I’ve become aware of a number of instances involving out of state property owners being subjected to verbal and online abuse and scorn as a result of our current State of Emergency.
I feel that this is wrong and most regrettable. While we all are expected to follow the “stay at home” orders, there is a distinction between a property owner and a transient visitor.
With regards to transient visitors and renters, we are following the governor’s orders and working with the local real estate community to resolve any issues that arise. Frankly, we believe there are very few situations that have arisen regarding transient visitors, nonetheless we are striving to address all situations.
As for all homeowners, none of us can know the circumstances of a person who is occupying their own property, regardless of what state is listed on their license plate. What is crucial is that EVERYONE stay at home other than for essential travel.
If anyone believes there are violations of the stay at home or social distancing orders, please contact the police department – but please don’t make assumptions. We all simply want to be safe and healthy during this difficult time in history. So, please don’t make judgments based on a license plate or an unfamiliar face, because everybody is feeling the stress and anxiety of this pandemic – and we all need to stick together.
I ask everyone to please heed Governor Murphy’s words:
"We have heard too many stories, especially from our shore communities, of people trying to relocate, for the time being, into their towns from impacted areas.
Many of our shore communities lack the health care infrastructure to accommodate an influx of part-time residents. New Jerseyans should stay at their primary place of residence for the duration of this emergency."
Also, please heed the words of U.S Surgeon General Jerome Adams:
“It’s tragically fitting we’re talking at the beginning of Holy Week because this is going to be the hardest, saddest week of most Americans’ lives.
This is going to be our Pearl Harbor moment, our 9/11 moment, only it’s not going to be localized, it’s going to be happening all over the country, and I want Americans to understand that.”
Everyone needs to understand the seriousness of this situation and the importance of staying put, other than for essential travel.
With this in mind, today I signed an Executive Order that prohibits all new transient, seasonal, and short term rentals in Sea Isle City until further notice – including rentals by hotels, motels, guest houses, and rentals of private homes.
I feel that these measures are necessary to protect the health and safety of everyone in Sea Isle City, and I thank you all for your cooperation.
Sincerely,
Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio
