WEST CAPE MAY — The Board of Commissioners unanimously introduced a revised mercantile license code Oct. 14, updating regulations that have been in place for 20 years to better reflect the businesses operating in the borough.
Mayor George Dick said the refresh is the result of an exhaustive analysis of the borough’s rules compared with surrounding communities and a close review at the types of businesses in the borough.
“A majority of the retail locations and the rentals all paid the exact same amount, which we know (isn’t) correct,” Dick said. “We tried to understand what businesses we actually have in our town and wrote the codes for them.”
The result is a 27-page document available online. Ordinance 670-26 is set for a public hearing and final vote during the commission’s next meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28.
Pedestrian/bicycle bridge
Borough engineer Anthony Chadwell provided an update on the planned pedestrian/bicycle bridge connecting West Cape May and Cape May.
The project, with the exception of application fees, will be funded by grants with assistance from the Cape May County Open Space Board. Chadwell estimated the total cost at $1 million. Upfront expenses will be paid through a borough bond and later reimbursed by grant funds, Dick explained.
The DEP permit for the 10-foot-wide structure comes with conditions that will prohibit clearing woody vegetation from April 1 through Sept. 30 to protect habitat for nesting migratory birds.
The borough is coordinating with the DEP to replace invasive phragmites, which cover about 98% of the West Cape May side of the site, with native plantings.
Project updates
— Fourth Avenue and West Drive pump station: Materials have arrived in time for an anticipated Nov. 2 start, with completion targeted before summer.
— First Avenue and Sunset Boulevard: Construction started Oct. 1 with drainage work already done. Curbs along Grant Street will be done next and the main roadway work is expected the first week of November. Officials are trying to get the drainage pipe cleaned first with help from shared services.
— Stevens Street road reconstruction: Plans are back from NJDOT and comments are being addressed. Bidding is anticipated in November with a contract award in December and construction in the spring.
— Pacific Avenue Municipal Aid Grant: No news yet on the borough’s application. The state usually releases grant letters in late October or early November.
— Sixth Avenue USDA grant and loan: A September meeting with USDA went well, but the borough is now scored as a wealthier community, reducing expected cost forgiveness to 50%. The borough is trying to negotiate better terms.
Bond sale
Dick reported that the borough sold $3 million in short-term bond anticipation notes to Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. The money will be split between general borough improvements and the water and sewer utility. The loan carries a 4.12% interest rate and must be repaid by Oct. 13, 2027.
Resolutions
Commissioners unanimously approved several resolutions during the meeting including: Setting the official Trick-or-Treating hours for 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, and authorizing an agreement with the county allowing borough vehicles to access county fuel storage tanks for regular gasoline and diesel.
Watershed plan
A proposal from Remington & Vernick Engineers to complete Phase 2 of the borough’s Watershed Improvement Plan to meet NJDEP mapping and reporting mandates was discussed. It’s due Jan. 1.
Chadwell said Phase 1 involved mapping infrastructure; Phase 2 requires an assessment report identifying potential improvements across the borough’s two watersheds.
According to the NJDEP, West Cape May spans two drainage corridors: the western portion drains toward Delaware Bay via Pond Creek, the eastern portion drains toward Cape May Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean.
Commissioners agreed to include a required public session on the watershed plan into an upcoming municipal meeting.
Outdoor seating
Commissioners unanimously introduced Ordinance 671-26, updating the borough’s zoning code to clearly define outdoor seating and patios.
Dick explained that “outdoor seating” means outdoor areas with table service, while “patio seating” is an unserviced outdoor space, such as picnic tables. The change is meant to clear up municipal documents and fix inconsistent business license fees.
Parking changes
Commissioners voted unanimously to pass Ordinance 669-26, prohibiting parking on the west side of First Avenue between Sunset Boulevard and West Grant Street.
Dick said the change is a safety measure to clear the approach to the bridge. The change results in a net loss of about four parking spots. The street will be re-marked during upcoming roadwork.
“The intention is that people don’t even get in their cars,” Dick said, envisioning future beach access. “We’re giving them a safe path to the beach from the entire west side of West Cape May.”
Following a public hearing with no comments, the ordinance passed unanimously.
Commissioner reports
In her report, Commissioner Ellen McDevitt noted that September fire calls dropped slightly — a typical trend after the busy summer months. Emphasizing that the department is all-volunteer, she praised members for consistently stepping up when called.
McDevitt also recognized Stella Lance, a fourth-grade student at West Cape May Elementary School who was named the school’s Student of the Month for September. Members of the police department attended the award presentation and joined in a pizza party with Lance.
McDevitt noted that officers from the Cape May Police Department attended an FBI training academy held recently in Atlantic City. Capt. Joseph Walker, Lt. Scott Krissinger, Chief Dekon W. Fashaw Sr. and Lt. Anthony “Tony” Genaro all attended.
McDevitt said regular patrols and directed patrols put in place in June have continued through September, alongside responses to recent requests for specific streets.
Commissioner Susan Hoffman said a free flu clinic is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, at the West Cape May Volunteer Fire Department, 732 Broadway. The clinic is offered in partnership with the Cape May County Department of Health. Residents who have not yet received their seasonal flu shot are encouraged to attend.
Hoffman commended Lima Bean Festival coordinators; Municipal Clerk Theresa Enteado and Deputy Clerk Erin Seer, for organizing a wildly successful event.
Dick echoed Hoffman’s remarks, noting that the festival earned statewide publicity and social media attention from outlets highlighting unique New Jersey traditions.
Public comment
When commissioners opened the floor for public comment, Jeff Gott of Grant Street stressed the importance of cleaning the drain pipe at First Avenue before construction work begins, noting that flooding remains an ongoing problem.
Pamela Kaithern of Stevens Street inquired about the planned placement of speed bumps on Stevens Street. Dick said there will be two between Rea’s Farm and West Drive, and three more from West Drive down Stevens.
Barbara Alexia, of Broadway, suggested adding a left-turn lane at Stimson and Broadway to ease traffic flow. She also had questions about whether the fire siren could be turned off overnight since volunteers receive digital alerts, and about how money collected by the fire department is accounted for.
Dick responded that the siren warns residents that volunteers will be driving to the station. McDevitt noted the fire company’s IRS 501(c)(3) filings are public and available online, and that there is a meeting upcoming at which the fire company financial records will be reviewed.
David Carrick of Westwood Drive reported ongoing issues with a neighbor, including dozens of police calls, late-night noise and uninhabitable living conditions at the home.
He said he is concerned for his safety and that of his neighbor.
The unresolved matter is now in court, prompting Carrick to ask the borough to persuade the county health department to step in.
Commissioners said there is little they can do because of pending litigation, although borough solicitor Frank Corrado offered to call the county health department on his behalf.
– By JAMES FITZPATRICK/For the Cape May Star and Wave
