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.
