Saturday, March 26, 2011

Sea Isle City Newletter 3/26

A MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR:


There are many exciting developments unfolding here in Sea Isle City and I have much good news to report. First, I am very happy to tell you that our 2011 municipal budget has been passed. This is a fiscal plan we can all be proud of, which will result in no increase to our tax levy. That means that even though our town’s value continues to rise, we are not paying any additional taxes – which everyone is happy about. Thanks to a cooperative effort involving the Administration, City Council and the Sea Isle City Finance Department, we were able to accomplish all this with no reduction in services, no layoffs to city employees and no furloughs – and in this economy, that’s great news!

Once again this year, United States veterans and active military personnel are eligible to receive free seasonal beach tags, courtesy of Sea Isle’s VFW Post 1963. To ensure that there are enough of these special-issue tags for each of the many vets and military members who live in and visit Sea Isle City, I have worked with the local business community to raise additional funds for this effort. Thanks to the extra money that was raised, the VFW will be able to purchase more beach tags for the men and women who greatly deserve our respect and thanks – in addition to a free summer on the beach. To pick-up your free beach tag, bring your valid “D.D.214” discharge papers or active military service membership identification cards to the VFW (next to the Sea Isle Bridge) on Wednesdays (2:00 to 5:00 p.m.), Fridays (2:00 to 6:00 p.m.), Saturdays (2:00 to 5:00 p.m.), and Sundays (2:00 to 5:00 p.m.).

Because numerous residents expressed a desire to have additional one-way streets added to Sea Isle City’s Townsends Inlet section, we hosted a successful public meeting last Saturday to discuss the issue further. Now that many residents have voiced their opinions, we will continue to examine this issue and determine the feasibility of making changes on specific streets in T.I.

When you take your family to the beach this summer, you will notice that many of Sea Isle’s beach entrances will have new Mobimats (carpet-like pathways made of rigid plastic that allow beach-goers to easily and safely walk over the dunes). The City has purchased enough of these wonderful mats to cover nearly all of our beach entrances (depending on conditions), and we now anticipate that more and more people will be able to enjoy a day at the beach because of this worthwhile investment.

I have recently spoken with County officials regarding other local projects – one being the planned resurfacing of Landis Avenue (a county road). Engineers have begun preliminary work on this project, which will result in a new road surface between 54th and 69th Street in 2011-2012.

Another County project that has heads turning is the new Sea Isle City Branch of the Cape May County Library. This project is moving along nicely and we are all looking forward to the library’s Grand Opening later this year.

No matter where you turn, things are looking better than ever here in Sea Isle City!



A MESSAGE FROM CITY COUNCIL:


City Council is proud to announce that during our March 15 meeting we introduced and adopted Sea Isle City’s 2011 municipal budget. Thanks to a zero tax increase in this year’s budget, we received no comments when the public was given the opportunity to voice their concerns – which confirms to us that it is a sound fiscal plan. Sea Isle’s 2011 budget, which has a General Appropriation amount of $24,033,367.81, can be viewed in its entirety online at www.seaislecitynj.us (click the “Government/City Budget” link).

Also during the March 15 meeting, Mayor Desiderio announced that veterans are now eligible for a Cape May County Veterans Discount Card, which will entitle them to 5-15% discounts at selected businesses throughout the county. To take advantage of these savings, veterans need to obtain a Veterans Photo I.D. card from the county. Veterans must apply in person at the County Clerk's Office with his/her original form DD-214, United States Military Honorable Discharge or U.S. Military Service Papers (unless the document was previously recorded with the Cape May County Clerk). Veterans must show proof of identity and domicile in Cape May County. Acceptable documents are a New Jersey Driver's License, a New Jersey Non-Driver Identification Card, or Cape May County Voter Registration Card, showing a Cape May County address. The County Clerk's Office is located at 7 N. Main Street (Route US 9), CMCH, NJ 08210-5000. Hours: Monday through Friday (except holidays) 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Additional info: 609-465-1010 or email coclerk@co.cape-may.nj.us .

Council would like to congratulate Mayor Desiderio for being selected “Freeholder of the Year” by the New Jersey Conference of Mayors. The mayor will officially accept this honor, which distinguishes him among all of New Jersey’s freeholders, at The Borgata Hotel-Casino on April 28.

As summer approaches, we would like to remind our residents, business owners and local organizations about Sea Isle City’s Beach Path Adoption Program. Volunteers are needed to help maintain cleanliness and safety along our many beach access ways, and all are encouraged to participate and adopt a beach path. Please contact Sea Isle’s Public Works Department (263-6000) for additional information and to arrange having your name placed on a sign at your beach entrance.

Your City Council members are looking forward to a wonderful summer season filled with exciting events and lots of beach time – so be sure to purchase your 2011 beach tags before May 15 at the “pre-season” price of $15.



CITY PROJECT UPDATES:


JFK BOULEVARD BASKETBALL COURTS & PLAYGROUND: On March 15, the City awarded a construction contract for this project to Asphalt Paving Systems, Inc. in the amount of $631,000. The project will replace the severely deteriorated basketball courts and provide for new lighting, fencing and sidewalks, along with resurfacing of the entire playground area adjacent to the basketball courts with a cushioned safety material similar to that at the Dealy Field complex. The playground equipment will be completely new (purchased under separate contract), with state-of-the-art, handicapped accessible equipment for children of all ages. The project received very competitive bids, and the contract awarded to Asphalt Systems was over $100,000 less than the original estimate. Work is in progress and will be completed prior to the summer season.

EXCURSION PARK ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX: Work continues on construction of the new band shell, the promenade and the new pavilion. Framing of the bandshell has been completed; and landscape walls which will outline the new promenade seating area are over 50% complete. The contractor remains on track to complete the project prior to Memorial Day Weekend in time for the City's Tri for Our Veterans Triathlon event.

MARINA BOAT RAMP: Construction continues on the replacement of Sea Isle’s deteriorated boat ramp at the Municipal Marina. The installation of the cofferdam necessary to build the new boat ramp has been completed, and the project completion date is scheduled for the end of April.

32ND STREET PROMENADE RAMP: The City's Public Works forces have substantially completed the replacement of the access ramp to the promenade at 32nd Street. The project required removal of the entire existing ramp and substructure as well as the reconfiguration of the alignment of the ramp.

NORTH-END LANDFILL REMEDIATION WITH USE OF DREDGED MATERIALS/PASSIVE PARK DEVELOPMENT – Environmental investigation and engineering continues on this project, which is funded in part through an agreement with the NJ Department of Transportation. The City obtained the required landfill disruption permit, which will enable our environmental scientists and engineers to complete subsurface investigations prior to the end of this month, at which time disturbance of the landfill is severely restricted due to the presence of various species of migratory birds on the site. The objective remains to develop a Passive Park for recreation, as well as perform necessary containment of eroding landfill areas.

SEWER AND ROAD RECONSTRUCTION ON CENTRAL AVENUE (49th to 69th STREET) – The City has completed engineering work required to reconstruct Central Avenue from 49th to 69th Street. The total cost of the project is estimated at 3.2 million dollars. The current plan is to perform construction in the fall of this year, as the City has been determined to be eligible for grant funding from the federal government for this project in the range of $750,000 to $1 million. If we wish to receive those grant funds, we must wait for final approval from the federal agency overseeing the grant (U.S. Department of Agriculture) prior to going out to bid for the project. We are hopeful that we will receive that approval by May of this year, however, that will not allow us to perform the project until following the summer season, as the disruption to the road and surrounding neighborhood will be considerable and inadvisable during times of peak occupancy and peak traffic.

47TH PLACE BULKHEAD WORK: The City awarded a construction contract to Walters Marine for $133,644 for replacement of the deteriorated bulkhead at the end of 47th Place. The contractor is preparing to mobilize and perform the work prior to the coming summer season.



DID YOU KNOW…

• Girls Weekend is this weekend, March 25-27, when many local restaurants, boutiques, shops, pubs, salons and inns will feature discounts for ladies. Info: 263-9090.

• Revised 2nd Quarter 2011 Property Tax Statements reflecting homestead rebate credits will be mailed on March 25, 2011 to qualifying property owners and their mortgage companies of record (if applicable). The State of New Jersey is no longer sending Homestead Rebate checks directly to qualifying property owners. Homestead Rebates are now applied directly to home owner’s 2nd quarter property tax billing. If you have questions regarding the amount of your rebate credit, please contact the State Division of Taxation Help Center at (888-238-1233).

• The next City Council meeting is March 29 at 10:00 a.m. inside Council Chambers at the SIC Public Safety Building, 233 JFK Boulevard, second level.

• A Red Cross Blood Drive is scheduled on Thursday, April 7, at the Saint Joseph Church Auditorium, 44th and Central Avenue, 1:00 - 7:00 p.m. Info: 263-8737.

• The S.I.C. Department of Recreation's free Easter Program for kids (up to age 11) will take place on Wednesday, April 13 (rain date April 14), 4:30 p.m., Dealy Field. This event will include an egg hunt and other activities as well as a visit from the Easter Bunny. Info: 263-0050.

• Sea Isle City’s 2011 Visitor’s Guide is now available. You can pick up a copy at City Hall and other municipal offices – or you can view an online version at www.seaislecitynj.us.

• Attention bargain hunters! Sea Isle City is hosting a Citywide Yard Sale on Saturday, May 7, 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. No permit is required to participate in this event, so why not clean out your attic, closets and garage and make some extra cash?

• Sea Isle City’s 2nd Annual Community Day (formerly May 7) has been rescheduled to Saturday, May 21, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., inside the Community Lodge, JFK and Park Road.

• Sea Isle City is once again a contender in the 4th Annual “New Jersey’s Top Ten Beaches” contest. In 2010, we were rated #5 on the list of the Garden State’s best beach resorts and this year we hope to be #1, so please visit www.njtoptenbeaches.org and vote in all three categories: Family Vacation, Day Trips and Eco-Tourism. –And tell all of your friends to vote too!

• Sea Isle City’s VFW Post 1963 has a new website: www.vfwpost1963.com .

Sea Isle City Real Estate Market Update 3/26

There have been 46 homes to go under contract or close since January 1st. That is up 7 homes from the same time period of 2010.

The following homes have closed since the last update:


114 38th Street, asking $275,000, sold $250,000





3918 Landis Ave., asking $179,000, sold $171,000


141 80th St, asking $559,000, sold $530,000


3204 Landis Ave., asking price $679,000, sold $652,000


4100 Boardwalk, asking $399,000, sold $360,000


221 79th St, asking $350,000, sold for $370,000


3605 Landis Ave., asking $650,000, sold $625,000


129 58th Street, asking $775,000, sold $750,000


6608 Landis Ave., asking $689,000, sold $677,500


234 38th St, asking $529,000, sold $475,000


105 74th Street, asking $749,900, sold $725,000


37 77th Street, asking $799,500, sold price $740,000


3200 Boardwalk, asking $1,795,000, sold for $1,450,000

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Best of Sea Isle Podcast- Sea Isle City Ladies' Weekend!

Just wanted to share the links for our 2nd episode of the Best of Sea Isle Podcast. In
this episode we talk with Colleen Falcone of Groovy Girlz and Jamie Heritage of Heritage
Surf and Sport who are running Sea Isle City's upcoming Ladies' Weekend. It will also
give you an update on other events coming up, Sea Isle project updates and also a real
estate update.

Hope you enjoy it and we always love feedback!

Here is the itunes link:

http://itun.es/i6X36X#iTunes

Her eis the non-itunes link:

http://web.me.com/kelblum/Best_of_Sea_Isle_Podcast/Best_of_Sea_Isle_1/Entries/2011/3/8_Best_of_Sea_Isle_Podcast_-Episode_2-_Sea_Isle_City_Ladies_Weekend.html


Thanks for listening!

Sea Isle City Newsletter 3/15

MAYOR'S MESSAGE:

Anyone who has recently driven through Sea Isle City can easily see that we have many exciting and important projects currently underway, one being the repaving of several of our streets (some of which have been in need of resurfacing for some time). Work has already been completed along a number of those streets, and new blacktop is on its way to other roads as well. In the coming days, look for "smooth sailing" on East Landis Avenue (Landis to 85th), Roberts Avenue (56th to 57th), 89th and 93rd Streets (Landis to the Bay), 85th Street (Landis to 50-feet east of East Landis), 58th Street (Landis to the Beach), and 40th, 46th, 48th, 57th, 68th, 71st and 72nd Streets (Landis to Central).

I'm pleased to report that we also have other roadwork on our horizon, after confirming with county officials that later this year we will see more resurfacing take place along Landis Avenue between 54th and 69th Street (picking-up where last year's resurfacing project left off). At first, it was uncertain if the county would be able to complete that work in 2011, but fortunately I was able to get a "yes" from county officials. Now, engineers are determining what blocks along Landis Avenue will require the removal of buried railroad ties, which we also saw during last year's project. After all preliminary assessments are finished, the county will send that job out for bid. So, stay tuned for more information about the resurfacing of Landis Avenue.

One other county project that is on many of our minds is the new Sea Isle City branch of the Cape May County library at 48th and the Bay. Fortunately, construction is coming along nicely with that project, and we should be ready for a grand opening in late August or early September.
Earlier this week, I was one of eight New Jersey mayors who attended a breakfast meeting with Governor Chris Christie at Drumthwacket, the governor's residence in Princeton Township. During that meeting, the governor commented about Sea Isle City and how well we are doing with our budgeting. Governor Christie also asked each of the mayors in attendance to form a special committee, which will focus on state mandates and ways to alleviate the financial burdens facing many towns and municipalities across New Jersey.

I will keep you posted as details unfold regarding important issues facing our state, our county and our municipality. Until then, enjoy the nicer weather and have a great week.

CITY COUNCIL MESSAGE:

Now that the 2011 Polar Bear Plunge is a memory, the members of City Council would like to once again thank everyone who supported the various events taking place during Plunge Weekend - especially the Polar Bear 5K Run/Walk for Autism. It was such a joy to see so many businesses, families, groups and individuals participate in that worthy fundraiser, including the group of children who raised over $1000 by selling hand-painted seashells and cookies on Landis Avenue and the many others who donated money. It was very encouraging to be reminded of all the goodness that exists here in Sea Isle City.

Looking ahead, the approaching summer months promise to be very exciting, thanks to Sea Isle's new Entertainment Complex at JFK Boulevard and the Promenade. As you may know, we are expanding our summer entertainment schedule to include Saturday night concerts (in addition to our Monday evening concerts). The city recently finalized a contract with an entertainment company that has arranged some rather noteworthy acts, including the fabulous Strathmere Ensemble on June 4, The Sensational Soul Cruisers on June 18, The Duprees on July 16, Beatlemania Again on August 6 and Don't Call Me Francis on August 20. -And don't forget the new "Sea Isle City's Got Talent" contest each Friday night starting June 24, which will award weekly cash prizes and a large grand prize in August.

As a reminder, our next City Council meeting will take place during the evening on Tuesday, March 15, at 6:00 p.m. inside Council Chambers. During that meeting, we will hold a public hearing and vote on our 2011 Budget. All citizens are encouraged to attend and voice their opinions.

To contact any of your City Council members, please visit our city website. www.seaislecitynj.us for our email addresses.


PROJECT UPDATES:

CITYWIDE STREET PAVING: The City has started work on a comprehensive street resurfacing program based on the evaluation of road conditions throughout town. The roads being resurfaced are noted in the Mayor's message above. As clarification, this program was developed to address road surface problems and did not include underground utility reconstruction. This may help everyone understand why some roads that are in apparent need of repaving were not included in this particular project. A number of separate projects are in the works that include not only street resurfacing, but the underground utility work that is in need of repair or replacement. We will continue to address our paving and infrastructure needs in a systematic, planned manner in order to most effectively utilize taxpayer dollars and ensure proper maintenance of our public assets.

JFK BOULEVARD BASKETBALL COURTS & PLAYGROUND: This project has started with the removal of the old playground equipment, which will be replaced with state of the art playground equipment. Today (March 10), the City received bids for the entire project, including for lighting, the reconstruction of the basketball courts and the resurfacing of the entire playground area. Following the required review of all bid documentation, award of a construction contract will be made by City Council on March 15 in order to have the facility ready for Memorial Day Weekend.

EXCURSION PARK ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX: Work continues on construction of the new band shell, the promenade and the new pavilion. The project continues to take shape, as framing and structural work for the bandshell and foundation work on the promenade and pavilion slab proceed. The contractor remains on track to complete the project prior to Memorial Day Weekend in time for the City's Tri for Our Vets Triathlon event.

MARINA BOAT RAMP: Construction has started on the replacement of Sea Isle's deteriorated boat ramp at the Municipal Marina. The installation of the cofferdam necessary to build the new boat ramp is underway, and the project completion date is scheduled for the end of April.

LAGOON DREDGING: On March 9, the City Engineer and city staff members met with representatives of the Department of Environmental Protection to assess this project and define permitting requirements. The preliminary feedback from that meeting indicates that permitting should be achievable and allow the project to remain on track and be accomplished in the fall of 2011. As surveying and engineering continues, the City will be defining the scope of work and issuing notices to adjacent property owners.

MARINA BUILDING: The contractor is continuing with foundation work, and steel framing of the building is anticipated to start within the next two weeks. The building is scheduled to be substantially finished and ready for operation by the end of May.



DID YOU KNOW...

o 2011 Seasonal Beach Tags are now on sale at City Hall for the pre-season price of $15 (after May 15 seasonal beach tags cost $20). Beach tags can be pre-ordered by mail at the discount price by downloading the 2011 beach tag application and mailing in your payment. After April 15, you can pick up your reserved tags at the Beach Tag Office (263-1771). Remember: Beach Tags make great gifts!

o Sea Isle City is once again a contender in the 4th Annual "New Jersey's Top Ten Beaches" contest. In 2010, we were rated #5 on the list of the Garden State's best beach resorts and this year we hope to be #1, so please visit www.njtoptenbeaches.org and vote in all three categories: Family Vacation, Day Trips and Eco-Tourism. -And tell all of your friends to vote too!

o A public meeting to address one-way streets in Townsends Inlet will be held at the T.I. Fire House on Saturday, March 12, at 10:00 a.m.

o The Sea Isle City Saint Patrick's Day Parade is March 12 at 3:30, 94th to 63rd Streets, followed by an Irish Celebration at KIX-McNutley's on 63rd Street.

o Our next regular City Council meeting is a NIGHT MEETING on Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. on the second floor of the Public Safety Building, 233 JFK Boulevard.

o "Sea Isle City Girls Weekend" is March 25-27. During this event, which is hosted by Sea Isle City Chamber of Commerce and Sea Isle Revitalization, you will find special discounts and bargains at shops, restaurants, bars, salons and other businesses throughout town. For more info, phone 263-9090.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Sea Isle City Project Update Pictures-Library, Bandshell, St. Joseph's Church

Just wanted to share some pictures of some exciting things going on in Sea Isle City.


Here are pictures of the new bandshell at Excursion Park, which is a Pleasure and JFK.


Here are pictures of the construction of St. Joseph's Church, check out the steel beams on that!


Here are some pictures of the Sea Isle Branch of the Cape May County Library, which is located at 48th and Central Ave. This is going to have great bay views!



Sea Isle City Real Estate Market Update 3/8/11

Things are picking up! We are now at 37 homes that have gone under contract since January 1st. That is up 5 homes during the same time period in 2010.

The homes that have closed since the last update are:


26 73rd Street, asking price $599,000, sold price $580,000



17 75th Street, asking price $999,000, sold price $932,000


5804 Landis, asking price $225,000, sold price $220,000





122 75th Street, asking price $749,900, sold price $722,500




230 78th Street, asking price $509,900, sold price $475,000



9 85th Street, asking price $1,269,000, sold price $1,185,000




201 67th Street, asking price $799,000, sold price $775,000


4601 Landis Ave., asking price $440,000, sold price $420,000




227 80th Street, asking price $495,000, sold price $468,000


113 65th Street, asking price $409,500, sold price $398,000



7002 Landis Ave.- asking price $720,000, sold price $715,000




239 56th Street, asking price $799,000, sold price $750,000



37 81st Street, asking price $979,500, sold price $960,000



2401 Landis Ave, asking price $1,950,000 sold price $1,775,000




3200 Boardwalk, asking price $1,795,000 sold price $1,450,000



4117 Landis Ave., asking price $550,017, sold price $400,000



37 85th Street, asking price $1,050,000, sold price $927,000

3212 Boardwalk, asking price $1,750,000, sold price $1,750,000

Friday, March 4, 2011

Sea Isle City Ladies' Weekend- March 25th, 26th, 27th

Sea Isle City Revitalization has planned a "Ladies Weekend" on Friday, March 25th, Saturday, March 26th and Sunday, March 27th.

Retail stores will be having great sales and offering discounts. Restaurants and Salons will also be doing the same!

Come on down for a great weekend with your Girlfriends!

For more info and for a list of all participating stores, restaurants and salons and what they are offering, please go to:

http://seaislerevitalization.com/Ladies_Weekend.html