A MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR:
These are definitely exciting times for our community! As you drive or stroll through town, you will see our new library, entertainment center and playground and basketball courts (on JFK Boulevard) all taking shape. You will also find Sea Isle’s Department of Public Works remodeling the life guard station and restrooms at 85th Street and new shops and stores getting ready to open as “our Sea Isle City” puts its best foot forward.
Please remember to vote for Sea Isle City in the 2011 New Jersey Top Ten Beaches Contest. You can cast your vote by visiting www.njtoptenbeaches.org. –Let’s go Sea Isle!
A MESSAGE FROM CITY COUNCIL:
Hats-off to Sea Isle Revitalization and the Sea Isle City Chamber of Commerce for another successful shoulder season event! Girls Weekend, which took place March 25-27, was a huge success. These organizations have been instrumental in extending our fall and spring seasons and bringing summer events to Sea Isle City. This autumn, Revitalization and the Chamber will be merging to make one strong organization – all for the betterment of Sea Isle City. Note: The Chamber of Commerce and Revitalization will host a city-wide yard sale on Saturday, May 7. The usual yard sale permit fee has been waived for this event and all homeowners are invited to participate. To learn more, visit www.seaislecitynj.us and click on the “What’s Happening” link.
Several years ago, Sea Isle City started an outside dining program for local restaurants. This year, more businesses than ever will be offering outside dining, which has been a successful venture and continues to grow in popularity. We encourage all to take advantage of this alfresco dining experience this summer.
Parking Kiosks are here! The city has begun to replace some existing parking meters with modern parking kiosks, which allow drivers to use credit cards or cash to pay for parking. The city recently purchased additional parking kiosks for the 2011 summer season, which you will see prominently displayed along the south side of JFK Boulevard and in the Marina District. The city will have an extensive orientation program for the public, with a demonstration at Community Day on May 21 and also during a future council meeting. For more information, see Chief Thomas D’Intino explain the new kiosks in detail on the City’s website at the You Tube link (under Quick Links).
As mentioned earlier, the city will host its 2nd Annual Sea Isle City Community Day on May 21. During that event, information will be provided on many city programs and services. May 21 will also be the opening day for Gillian’s Funland Amusement Park.
Engineering and design work has been completed for our Central Avenue Paving and Utility Reconstruction Project (49th to 69th), which includes new sewer hook-ups, road reconstruction and surface repaving beginning this fall. We are still waiting to hear if we will be receiving federal grant money up to the tune of $1 million, which will help off-set the cost of this project. This spring, we delayed the project in the hopes of receiving grant money; however construction will begin this fall regardless of grant approval. It all depends on the federal government’s budget approval in the coming days, which will affect the amount of available federal grant money.
During our last meeting, City Council recognized 1st Bank of Sea Isle City for their high level of community involvement. In recent years, 1st Bank has donated a great deal of money to this community, much of which has been used for signage throughout town. The owners and employees of 1st Bank continue to be vital volunteers and supporters of local efforts – and we thank them for all they do.
PROJECT UPDATES:
JFK BOULEVARD BASKETBALL COURTS & PLAYGROUND: The low bid contractor, Asphalt Paving Systems, Inc. (contract amount $631,000) will replace the severely deteriorated basketball courts and provide 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. Demolition and clearing of the existing site has been substantially completed, and new construction will start within the next week in order to keep the project on schedule for completion prior to the summer season.
EXCURSION PARK ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX: Work at the band shell continues with preparation for the application of exterior finishes and interior fittings for the facility, which will feature state-of-the-art audio equipment and provisions for showing outdoor movies, which will enhance the City’s popular “Movies Under The Stars” summertime event. The landscape walls are now over 75% complete, and framing of the pavilion is complete. The contractor remains on track to complete this project prior to Memorial Day Weekend and in time for the City's Tri for Our Veterans Triathlon.
MARINA BOAT RAMP: Construction of the concrete boat ramp continues, with concrete installation of the actual ramp now completed, along with re-decking of the adjacent fixed dock. The project remains on schedule for completion by the end of April.
MARINA BUILDING: The steel superstructure of the building has been erected in preparation for installation of the siding and roofing. In addition to Marina operations, the new facility will include public restrooms. The contractor is scheduled to complete the facility prior to the summer season.
80TH STREET WATER TOWER REHABILITATION AND REPAINTING: This project has been completed with the exception of the tower’s lettering, which will be the same as the previous lettering: “Townsends Inlet Sea Isle City.” The tank will be refilled and placed back into operation within the next two weeks. This was a critical project to maintain the City’s infrastructure in order to ensure the delivery of water during peak demand.
85TH STREET LIFEGUARD STATION/PUBLIC RESTROOMS: Work continues on framing, interior renovations, and exterior deck and access ramps to completely rehabilitate the structure, provide for handicapped accessible restrooms, additional restroom facilities and improved storage capacity for lifeguard operations. The project is being performed by City Public Works forces, providing for overall cost savings, as any contracted work for a project of this size would require the payment of New Jersey prevailing wage rates, which exceed the rates being paid to the City’s employees. The building will be completed prior to the Memorial Day weekend.
LANDSCAPING ON EAST-SIDE OF SEA ISLE BRIDGE: The City has completed the landscaping design and site improvements at the City’s entrance near the base of the Sea Isle Bridge on JFK Boulevard. This project will also be performed by City Public Works forces, again providing for overall cost savings. Work will be completed prior to the Memorial Day weekend.
59TH STREET FISHING PIER: Necessary structural repairs and re-decking of the fishing pier is another project being performed by City Public Works forces in advance of the summer season. This will enable the continued safe use of this popular destination for fishing and crabbing.
DID YOU KNOW:
• The S.I.C. Recreation Department is hosting a free Easter Program for kids (up to age 11) on Wednesday, April 13 (rain date April 14), 4:30 p.m., Dealy Field. This event will feature a variety of activities, including an egg hunt and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Info: 263-0050.
• The next City Council meeting will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 16, inside Council Chambers, 233 JFK Boulevard, 2nd floor.
• April 19 is the last day to register to vote in Sea Isle’s municipal election on May 10, during which voters will choose a mayor and two city council members. You can drop-off your completed voters registration form at City Hall. On April 19, the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall will be open until 9:00 p.m.
• The Sea Isle City Environmental Commission’s Annual Spring Beach Clean-up is Saturday, April 30 (rain date: May 1). Volunteers are needed for this event, which begins at 10:00 a.m. For more info, phone (609) 263-2081.
• You can view “Sea Isle Minutes” and Sea Isle’s new TV commercials on You Tube, which you can easily access through the city’s website, www.seaislecitynj.us .
• 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 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.
