FROM THE CITY OF SEA ISLE CITY
E-NEWSLETTER
MAYOR'S MESSAGE:
Welcome to the summer of 2011! During this wonderful time of year, many people will make Sea Isle City their beach-destination of choice, and I am very happy to welcome everyone to another fantastic summer at the Jersey Shore. However, before the season gets into full-swing, I would like to remind all residents and visitors to apply a healthy dose of caution while enjoying your favorite seasonal activities.
If you are a boater, be sure to clip on an approved life jacket before you shove-off from the dock. Our friends at the United States Coast Guard suggest that all boaters (no matter what age or experience level) wear life preservers whenever out on the water, because “Safety First” is the best motto for all mariners.
Also, when going to the beach, be sure to swim on protected beaches only while lifeguards are present. You don’t want to learn about rip-currents and undertows the hard way – so be sure to stay within view of a lifeguard whenever you enter the ocean. The Sea Isle City Beach Patrol will be on duty from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, and 10:00 am to 5:30 pm, Saturday and Sunday, and you can find a complete list of Sea Isle’s protected beaches and all beach regulations by visiting our City website, www.seaislecitynj.us (click the Information/Beaches Info tabs).
Here’s a safety-reminder about “Terrapin Turtle Season.” This is the time of year when female terrapins leave the wetlands and travel onto dry land to dig nests and bury their eggs. If you see a turtle crossing the road, please help her to the curb whenever safety permits – but never put yourself in harms way. Be sure to stay aware of on-coming traffic whenever you step into the street, and if you are able to help a turtle to the curb, carry her in the direction she was traveling. Also, please slow down while driving (for the sake of our turtles and all pedestrians). For more information about Terrapin Turtles, contact Susan and Stephen Ahern from Sea Isle Terrapin Rescue, 263-7358.
Lastly, I am very excited to announce that construction has been completed on Sea Isle’s new Entertainment Complex and Band Shell at Excursion Park. The Band Shell’s inaugural concert will take place this Saturday, June 4, with a performance by the Strathmere Ensemble at 8:00 p.m. – and all are invited to attend as a new page is turned in local history. For a complete list of all concert performances and the many other exciting events taking place in Sea Isle City this year, visit our city website. –And be sure to tell all of your friends that Sea Isle City is “the place to be” for free outdoor entertainment!
See you in Sea Isle!
Mayor Leonard Desiderio
CITY COUNCIL MESSAGE:
City Council would like to thank everyone who participated in Sea Isle’s 2nd Annual Community Day, which took place on May 21. During Community Day, 1st Bank of Sea Isle City made a generous donation to the Sea Isle Ambulance Corps, as part of the bank’s annual Community Service Award. Council appreciates all that 1st bank does for our community and we look forward to working with them in the future. We also would like to acknowledge Gillian’s Funland Amusement Park for offering discounted passes, which thrilled many children at Community Day.
Council and the City’s Administration recognizes that it can be difficult for many seniors and handicapped beach-goers to access the beach. That’s why Mobi-Mats (synthetic carpet runners) will be installed at most beach entrances throughout Sea Isle City, to give a “firm footing” for those who need a little extra help crossing the sand dunes. If you don’t see a Mobi-Mat at your favorite beach entrance, chances are you will very soon.
According to Sea Isle City’s Beach Management Plan, Sea Isle’s North End, 1st to 20th Street, is designated as a “Protected Zone” for nesting birds and other wild life. Therefore, raking that stretch of beach has to be kept to a minimum. The City is requesting permission from the NJDEP to rake the North End and clear debris that has washed up on the beach. We will keep you posted of any developments regarding the North End.
The Administration announced at the June 1 Council Meeting that the “Quality of Life Squad” will give reports regarding noise offenses throughout town on July 19 and August 23 at 9:00 a.m. (before the scheduled Council meetings at 10:00 a.m.). As always, if you have any problem regarding noise issues, please contact the SICPD so they can address your concerns immediately.
After a successful Memorial Day Weekend, City Council would like to remind all motorists that New Jersey State Law requires vehicles to stop for all pedestrians on any corner – whether there is a cross walk on that corner or not! Pedestrian safety is taken very seriously here in Sea Isle City – and the SICPD will issue tickets to all motorists who fail to yield to pedestrians.
There will be a public presentation by Blane Steinman Architects and the Sea Isle City Community Services Department during our next City Council meeting on June 14, 10:00 a.m., regarding Sea Isle’s future Welcome Center. All are invited to attend and participate in the discussion that will follow that presentation. Following our June 14 Council Meeting, there will a Public Workshop at 2:00 p.m. to discuss zoning. This is a follow-up to the recent Zoning Workshop on May 17, and all are invited to attend. A rough draft of the zoning changes will be available for discussion at that meeting.
Best Regards from the Members of City Council.
PROJECT UPDATES:
JFK BOULEVARD BASKETBALL COURTS & PLAYGROUND: Work is continuing on replacement of the basketball courts, provision of new lighting, fencing, sidewalks and 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 base paving for the basketball courts has been installed, with the final surface coating scheduled for placement within the next 10 days. Installation of the cushioned safety surface on the playground has started, and this will also be completed within the next 10 days. The contractor remains on schedule to meet the contract completion deadline of June 15.
EXCURSION PARK ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX: The project was substantially completed and opened to the public for the Memorial Day weekend, and the City enjoyed a successful opening event at the site, with the running of the 4th annual Tri for Our Veterans Triathlon. The first concert in the bandshell will be June 4, with a performance by the Strathmere Ensemble.
LANDSCAPING AT EAST-SIDE OF SEA ISLE BRIDGE: This beautification project at the City’s entrance at the base of the Sea Isle Bridge on JFK Boulevard was completed in advance of the Memorial Day weekend. The project was performed by City Public Works forces.
FUNLAND AMUSEMENT PARK AT THE MARINA: Gillian’s Funland Amusement Park, located on the City’s lot across from the public marina, opened for the season on Sea Isle City’s Community Day, May 21. The park features several new rides this season, as the City and the Gillian family continue to work in partnership to enhance the amusement park experience for all of the City’s residents and visitors.
RECONSTRUCTION OF LANDIS AVENUE FROM 54TH TO 69TH – This coming fall, the city will commence with underground utility replacement work in advance of the county resurfacing this stretch of roadway.
REPLENISHMENT OF NORTH END AND DOWNTOWN BEACHES: The City is in the process of developing a project for beach replenishment to bolster the north end and downtown beaches. The project will not start until fall of this year at the earliest, and will be complete by April 2012. All of the details have not been worked out; however, 75% of the funding for the project will come from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). The project has come about due to past erosion of those beaches which resulted in eligibility for replenishment through FEMA funding. The project will be performed in partnership with Upper Township and the NJDEP.
LAGOON DREDGING: The City is in the process of performing the required environmental and engineering work required to obtain permits to perform needed dredging in several of our City lagoons. The objective is to accomplish the dredging in the fall of 2011. The City anticipates that notices will be issued to adjacent property owners within the next 30 days describing the scope of the project.
DID YOU KNOW:
· Second-quarter Water-Sewer Bills were due on June 1. Late fees will accrue on payments not received by 4:00 p.m. on June 10.
· The Sea Isle City Chamber of Commerce/Revitalization will host “Ultimate Restaurant Week” from June 3 – 10. For a complete list of participating eateries and the specials they will offer, visit http://www.seaislerevitalization.com or phone 263-9090.
· This Saturday, June 4, the first leg of the ESA Surfing Competition will take place on the 40th Street Beach at 7:00 a.m. Info: 609-884-5277.
· The Gerard Desiderio 5K Heart Run and Walk is Saturday, June 4, at 9:00 a.m. Proceeds benefit the American Heat Association. Info: 263-2968.
· The Annual Step-Up-For-The-Arc Walkathon is Saturday, June 4, at 9:00 a.m. on the Promenade at JFK Boulevard. Proceeds benefit Cape May County residents with developmental disabilities. Info: (609) 861-7100, ext.119.
· This summer’s first free outdoor concert is Saturday, June 4, when the Strathmere Ensemble will perform at 8:00 p.m. under Sea Isle’s new band shell at Excursion Park. Info: 263-TOUR.
· Peyton’s Promise 5K Run and Walk will take place on Saturday, June 11, on the Promenade at 43rd Street. Proceeds benefit CDH research. Info: (609) 335-9442.
· Sea Isle’s First Annual Fish Alley Festival is Saturday, June 11, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., 42nd and the Bay. Info: 263-3756.
· “Changes in Latitude” (a Jimmy Buffet tribute band) will perform on Saturday, June 11, at 4:00 p.m. under the band shell. This free concert is sponsored by VFW Post 1963. Info: 263-1711.
· The Summer Trash and Recycling Collection Schedule goes into effect on June 13, when collections will take place 1st through 44th Streets on Wednesdays and Saturdays, 45th through 70th Streets on Mondays and Thursdays and 71st through 94th Streets on Tuesday and Fridays. Remember: Recycling is mandatory in Sea Isle City! For more info, phone 263-6000, ext. 14, or visit the city’s website for recycling directions (click the “Government/Public Works/PW Home” tabs).
· The next City Council meeting is Tuesday, June 14, 10:00 a.m., in Council Chambers, 233 JFK Boulevard, 2nd floor.
· There will be a Public Workshop to discuss Zoning Issues on Tuesday, June 14, 2:00 p.m. inside Council Chambers, 233 JFK Boulevard, 2nd floor.
· Skimmer Festival Weekend is June 18-19. Info: 263-TOUR.
· The first “Sea Isle City’s Got Talent Contest” will take place at the new band shell on Friday, June 24, at 8:00 p.m. Info: www.seaislecity'sgottalent.com .
· Beach Tags are required on all of Sea Isle’s beaches everyday until 5:00 p.m. between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day. The Beach Tag Office, 125 JFK Boulevard, is open everyday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., 263-1771.
DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION? --If you have questions or concerns, there is no need to wait for an upcoming City Council meeting to express your thoughts. You can contact the head of any City Department today to obtain the answers you need. Visit our website, www.seaislecitynj.us ,and click on the Government/City Directory tabs for a complete list of contact information or phone City Hall 263-4461.
