WEST CAPE MAY — West Cape May has moved forward with new regulations regarding invasive species, both plant and animal.
The Board of Commissioners introduced an ordinance Aug. 13 to regulate spotted lantern flies and running bamboo.
There is a statewide list of invasive species that are detrimental to New Jersey’s natural ecosystems, and the borough has plans to incorporate more of the species into the ordinance in the future.
“We had this ordinance on our work session for some time over the winter,” Mayor Carol Sabo said. “The Environmental Commission and Shade Tree Commission weighed in on this ordinance.”
The public has expressed support during the past few meetings.
Commissioners spoke with the state to determine whether any statewide legislation would be passed in the upcoming months.
“The state is not planning on moving on until the next legislation session,” Mayor Sabo said, “so we are ahead of the game and are offering this ordinance for introduction tonight.”
The ordinance will now be scheduled for publication and a second reading before a final vote.
In other business, Commissioner Giacomo Antonicello addressed an incident at the police station earlier this month that resulted in an evacuation.
Antonicello expressed frustration about the situation not being thoroughly discussed at the meeting, and Deputy Mayor Geroge Dick took time to explain the incident.
“We brought a company in to take a look at what was going on back there, due to a smell,” Dick said. “They did a test and found some spores, which were non-toxic black mold.”
Commissioners received the company’s report the previous day, which said the department should evacuate to be cautious. The commissioners are now waiting for the remediation plan so they know the best way to move forward.
With the summer coming to an end, commissioners discussed the final events of the season and plans for the upcoming winter.
“We have two more farm markets to go,” Sabo said. “It’s hard to believe that season is almost over. There’s been a great turnout and response, and such a good quality of vendors.”
The West Cape May Tomato Festival is set for Aug. 30 and the Lima Bean Festival for Oct. 11.
The meeting ended with a discussion about the Christmas season and the Board of Commissioners’ fundraising.
“It’s never too early to talk about Christmas,” Sabo said. “Talk to your friends who have businesses or are interested in hosting a fundraiser. If you have a new and unique idea for fundraising, please bring those suggestions.”
Donations from the community fund the annual West Cape May Community Christmas Parade. No tax dollars are used to support the parade.
“The borough does not pay for this,” Dick said. “We raise the money. The whole borough supports it, all our workers come in, and the police and fire department help, too. We’re always asking for donations.”
By JULIA DIGERONIMO/For the Star and Wave
