As I reported to city council this week, we successfully completed the dredging of Townsends Inlet, an important accomplishment that ensures safe navigation in and out of the inlet. The inlet is a critical passageway for recreational and commercial boating, and I want to thank everyone who worked together to make this project possible in a short period of time, including our neighbors in Avalon, the NJDEP, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the contractor, Norfolk Dredging. I also want to thank the Bridge Commission and Cape May County for contributing funding to pay for the project. I also reported that this Saturday, November 14, our Fire Department will hold their 135th anniversary and dual-housing celebration at 1:00 p.m. at the firehouse. The housing ceremony is a long-standing tradition in the fire service that signifies that a new fire truck is ready for duty and officially “housed’ in the station. The event is open to the public, and I hope you’ll be able to attend and participate in celebrating the history of our fire department and getting a first-hand look at their newest pieces of firefighting equipment.

Also this week, the administration presented the proposed 5-year capital plan to city council at a public workshop and reviewed the proposed acquisitions and projects for 2027. You can review the capital plan document by clicking here.

At the capital plan workshop, the administration also reported on the following projects that are in progress or upcoming with funding already in place:

*Road reconstruction on Central Avenue from JFK to 56th Street and Pleasure Avenue from 79th to 85th Street. Both projects are partially funded by state aid grants and are expected to be completed by the end of the year.

*Next month, construction is scheduled to begin for the ADA ramp and observation platform at the north end of the island at 5th Street. This project is fully funded with a grant from the Cape May County Open Space program. Work on this project is scheduled to be complete by April.

*The construction of new breakwaters and piers at the city marina’s boat ramp will go out to bid and be awarded by the end of the year, with construction to be done over the winter. This will provide for the safe launching and retrieval of boats.

*Also at the marina, the city will install an ADA hoist at a dedicated boat slip, which will provide safe wheelchair access onto and off boats at the marina.

*The city is preparing construction plans for the installation of four electric vehicle charging stations at the Community Center parking lot, which are anticipated to be installed next spring. This project is funded partially by a grant from the NJDEP.

*The city continues with structural and ADA ramp improvements to the promenade, which are scheduled to be completed by the end of the year.

*Refurbishment of the aerators at our 40th and 55th Street water treatment facilities will be completed this spring.

Our capital plan program is an example of how working together is essential to getting things done. Every capital project is ultimately owned by all of us, as no project that is paid for with capital improvement funds can be performed without agreement of both city council and the mayor. The capital plan workshop is one step among several in the advancement of a capital project that is conducted in public and assures that everyone and anyone who has an interest in how the city is investing its money can participate.

Finally, I want to remind everyone that next weekend, from Friday, November 20 to Sunday, November 22 is Girls Weekend in Sea Isle. This is one of our city’s most spirited traditions, so whether you’re here to get a jump on holiday shopping, enjoy a little pampering, or simply enjoy all that Sea Isle has to offer, Girls Weekend is the perfect way to celebrate the season and support the community. I look forward to seeing everyone around town as we make memories, share smiles and kick off the festive spirit in the capital of Cape May County!

Smile You’re in Sea Isle!

Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio