Cape May mayor warns delay threatens residents, property
CAPE MAY — Mayor Zack Mullock called on federal officials to release grant funding for the seawall extension project, warning during his State of the City address Jan. 6 that the delay poses a threat to Cape May residents and property.
“Tonight, I call on Sen. Cory Booker, Sen. Andy Kim and especially Congressman Jeff Van Drew to help facilitate the immediate release of this grant so that this critical work begins,” Mullock said, asking everyone concerned about the city’s future to reach out to the elected officials in support of the project.
Mullock said the state of the city is strong, noting financial indicators paint a positive picture and highlighting both city and community growth, but noted the seawall is vital to the city’s future.
“Since superstorm Sandy, the city of Cape May has worked closely with the state and federal partners to pursue vital seawall improvements to protect our community,” he said. “Sandy did not make a direct hit on Cape May, yet even then, water breached our dunes on the northeast end of town.”
Mullock said now, 14 years after the storm pummeled New Jersey, ocean waves breach the dunes regularly during a full moon or high tide.
“Working with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, we developed a protection plan that would significantly reduce the risk of property loss and, more importantly, the risk of loss of life,” he said. “This project has undergone years of scientific, environmental, historic and economic analysis.”
The project includes extending the Promenade just east of Madison Avenue to Wilmington Avenue, and then down Wilmington Avenue.
Mullock said it took many years to attain approvals from the DEP, including the State Historic Preservation Office, the city Historic Preservation Commission, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Cape May County, the Tribal Historic Preservation Office and the National Park Service.
“It has passed every federal, state and local review required,” the mayor said. “In fact, [the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)] ranked this project among the highest in the nation for cost-of-benefit value, meaning it is far less expensive to protect Cape May now than it would be to have to rebuild later.”
From a financial standpoint, Mullock said the project makes sense because scientific calculations indicate damage during the next stormto be far more than the cost to protect.
“This is exactly the type of smart, life-saving, fiscally responsible project that federal government funding was designed to support,” he said. “Yet today, the Cape May seawall project, a $24 million FEMA grant, remains the only FEMA 2022 grant in New Jersey that has not been released.”
He emphasized that every day of delay increases the community’s vulnerability.
Financial strength
Mullock highlighted various aspects that make Cape May a special town and shared insights on ongoing and upcoming construction projects.
“It’s an honor to speak to you as mayor, as we enter our 175th year as a city and 250th year as a country,” Mullock said. “I want to thank all of Cape May’s citizens and visitors who make this town the truly special place that it is, and thank my fellow council members, administration, and our dedicated city staff.
Economically, Mullock said Cape May is in a strong place. He noted that three of the most important economic indicators of that are beach tag revenue, occupancy tax collection and parking meter revenue.
“As many of you know, 2024 was a banner year for the city of Cape May,” he said. “I didn’t know if we were going to break even with last year but we are actually up.”
Beach tag revenue increased slightly ($18,744) from $3.71 million in 2024 to $3.73 million in 2025; the occupancy tax rose $50,384, from $4.1 million to $4.159 million; and parking meter revenue jumped $120,277 to $2.7 million.
“These are very important economic indicators, and we hope to see the same thing in 2026,” he said.
Mullock noted interest on investments remains historically high at $1,090,556, while the debt ratio continues to decrease.
“Not long ago, about six years ago, our interest on investments were under $10,000, so this has been a significant increase that goes right into our tax base,” Mullock said, adding it was important to note it was the sixth year without a tax increase.
Community enhancement
Every year, the city works on projects and programs to make the city a better place to live, Mullock said.
Cape May offers a variety of youth and family programs, including basketball, field hockey, lacrosse, soccer, roller skating, line dancing, junior lifeguards, indoor swimming, pickleball and a summer concert series.
“Cape May has always been a wonderful place to raise a family, but it’s important people truly understand just how special this community is for our children and for future generations,” Mullock said. “While real estate values have increased, Cape May stands out as one of the very best places in the country, not only to vacation with your family, but live in and grow up.”
He said both elementary schools on the island ranked at the top of the state.
“New Jersey consistently ranks in the top three states in the nation, which means our schools on Cape May Island truly rank among the top in the entire country,” he said.
The city is not just a place for youth, but a town for all ages. The new Cape May Community Center is a hub offering year-round activities such as fitness classes and community gatherings.
“There is truly something to do every day in the city of Cape May, even in the winter,” Mullock said. “I don’t say in the off-season, because I don’t think we really have an off-season much anymore.”
Various improvements
One area of town that has seen significant renovation and construction is Franklin Street.
“This year, we made major streetscape improvements to Franklin Street and opened the new Clemans Theater at the A.M.E. Church,” Mullock said. “It was only a few years ago that the A.M.E. Church looked destined for the wrecking ball.”
Last spring, the church reopened as the new home of East Lynne Theater Company, preserving Black history and supporting the arts at the same time.
New parking spots were added at the church, combining with other projects to increase the number of spots by 24 in 2025.
Also on Franklin Street is the new branch of the Cape May County Library — another historic site that is now a popular place for community events, gatherings and programs.
The Cape May Fire Department purchased a new engine last year. Mullock said it is an important tool in protecting the city, which has been ravaged by fire in the past. He thanked the firefighters for their service and wished them the best with their new equipment.
Other improvements around the city include an additional half-mile of ADA-accessible beach mats from Howard Street to Madison Avenue. Mullock said that boosted beach access for residents and visitors of all abilities.
“Public safety remains a top priority,” Mullock said, noting construction has begun on a new police station. He thanked West Cape May officials for housing part of the Cape May Police Department for several years.
West Cape May partnership
“I want to take a moment to congratulate Mayor Carol Sabo on her retirement as mayor, and congratulate Mayor George Dick,” Mullock said. “We look forward to working with all of West Cape May and thank them for being the wonderful neighbors that they are.”
The city and borough will work together on a pedestrian bridge to help pedestrians and cyclists get off Broadway. West Cape May received a grant to pay for the project.
Another significant upcoming project is renovation of Cape May Beach Patrol headquarters.
“The existing lifeguard headquarters was built in 1988, when we had one female guard,” Mullock said, adding that now the staff is split nearly evenly between men and women.
The project will greatly expand the female facilities and refresh the entire interior of the building. Mullock thanked City Manager Paul Dietrich for his work on the project.
Other improvements included street paving, removal of lead pipes, installation of new water lines and sewer lines, new fire hydrants and storm drains.
“The folks at the water department have done a wonderful job and are now years ahead of their goals to remove lead pipes,” Mullock said. “I’m proud to announce that this year, every known lead pipe has been or is planned to be removed within the next two years.”
Additionally, the city is working on improvements to Harborview Park and the Cape May Tennis Club, which will include new public restrooms and extending the sidewalk.
By RACHEL SHUBIN/Special to the Star and Wave
