving.
I realize that this is not the typical Fourth of July holiday that we are all accustomed to enjoying, but we shouldn’t let COVID-19 stop us from showing our patriotism and acknowledging all that we have to be proud of as Americans.
With that in mind, I encourage everyone in Sea Isle City to follow a suggestion made by the members of The Commodore Club at The Spinnaker, who proposed that we all take a moment to play the National Anthem at 7 p.m. on July 4th – and then afterwards give a loud round of applause and cheers for all of our nation’s first responders, medical employees and essential workers.
If you don’t have the means to play The Star Spangled Banner at your home, you can come to the Promenade between 44th and 35th Streets, where we will play that wonderful song on our new speaker system at 7 p.m. on Saturday. If we all take a moment to do so, it will be a memorable way to celebrate our nation’s independence and say “thank you” to the people who have kept our country going strong during these difficult times.
We have several Shout Outs this week. The first goes to the Meltzer Family, who recently told me how much they enjoy reading this newsletter. The next is for my friend Charlie Dunner, who recently graduated from Bishop McHugh Regional Catholic School. Our final Shout Out goes to President Jim Fusco and all the members of The Commodore Club for suggesting that we play the National Anthem at 7 p.m. on the Fourth of July and then applaud for all of our essential workers.
Have a Happy and Safe Independence Day Weekend!
Sincerely,
Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio
