Housing to replace business on 9900 block of Pacific Ave.
VILLAS — Residents from the Diamond Beach section of the township expressed concerns Aug. 4 regarding a plan for redevelopment in the 9900 block of Pacific Avenue that would replace popular businesses with housing.
“I’m here to speak on behalf of many residents, property owners and vacationers who are deeply concerned about the March 2025 variance granted for the redevelopment,” Maria Lincoln said.
The commercial area includes Carini Ristorante & Pizzeria, South Station Market, Beach Bums gift shop and Harbor Light Mini Golf & Ice Cream.
Lincoln said she conducted a survey, finding that 92 percent of the community oppose the change, with many sharing they did not know the variance was up for review until it was too late.
“We recognize by law that only residents within 200 feet of the property were notified, but this standard fails to reflect the reality of our community,” she said. “People who rent or own outside that small 200-foot radius are often more affected than those living nearby.”
Township solicitor Rob Belasco said case law prohibits municipalities from increasing the notification distance for applicants, who are responsible for paying for the certified mailing notices.
“They are also required to publish a copy of their notice in the local newspaper,” Belasco said. “So that publication checks off the second component of the notice requirements associated with applications.”
Lincoln said the community is on track to lose a cherished family gathering space for young and older family members in exchange for another housing development.
“Mr. Lawrence McKnight and the LJKQ Real Estate have been involved in developing numerous buildings in the area,” Lincoln said. “The dentist office at 9850 Pacific Ave. is now two duplexes.”
The South Station Market is also set to become duplexes, Lincoln said, adding that she fears the gift shop and miniature golf course will be next.
“Many neighbors told me that they have written emails to the mayor and board members and feel discouraged they did not receive responses,” she said. “We feel unheard, and we believe it’s not too late to listen.”
Mayor Frank Sippel said Township Council received the emails and apologized for the lack of response.
“The Planning Board is autonomous from the local government, and we are forbidden from getting involved with their business when it comes to things like that,” Sippel said.
Lincoln asked council members if there were a way to revisit the decision or to prevent the demolition of the business.
“This space is more than just a piece of land, it’s part of the soul of our community in Diamond Beach,” Lincoln said.
Belasco said the Planning Board operates outside the purview and oversight of the council.
“This body doesn’t have control over what the board approves or denies,” Belasco said. “The Planning Board sets forth its vision for these respective zones.”
Lincoln asked about the council’s vision for the Diamond Beach area, but Belasco said those answers likely lie within the township’s Master Plan.
Councilman Roland Roy thanked the residents and property owners of Diamond Beach for coming to the meeting to express their concerns.
Lincoln said she hoped the concerns of her fellow residents will be kept in mind for the future.
“All plans that are subject of a pending application for the planning and zoning board, pursuant to the statute, are required to be on file in the planning office at least 10 days before meetings,” Belasco said. “So definitely keep an eye on the Township’s website and on the Cape May Star and Wave.”
Belasco added that the files that are going to be considered by the board are in the planning office and are available for public review.
Iowa Avenue
In other news, council passed an ordinance reverting the traffic on Iowa Avenue, near Robinson’s Deli and Snippers Salon, back into a two-way street.
The street was previously converted into one-way because of parking issues. Residents requested the change back following issues with delivery vehicles.
The ordinance will limit trucks with a gross weight exceeding 4 tons from operating on Iowa Avenue.
Residents from both Iowa and Nevada avenues thank council for addressing their concerns.
“The businesses are great and it’s wonderful that they’ve grown,” resident Lisa Schubert said. “As they grow, their deliveries grow, and we have tractor-trailers that also come down our street.”
Schubert cited several issues attributed to the trucks, including tree branches being pulled down, trucks infringing on the right of way and scraping neighbors’ cars.
“Thank you and your neighbors for coming out today,” Sippel said. “We take these things seriously.”
Sippel added that he and Township Manager Mike Laffey had driven through the neighborhood several times to assess the situation and contacted Public Works and the police for recommendations.
Belasco added that there was an educational component to the ordinance, because delivery drivers may still go down these streets. However, now there is a mechanism for regulation in place.
“We’ve been waiting a long time,” Schubert said. “Thank you for your time.”
The township will place signs to notify truck drivers of the change.
“Thank you for coming out,” Councilman Tom Conrad said. “Please come out — there are certain things we can fix and we want to make your neighborhood safe.”
By RACHEL SHUBIN/Special to the Star and Wave
