Each December, as the New Year approaches, many of us carefully examine the past twelve months and wonder what we could have done differently.
This year, even though there were numerous challenges associated with the pandemic and many of us were saddened by the loss of loved ones, I would say that we – as a community – did many things right.
In fact, I feel that overall it was a very good year for the City of Sea Isle City, especially when it comes to municipal improvement projects and ensuring that the people of our community have the resources and services that they need and desire – because these are important factors that help maintain Sea Isle City’s status as a popular tourism destination and a sound investment location for property owners.
During 2021, we made great strides with many of our infrastructure and construction projects, including completing utility improvements along various parts of Sounds and Central Avenues, and improving storm water drainage along Pleasure Avenue.
We also completed necessary roadwork along the entire length of Park Road, on stretches of Pleasure and Central Avenues, and on parts of 48th, 57th, 58th, and 82nd Streets.
Also this year, work took place elsewhere around town, including on 40th Street, where we completed storm water drainage improvements between Central and Kneass Avenues.
Additionally, we corrected an erosion problem on the bay-end of 63rd Street, we improved a storm drainage problem on 72nd Street (with more extensive improvements scheduled by the county next year), we improved a standing water problem on 72nd Street, and our Department of Public Works moved a great deal of sand onto Townsend Inlet to help fend-off an erosion issue that we have been keeping our eyes on all year.
Obviously, it’s essential to be proactive when it comes to our town’s infrastructure – and good planning will continue to help us do just that as we move into 2022 and beyond.
However, we also feel it is very important to continually look for ways that will improve life in general in Sea Isle City, because in addition to wanting to live in a safe community, where trash and recyclables are collected in a timely manner and fresh water continually flows from our spigots, people also want to remain active and enjoy life in a variety of different ways.
That’s why in the spring of 2021 we were very happy to open seven new pickleball courts along 42nd Place and cut a ceremonial ribbon at the new Jim Iannone Fishing Pier & Kayak Launch at Dealy Field, where we also installed more than 100 kayak storage berths.
In addition to completing a variety of significant infrastructure improvements and opening our newest outdoor recreation facilities earlier this year, along the way we also installed decorative railings along portions of the Promenade, which people really seem to enjoy and often use for photo-ops.
We also launched a new mobile app that allows motorists to pay for parking fees with a simple tap on their smart phones, because we understand that keeping up with technology is very important.
Moreover, we instituted a “duty crew” system at our Fire Department to ensure our town’s safety; we installed a “Chair of Honor” at Veterans Park, because it’s very important to remember the men and women who served in our nation’s military – especially those who never returned home from battle; and, just to put smiles on people’s faces, last spring we installed beautiful palm trees along JFK Boulevard, which were a big hit all summer – even though they were just a temporary fix until we plant new trees in 2022.
We are also currently replacing all of our old street signs with new signage that is easier to read (the majority of which are already installed).
It goes without saying that making improvements to our community year after year is only possible because Sea Isle City is filled with good people who care deeply about this town.
In addition to being extremely grateful for our property owners, visitors, community volunteers and business owners, I am also thankful for Sea Isle City’s dedicated municipal work force, including our police officers, emergency medical responders, firefighters, public works employees, lifeguards, City Hall employees, tourism officials, recreation staff, marina workers, and seasonal beach tag inspectors.
Big or small, I understand that each job is important to the functionality of our town; and, as a Mayor and a business owner myself, I fully realize that having skilled and devoted employees is essential to our town’s success – and I am very happy to work with such good people throughout the year.
It’s wonderful that our town is continually moving forward – and that our community is filled with wonderful families, individuals, organizations and merchants.
We are also blessed to have gorgeous beaches, an abundance of wildlife, and natural beauty all around us.
Knowing all of this, it’s no wonder that Sea Isle City was declared the second place winner of the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium’s “Favorite Beaches” poll in 2021 – which I think is fantastic, especially considering how many seashore communities there are in the Garden State.
However, I think it goes without saying that Sea Isle City is really number one in all of our hearts – and it always will be, regardless of any polls or contests.
As 2021 comes to a close, my New Year’s wish is that we all remain grateful for being part of this amazing community, and I hope that each of you will be able to spend many happy days in Sea Isle City during 2022!
This week’s “Shout-Out” goes to Director of Community Services Katherine Custer for working hard to promote Sea Isle City and overseeing many of our community events and activities – behind the scenes, and often behind a camera. Thank you, Kathy!
I wish everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year!
Smile … You’re in Sea Isle,
Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio
