I am happy to report that Sea Isle City’s Beach Replenishment Project is finished, and all of our wide, sandy beaches are open to the public.
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company has removed all of their dredging equipment from our shoreline, and Walters Marine Construction Company is currently reconstructing the dune path at 92nd Street, which we expect to be completed next week.
Once again, I am very grateful to everyone for their patience during this important beach nourishment project – and I hope everyone enjoys our beautiful beaches for many years to come.
Not long ago, I learned that the NJ Transit buses that serve Sea Isle City are currently entering our island via the Sea Isle Bridge, making one stop on JFK Boulevard, and then immediately leaving town over the Sea Isle Bridge – all without serving other parts of our community.
As it turns out, there is a weight limit on the Townsends Inlet Bridge, which is preventing large buses from crossing to and from Avalon – hence the shortened bus route in Sea Isle City.
Knowing how important public transportation is to every community, Sea Isle City resident and former Camden County Freeholder Rod Greco brought this situation to my attention, and afterwards we began working with Sea Isle City property owner, Cherry Hill Councilwoman and NJ Transit Board Member Sangeeta Doshi, who has been very helpful in the process of increasing our local bus service.
We are keeping the dialog open with NJ Transit, and I will give you updates when they are available. In the meantime, my thanks go to Freeholder Greco and Councilwoman Doshi for their valued assistance.
As we are all aware, this pandemic has taken its toll in a variety of ways – not just because of the loss of lives and illnesses that have saddened countless families throughout the world, but also because of the economic downturns that have negatively impacted a myriad of people and organizations.
So, in addition to wearing face masks and practicing social distancing, I once again ask everyone to consider the small businesses in our country and here in Sea Isle City, and to shop locally whenever possible.
Helping sustain small businesses, such as Sea Isle City’s retailers, eateries and service industries, will help ensure a brighter future for our community and others.
Yesterday, August 26, many of us gathered at the Police Officers Memorial at 26th Street to honor the anniversary of the death of Sea Isle City Police Officer Michael Cullinane, who was overcome by lethal gasses while trying to save the life of a construction worker who fell into a pit at 26th Street in 1992. I remember that sad day as if it were yesterday, and ask everyone to keep Mickey and his family in their thoughts and prayers – and please remember that being a police officer is one of the toughest – if not the toughest – jobs in America.
I have three “Shout Outs” this week. The first is for five-year-old Cosette Symons and her younger brother Ryder, the Sea Isle City residents who recently hosted a lemonade stand on 68th Street to raise money to buy lunch and cupcakes for the members of Sea Isle City’s Police Department. The next “Shout Out” is for Sea Isle City residents Debbie and Jim Gaffney, who recently bought dinner for all of our local police officers.
And, the third “Shout Out” goes to the owners of A Modo Mio Restaurant here in Sea Isle City, who learned that the Gaffney’s were buying dinner for our officers and then decided to treat our men and women in blue to an additional dinner on one other evening.
My thanks go to Cosette and Ryder Symons, Jim and Debbie Gaffney, and our friends at A Modo Mio for honoring our police officers and acknowledging the fine work they do throughout the year. –Thank you all.
As always, please stay safe, stay well, remain optimistic, and remember that we are all one Sea Isle City and together we will be stronger than ever!
Smile…You’re in Sea Isle!
Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio
