In response to the increased number of people who have recently become infected with the Coronavirus, Governor Murphy has intensified New Jersey’s COVID restrictions, including requiring indoor food and beverage establishments to close between the hours of 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. and prohibiting patrons from sitting at the bar inside pubs and taverns.
Additionally, general indoor gatherings are limited to ten people; indoor religious ceremonies, weddings and funerals are limited to 150 people or 25 percent of the room’s capacity (whichever is lower); and outdoor gatherings are limited to 150 people.
I know these are challenging times and the Governor’s newest restrictions put additional burdens on many businesses, organizations and individuals – especially now with the holiday season rapidly approaching.
However, I encourage everyone to follow all of the Governor’s regulations and all of the directives from the CDC and our local Health Departments, because the only way we are going to beat this pandemic and arrive safely on the other side of this crisis is by working together and doing what is necessary to keep our neighbors and loved ones safe. I know it’s not easy – but I know we can do this!
In other news, we are moving forward with several improvement projects around town, which, when completed, will greatly benefit our community. One of our current projects is the repaving of Pleasure Avenue from 53rd to 73rd Street. Thanks to the warmer temperatures that have been forecast, we are hopeful to have Pleasure Avenue resurfaced with new asphalt very soon.
Roadwork is also taking place elsewhere in town, including on numerous streets where the Gas Company is completing main replacements and other work that will ensure the safety of all gas customers.
While we realize that roadwork can be an inconvenience to motorists and pedestrians alike, we are very grateful to everyone for their patience as we make these necessary improvements to Sea Isle City. Like you, I look forward to the smooth, new road surfaces that will be in place when the work is done prior to the start of the 2021 summer season.
With Thanksgiving only one week away, many of us are preparing for a not-so-typical holiday season, thanks to COVID-19. I am sure we all agree that it’s unfortunate that many familiar holiday events had to be cancelled, however, please know that your City officials are doing all we can to maintain a sense of normalcy for the people of Sea Isle City.
That being said, we have started to trim our town with cheerful holiday decorations, and we already launched our annual Mayor’s Holiday Toy & Food Drive, which for 28 years has been spreading Christmas cheer to families in need. You can learn more about our 2020 Toy & Food Drive in a special section of this week’s newsletter.
Also, we will be hosting a socially distant holiday parade on Friday, November 27, at 7 p.m. along Landis Avenue so children can see that Santa Claus hasn’t forgotten the people of Sea Isle City.
As fun as Santa’s arrival will be on November 27, the Chamber of Commerce has another exciting event planned before then – Girls Weekend on November 20, 21 and 22. This annual “gathering for ladies” will allow customers to “shop local” as they enjoy discounts, bargains, and food and drink specials all over town. So, please show your support for our local businesses, and be in Sea Isle City for Girls Weekend.
I have very good news for people who enjoy playing pickleball. Because of the increasing demand for more places to place this popular sport, we have decided to add new pickleball courts near our municipal marina, which is an area that’s centrally located and offers plenty of parking and access to public restrooms.
This project is still in the early planning stages, however, we hope to have the courts in place next year.
In the meantime, I am happy to report that work is continuing on Sea Isle’s future Fishing Pier and Kayak Launch at Dealy Field, which we anticipate will be completed by the end of this year. As I have said before, life in Sea Isle City keeps getting better and better.
This week’s “Shout Out” goes to all of our local military veterans – especially those who participated in Sea Isle City’s 2020 Veterans Day Tribute Video. Unfortunately, we were not able to gather for our annual Veterans Day Ceremony on November 11 as is our custom, but we love our veterans nonetheless and we want them to know how grateful we all are for their service!
Wishing everyone – especially our friends who are homebound during these difficult times – a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving!
Smile …You’re in Sea Isle!
Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio
