CAPE MAY — Groundbreaking for Cape May’s new police station is set for 3:30 p.m. Nov. 12.
City officials, members of the Cape May Police Department, project partners and members of the community are invited to attend the event.
According to a news release, the project represents a major investment in the city’s public safety infrastructure and reinforces its commitment to providing modern, efficient and professional law enforcement services.
“The city of Cape May is proud to take this important step toward enhancing our community’s safety and preparedness,” City Manager Paul Dietrich said. “This new facility will provide our police department with a state-of-the-art environment to support their critical mission and serve the citizens of Cape May with integrity and excellence.”
The new facility will be the first independent headquarters for the department and will feature improved public access, upgraded technology, enhanced training spaces and sustainable design elements to support operations and future growth.
Cape May Police Chief Dekon Fashaw expressed appreciation for the city’s support and highlighted the importance of the new facility for both officers and the public.
“Our officers are dedicated to protecting and serving this community every day,” Fashaw said. “The new police station will give us the tools, space and resources we need to operate more effectively and safely.”
City Council awarded an $8.6 million contract Sept. 15 to Ogren Construction of Vineland for construction of the building on the corner of Lafayette and St. Johns streets, a former part of Lafayette Street Park.
Dietrich told City Council on Nov. 3 that contractors have put up construction fencing and will begin mobilizing in the area.
City Council introduced an ordinance to authorize Atlantic City Electric to relocate utility poles and overhead lines for construction, which is expected to be completed in late spring 2027.
Dog park
The new dog park at Lafayette Street Park is almost complete, but Dietrich said he has not asked council to open it officially because the fence is too high off the ground.
“Small dogs can get in and out of there, maybe stuck underneath the fence,” he said. “I know some people have probably already been using it — we haven’t locked it because I don’t want people trying to climb the fence and get in.”
Dietrich added that he is in talks with the contractor about the fence and that the official opening will be very soon.
Salary ordinance tabled
Council tabled an ordinance to update the uniform salary and classification plan for Department of Personnel positions.
Solicitor Chris Gillin-Schwartz said if council anticipated the changes taking more than one or two meetings, it should be tabled indefinitely and restarted next year. Municipal ordinance processes cannot carry over from year to year. He added that council could reintroduce the ordinance with amendments or changes at the next meeting.
“Councilwoman Baldwin and I will be meeting with Mr. Dietrich, making some changes, and then figuring out what the timing is to bring it back,” Deputy Mayor Maureen McDade said. “Hopefully the next meeting; if not we may wind up tabling it based on the timing until after the first of the year.”
Gillin-Schwartz said the benefit of tabling until the next meeting is letting the public know that the version of the ordinance may be considered for adoption with some changes.
Clerk Erin Burke said the next meeting is scheduled of Nov. 17 due to the League of Municipalities conference that week.
By RACHEL SHUBIN/Special to the Star and Wave
