Jacob Jones monument now proposed for Poverty Beach
CAPE MAY — Those planning a monument honoring the USS Jacobs Jones and other vessels and crews lost during the Battle of the Atlantic have proposed a new location but were faced with the same objections as their first three.
Jacob Jones Memorial Committee founder Myles Martel and Cape May resident John Boecker, the monument architect, first presented the proposal to City Council on April 15 and, following criticism and pushback from the public, changed the location twice before presenting the latest plan July 15.
The Jacob Jones was the first U.S. destroyer deployed in the Atlantic Ocean to patrol for German U-boats. On Feb. 18, 1942, it was attacked off the coast of Cape May just days after it began its mission and less than three months after Germany’s declaration of war against America.
The men previously proposed erecting the monument at Howard Street and Beach Avenue, The Cove and Wilmington Avenue, but faced concerns about the height, parking issues, potential bird nesting and storm surge.
They now are proposing a location at the east end of the Promenade near Poverty Beach. Boecker noted that the designs presented incorporate the Army Corps of Engineers Promenade extension project.
The site would include a ramp, plaza, flagpole and wide stairway that would lead to a wooden walkway and a wooden platform.
Multiple residents spoke during public comment in opposition to the location of the monument but not the monument itself.
Alice Morris said there was a disconnect between the intentions and the sites.
“This is now the fourth site that’s been sought and I think when you start seeing an objection at each step or possible location, there is something that doesn’t match between the intentions,” she said.
She also was concerned about disruptions to the natural environment, saying the extension of the Promenade and seawall would dramatically change the beach experience.
Resident Lee Snyder expressed several concerns, including the proposed materials, children climbing on the memorial and the ADA ramp occupying several parking spaces.
“The design does not integrate with the local environment of the sand dunes and native vegetation,” Snyder said, adding that the erection of piling and other construction materials would disturb residents and migratory birds.
Jeffrey Morris said it was asking a lot of the neighborhood and that there are other places to consider.
“I understand it could be a place of reflection and a very creative project, but Poverty Beach, just like the Cove, it’s not going to work in our end of town,” he said.
Resident Hunter Cochran suggested locating the monument near the World War II tower in Lower Township or in Cape May Point State Park.
Beth Jeffrey said placing the monument in that area would only add to the disruption expected with the Promenade and sea wall extension projects.
“I live in the unit that faces the dunes, and I would be looking directly at the memorial, which is fine,” she said. “Maybe if it was years after we’ve had the promenade and seawall put in, but we still don’t know what’s going to happen to the wildlife.”
Jeffrey also inquired whether the monument would be managed and maintained by the organization or the city.
Martel addressed several concerns, including the height, which he said had been reduced.
“The height is the same as a couple of trees to the north and is very open,” he said. “It has been reduced by 6 feet lower than the utility poles along the beachfront.”
Regarding parking, Boecker added that the monument is designed to be a destination at the end of the Promenade or an enhanced experience for walkers leaving the beach or walkway.
The Jacob Jones sank miles off shore, becoming the tomb of 131 officers and crew, which is why the committee would like to see the monument erected in Cape May.
“This monument will be the first of its kind,” Boecker said. “There are currently no monuments [for] any of the naval vessels sunk in the Battle of the Atlantic, other than a small plaque in Maine.”
The monument is intended to commemorate the USS Jacob Jones in particular, as well as all of the other vessels the Germans sank during the Battle of the Atlantic, Boecker added.
“The USS Jacob Jones connects and amplifies Cape May’s role in American history,” Boecker said. “This memorial serves to help all of us reflect upon, appreciate and be inspired by how the loss of the Jacob Jones symbolizes all conflicts and forgotten heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
He said pieces of the design would be exact replicas of the forms of the structural pieces of the ship. It would include a mirror that would illuminate the sailors’ names in light.
Boecker said the monument would be built to withstand hurricane winds using the same technology as boats.
“It will be an open frame, so there’s very little wind resistance,” he said. “Most importantly, the technology of the piles that will be used to support this thing will actually reinforce and fortify the protective dunes.”
Martel said he wanted to be clear that the committee was not asking the city for money, and they recognize that various environmental issues need to be addressed by regulatory authorities.
Mayor Zack Mullock said the details have not been discussed by City Council.
“Those are all questions that we share and we’re listening to you,” Mullock said. “We’re hearing this at the same time as you and this project has to be approved by the Department of Environmental Protection. It’s far from a done deal.”
Mullock added that he has heard negative comments about other city projects, such as the nature trails.
“Now I get comments almost on a daily basis of how beautiful those nature trails are and what an asset it is to the community,” he said. “All I’m asking the public is that I hope you have a little bit of faith in the City Council and that we represent all of you, and we want to do something that benefits the entire community.”
Martel thanked the residents who had expressed concerns about that site. He added that the project is a work of passion and has involved careful research.
“We’re doing this because we love Cape May and this effort will be focused in Cape May and as long as we’re involved, this effort will not leave Cape May, irrespective of the site that is eventually selected,” he said.
Boecker said the public is invited to a Zoom presentation in which the concept will be presented again at 6 p.m. July 30 . Feedback and comments from the public are welcome. The link for the meeting can be found on the city website.
Visit jacobjonesmemorial.org for more information on the monument. Visit capemaycity.com and search for USS Jacob Jones for additional information on proposed locations.
By RACHEL SHUBIN/Special to the Star and Wave
