Showing posts with label Town News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Town News. Show all posts

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Sea Isle City ~ The last leg of the Ocean Drive Marathon

The Ocean Drive Marathon is run on a beautiful 26.2-Mile point-to-point course thru the scenic barrier islands of Cape May County, NJ.
ODM15 is scheduled for 9:00 AM on Sunday, March 24, 2013.


This USATF-NJ 500 point Grand Prix event offers a USATF certified (NJ06007LMB), Atlantic Coastal flat (5' AMSL) and fast, paved road and boardwalk, point-to-point,qualifying course that begins in Victorian Cape May City, continues, via the Ocean Drive, over 4 drawbridges (uniformly at 25' AMSL) through the fishing port of Lower Township onto the Wildwoods island  (where you run the length of its famous Boardwalk) through Middle Township on into the island communities of Stone Harbor and Avalon, and finishes on the Promenade on the island town of Sea Isle City.

For more information about anything Sea Isle City Contact The Landis Co., Realtors,
Sea Isle City's #1 Vacation Rental Headquarters ! (609) 263-3400 or info@LandisCo.com www.LandisCo.com 



Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Sea Isle City Town News ~ FEMA Hazard Mitigation Program


March 12, 2013

FEMA Hazard Mitigation Program:

The City of Sea Isle City will be making applications through FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. This Grant would allow qualified homeowners, who wish to elevate their homes or implement other mitigation projects that would reduce damages in the event of future disasters, to seek partial reimbursement.

FEMA repetitive loss property owners, who have living areas that are prone to flooding, are advised to consider this funding. Please note that this is a reimbursement grant; homeowners will be asked to fund the elevation of their property and submit their expenses to the City. The homeowner would still be responsible for 25% of total costs. Residents who may have already started this process would not be eligible for these funds.

While FEMA has released its advisory flood maps post Sandy, their final determination has yet to be determined. To view the flood zone maps as proposed, please visitwww.region2coastal.com/sandy/table.

If you would like to participate in this program or have questions regarding funding, please email sicoem@police.seaislecitynj.us or call (609) 263-4311 ext. 7207 with the following information:

--Name of owner
--Address of property
--Block and Lot number
--Personal contact information
--Description of your mitigation project
--Estimated costs of your project

While it is anticipated that funding will not be available until the spring of 2014, interested residents are asked to contact the City without delay to help ensure acceptance into this program.

For more information about Sea Isle City, contact The Landis Co., Realtors at (609) 263-3400 or info@LandisCo.com . Check us out online at www.LandisCo.com 


Thursday, March 7, 2013

Sea Isle City JFK Boulevard Reconstruction Project on schedule


JFK Boulevard Reconstruction, from the Bridge to Landis Avenue 

The County received bids for the project on December 12, 2012.  The apparent low bidder was Asphalt Paving Systems, Inc., of Hammonton, NJ in the amount of $3,773,000.00.  A preconstruction meeting for the project took place on January 9th, at which time details for the project were reviewed along with the proposed construction schedule.  Construction is currently in full swing, with concrete and utility work taking place along the length of the boulevard.
The following are some of the important details regarding the project:
1.    The north side of JFK Boulevard is closed, with two way traffic diverted to the south side of the boulevard from the foot of the Bridge to Landis Avenue.
2.   The contractor has paved 2 lanes on the South side of JFK Boulevard and has also started to work on drainage and milling JFK Boulevard on both the north & south sides while continuing to do work on the center islands.
 3.    The majority of the work will be completed prior to the 2013 Memorial Day weekend, and there will be two lanes along each side of the boulevard open for Memorial Day weekend and no access restrictions for that weekend.
4.    The project is scheduled for substantial completion by mid-June, 2013.
5.    Final completion of the project, including all punch list items, is scheduled for fall 2013, with no work to take place during the summer season.
6.    The project construction is being completely funded by the federal government.



View from Landis Avenue, looking west...
Former Public Safety Building at far right, looking west...
Looking east toward intersection of JFK and Central Avenue...
Post Office shown at far right, looking west on JFK...
Looking east toward Landis Avenue...
Photo taken from Welcome Center Steps (foot of Sea Isle Bridge at left)...



LOCATION CHANGE FOR NJ TRANSIT BUS STOP:

Due to construction along JFK Boulevard while the final phase of the Beach-to-Bay project is being completed, Sea Isle City’s only NJ Transit bus stop will be temporarily moved from JFK and Central Avenue to the northwest corner of 44th Street and Park Road. The new bus stop will go into effect starting with 7:45 a.m. pick-up on Monday, March 11.  For additional information about NJ Transit bus schedules, visit www.njtransit.com.

Saturday, March 2, 2013

The Landis Co likes to be Social! Follow us for Sea Isle City information

After many years of having the #1 Sea Isle City real estate website we want to introduce you to a few of our other outlets of information about Sea Isle City rentals and Cape May County real estate.

  https://www.facebook.com/LandisCompany

http://www.Twitter.com/LandisCoSeaIsle


http://plus.google.com/jimsofroney


Check back to see what's happening here on one of these sites. We are excited to bring you all this information and to be your Sea Isle City real estate resource.

And of course always check us out on www.LandisCo.com

Thanks,

Jim Sofroney


Friday, February 22, 2013

Sea Isle City Town News March 2013



SEA ISLE CITY PROJECT UPDATES

Lagoon Dredging – NO CHANGE FROM PREVIOUS UPDATE – The contractor, Wickberg Marine Contracting, of Belford, NJ, has completed dredging Rio Grande Lagoon, Rio Delle Isole, Rio Del Amore, and Rio Delle Luna.  The contractor is currently working at Rio Delle Stelle.
All lagoons being dredged are as follows:
Rio Grande (south side of 47th Place)
Rio Delle Stelle (between 46th and 47th Place)
Rio Delle Luna (between 45th and 46th Place) Completed 
Rio Del Amore (between 44th Street and 45th Place)
Rio Delle Isole (along Venicean Road)
Rio Del Barche (between 43rd Place and 44th Street)
Rio Del Affare (between 42nd and 43rd Place)
Rio Delle Ponte (along Park Road on either side of 43rd Place)
The dredging project provides for the ability of private property owners adjacent to the project area to enter into an agreement with the dredging contractor to dredge their private slips (at the private owner’s expense).  In conjunction with the City project, properties at the above locations do have the required permits to perform private slip dredging.
As part of this project, consistent with the commitment to afford the opportunity to private property owners to have their slips dredged (at their own expense), the City continues to work with the Army Corps of Engineers and the NJ Department of Environmental Protection to obtain permits for previously identified areas of need, including the western side of Venicean Road (along the Intracoastal waterway) and along Sounds Avenue (in the area of 38th Street).  Permits for these areas are expected to be obtained in the near future, in order to allow time for these property owners to come to agreement with the dredging contractor to have their slips dredged prior to completion of the overall project.
Sewer and Road Reconstruction on Central Avenue (49th to 69th Street) - The project has been contracted to the firm of Lewandowski Construction Industries, Inc., of Waterford, NJ.  Temporary paving on all ditches was completed on February 15 for the long holiday weekend.  As of February 19, the contractor has started using two crews, Crew A will be installing mainline from 53rd to 55th Streets while Crew B is installing laterals from 59th to 63rd Street.  The sewer portion of the project is expected to be completed this winter; after which the entire roadway will be resurfaced (we expect to perform base paving in the spring with final surface course paving in the fall, following the 2013 summer season).  South Jersey Gas Company has been notified regarding a relocation of lines on 65th and 66th Street due to a conflict in that area.  The project will provide for an upgraded sewer system and new road surface for the entire one mile stretch of roadway.  This section of sewer has been problematic for years, with continuous maintenance issues; and this project will not only provide for appropriate sewage infrastructure, it will assist in decreasing the amount of ground water sent to the county sewage treatment plant, thus saving in unnecessary costs associated with the treatment of “infiltration” water.  Please see photos below of Central Avenue near 55th Street, taken February 21... 


Utility Reconstruction on Landis Avenue (54th to 69th Street) – NO CHANGE FROM PREVIOUS UPDATE - The project has been contracted to F.W. Shawl & Sons of Marmora, NJ, and will provide for water and sewer line replacement in advance of the County project to resurface Landis Avenue from 54th to 69th Street. The contractor has completed the utility main replacements on Landis Avenue including laterals and is in the closeout stage with punch list items being completed.  The County is scheduled to resurface Landis Avenue from 54th to 63rd Street in the spring of 2013.  63rd to 69th Street is now planned to be resurfaced following the summer of 2013. 
Inflow and Infiltration (I & I) Remediation – NO CHANGE FROM PREVIOUS UPDATE - The firm of Video Pipe Services, Inc. of Newfield, NJ, has substantially completed the project, and is in the process of working with the City Engineer to close-out the project.  The need for this project was identified over the past several years through a comprehensive investigation and analysis of the City’s sewer system.  Sewer systems are prone to both inflow (overland water entering the sewer system through manhole covers and other surface openings in the system) and infiltration (entry of groundwater into pipelines through cracks, deteriorated pipe, and pipe joints).  The effects of I & I are symptoms of deterioration of the sewer system that must be corrected to avoid more problematic maintenance issues and potential failure of the sewer system.  I & I is also costly, in that the City must pay for the unnecessary treatment of water that enters the sanitary sewer system.  This is the first phase of a multi-year citywide sewer maintenance and improvement project that will ensure the continued viability of the City’s vital sewer infrastructure.  The next phase of I & I work will involve replacement of sewer lines that cannot be substantially corrected through internal, “no-dig” repairs, as were performed in this phase.  As those projects are engineered and prepared for bidding and construction, we will provide updates on the specific details of the projects. 
Utility Reconstruction, Various Streets - The project includes replacement of deteriorated underground utilities (water and sewer) in several streets, as part of the City’s comprehensive road and utility program.  The project is being performed by Garden State General Construction, Inc., of Rio Grande, NJ.  Following utility work, the streets will receive new surface paving.  The following streets are included in this project:

1.    42nd Street, Landis Avenue to Promenade
2.    48th Street, Landis Avenue to Promenade
3.    50th Street, Landis Avenue to Promenade                     
4.    51st Street, Landis Avenue to Promenade                   
5.    60th Street, Landis Avenue to Central Avenue
6.    43rd Place      
7.    79th Street, Landis Avenue to Central Avenue   
8.    60th Street, Landis Avenue to Beach End

With work substantially completed on 42nd, 48th, 50th, 51st and 60th Streets, the contractor will be starting water services on 43rd Place. A second crew will begin work on 79th Street.
JFK Boulevard Reconstruction, from the Bridge to Landis Avenue – The County received bids for the project on December 12, 2012.  The apparent low bidder was Asphalt Paving Systems, Inc., of Hammonton, NJ in the amount of $3,773,000.00.  A preconstruction meeting for the project took place on January 9, at which time details for the project were reviewed, along with the proposed construction schedule.  Construction is currently in full swing, with concrete and utility work taking place along the length of the boulevard.

The following are some of the important details regarding the project:
1.    The north side of JFK Boulevard is closed, with two-way traffic diverted to the south side of the boulevard from the foot of the Bridge to Landis Avenue.
2. The contractor has paved 2 lanes on the south-side of JFK Boulevard and has also started to work on drainage and milling, 40th Street to JFK Boulevard on Landis Avenue, while continuing his work on the north-side of JFK Boulevard.
3.    The majority of the work will be completed prior to the 2013 Memorial Day weekend, and there will be two lanes along each side of the boulevard open for Memorial Day weekend and no access restrictions for that weekend.
4.    The project is scheduled for substantial completion by mid-June, 2013.
5.    Final completion of the project, including all punch list items, is scheduled for fall 2013; with no work to take place during the summer season.
6.    The project construction is being completely funded by the federal government.
Please see photos of JFK Boulevard below, taken on February 21...
View from Landis Avenue, looking west...
Former Public Safety Building at far right, looking west...
Looking east toward intersection of JFK and Central Avenue...
Post Office shown at far right, looking west on JFK...
Looking east toward Landis Avenue...
Photo taken from Welcome Center Steps (foot of Sea Isle Bridge at left)...
Looking north on Landis Avenue from JFK...
Sign on Sea Isle Causeway...

 Water Well and Well House Construction at 50th Street –  The contract is being performed by B & H Contracting, Inc., of Folsom, NJ, in the amount of $1,363,000.  The drilling and setting of the well has been complete. Water quality sampling for tests have been taken.  Demobilization of the drilling rig, storage trailer, and frac tank has been completed.  The old well has been sealed.  The temporary well pump is being removed.  Work to install the detention tank will begin soon.  Ultimately, the project will provide for the capability to deliver approximately one million gallons of water each day to City residents, and will help to ensure the viability of our critical water infrastructure now and into the future.  The project is expected to be completed prior to the summer 2013 season. 
Please see photos below, taken February 21... 

Mill / Pave Overlay of Various Streets – NO CHANGE FROM LAST UPDATE – The project has been awarded to the firm of South State, Inc., of Bridgeton, NJ, in the amount of $317,185.66. 
The following streets are included in the project:
30th St. (Landis to Bay End)
34th St. (Landis to Central)
38th St. (Landis to Central)
39th St. (Landis to Central)
40th St. (Central to Cini)
40th St. (Cini to Kneass)
Cini St. (39th to 40th)
47th St. (Central to Park)
Roberts Ave. (77th to 79th)
86th St. Landis to Pleasure
Roberts Ave. 56th Street to 54th.
Concrete ADA improvements and asphalt paving are nearly completed.  One additional portion of Roberts Avenue will be paved in the near future.  Line striping will be done when the weather allows.


FEMA FLOOD ELEVATION UPDATE

Today Mayor Desiderio along with Administration staff attended a meeting in Atlantic City with representatives from Congressman LoBiondo’s office, Officials from Cape May and Atlantic Counties and senior representatives from URS Corporation, the firm hired by FEMA to complete the new FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM), to discuss what information our individual towns will need to provide to FEMA in order to assure the most accurate and complete maps possible of Sea Isle City. Over the next few weeks, we will be working to provide them with all information they may require. As we have stated before, there is a lot of information – and misinformation – circulating around town concerning upcoming changes to the FIRM maps.  Sea Isle City’s Administration and City Council are continuing to work in close consultation with State and Federal agencies to clarify and bring the most up to date information available to our property owners and residents as it becomes available.  City officials will continue to bring you the latest and most accurate information regarding this very important subject as it becomes available.

An updated list of “Frequently Asked Questions” can be found at http://www.nj.gov/dca/divisions/codes/. For additional information and copies of the new advisory base flood elevation (ABFE) maps, please visit www.region2coastal.com/sandy.

Commercial Property for Sale 2603-09 Route #9, Ocean View, NJ - #149232

Landis Co., Realtors - Jersey Shore Real Estate Search

PRIME TIME COMMERICIAL LOCATION! High visibility location with traffic light at corner. This is a 7.5 acre parcel located on the corner of Route #9 and Ocean View-Woodbine Road. Property is subdivided into 5 separate lots. Purchase individually or combine. Also see MLS #149231 AND #149233. ALL LOTS LOCATED IN HISTORIC COMMERCIAL ZONE WHICH ALLOWS FOR A VARIETY OF COMMERCIAL AND RETAIL USES. OWNERS ARE ANXIOUS AND WILL CONSIDER ALL OFFERS. 



For more information contact The Landis Co., Realtors, info@LandisCo.com or ask for Jim Sofroney 609-263-3400

www.Landisco.com

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Sea Isle City Polar Bear Plunge 2013 is open for business





The Landis Co., Realty would like to welcome all of the 2013 visitors to Sea isle City for The Polar Bear plunge. We hope you enjoy yourself and hope you stat safe. If you need information about whats happening in town please call us at (609) 263-3400 and we hope we can send you in the right direction.

For more information about Sea Isle City real estate look us up online at www.LandisCo.com

The Sea Isle City ACME Market, located at 63rd Street and Landis Avenue, is currently undergoing renovations; however the ACME will be open for business during Polar Bear Plunge Weekend.  Basic / staple items will be available at the ACME in limited quantities from Thursday to Sunday, February 14 to 17, 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. each day. 
The Townsend Inlet Bridge (connecting Sea Isle City and Avalon) is closed for renovations and will not be open during Polar Bear Plunge Weekend.
JFK Boulevard is currently under construction between Landis Avenue and the causeway bridge. Drivers are advised to be aware of new traffic patterns and a reduced speed limit of 25 mph along JFK. 
Landis and Central Avenues are also currently under construction; however both Landis and Central will be open during Polar Bear Plunge Weekend with no detours in place.
A Jitney Service will be available to shuttle festival-goers to and from events during Polar Bear Plunge Weekend. Jitneys will run along Landis Avenue (between JFK Boulevard and 94th Street) on Friday (5:30 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.), Saturday (10:00 a.m. until 3:00 a.m.) and Sunday (10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.). The fee to ride the jitney one-way is $2.00 per person prior to 11:00 p.m. and $4.00 per person between 11:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m.  The main downtown Jitney drop-off / pick-up location is the corner of Landis and West Jersey Avenues (next to Veterans Park).
A Medical Tent will be positioned behind the Excursion Park Band Shell during the plunge on Saturday, manned by care-givers from Cape Regional Medical Center.
Reminder: The Sea Isle City Police Department has moved to the former Public School at 4501 Park Road (Fish Alley). The Police Department can be accessed via the 46th Street side of the school building.
Please Plunge Safely!  It’s never a good idea to enter the ocean on an unprotected beach. Please plunge only at JFK Boulevard, where members of Sea Isle City’s Beach Patrol and other water rescue teams will be positioned.
2013 Polar Bear Beach Tags are now on sale! These special edition tags are available at the preseason price of $20.00 each at the Welcome Center / Beach Tag Office, 300 JFK Boulevard, seven days a week, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. – including during Polar Bear Plunge Weekend!  Polar Bear Beach Tags are seasonal tags that will be valid during the entire 2013 summer beach season. 

Friday, February 8, 2013

Sea Isle City Mayor's message - FEMA Flood Elevation Info


MAYOR’S MESSAGE
The recently issued FEMA Advisory Maps have become a cause for concern among property owners at the Jersey shore.  Be assured that we are working hard to obtain the facts so we can keep Sea Isle’s homeowners accurately informed.  Toward that end, I will soon be travelling to Trenton with other Cape May County mayors to meet with the Governor’s cabinet and FEMA representatives to discuss our concerns and gain substantive information that I will pass on to you.  We are grateful for the efforts of Senator Jeff Van Drew in facilitating this important meeting.  Please use the links in the “FEMA Flood Elevation” section below to learn more about this issue.

Through the cooperative effort of the City, the Tourism Commission, and the Chamber of Commerce and Revitalization, we’ve embarked on an exciting campaign to expand our marketing area.  A picture of a billboard that was rented by the Tourism Commission near Lincoln Tunnel is found below in “Recent Photos.”  Tools like this will get the message to our North Jersey and New York neighbors that our gem of an island to their south is open for business and ready to offer visitors the vacation of a lifetime.  Please note that the expense for the billboard was funded entirely by the Tourism Commission with no taxpayer dollars spent.

The largest ribbon-cutting ever held in New Jersey will take place on Friday, February 15, on the promenade.  The ribbon will stretch the entire length of the promenade and the cutting will officially launch Polar Bear Plunge Weekend and Sea Isle City’s 2013 visitor season.

Saturday, February 16, is Sea Isle’s much-anticipated Polar Bear Plunge.  We expect this year to be the best ever with several brand new additions to the festivities.  Safety, of course, always comes first and, in the interest of your safety, we ask that plungers only enter the water in the designated plunge area.  Also, in the interest of your safety, you are reminded that the promenade is closed north of 32nd Street.  The last three blocks of the promenade are blocked off to secure that area for repairs necessary due to damage caused by super storm Sandy.  Contractors are being lined up and repairs will begin shortly after Presidents’ Day Weekend.  Rest assured that the north end of the promenade will be safe for your strolling pleasure well before the 2013 summer season.

Sunday, Day Three of Polar Bear Plunge Weekend, is highlighted by the Annual Run/Walk for Autism.  Please support this important event, knowing that all proceeds go to Autism research.

Smile…You’re in Sea Isle!

Leonard C. Desiderio, Mayor of Sea Isle City
 


FEMA FLOOD ELEVATIONS

There is a lot of information – and misinformation – circulating around town concerning upcoming changes to the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM).  Sea Isle City’s Administration and City Council are working in close consultation with State and Federal agencies to clarify and bring the most up to date information available to our property owners and residents.  City officials will continue to bring you the latest and most accurate information regarding this very important subject as it becomes available.  
For a list of “Frequently Asked Questions” and a link to the Governor’s Rule, please read the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s February 5 press release by clicking HERE.  For additional information and copies of the new advisory base flood elevation (ABFE) maps, please visit www.region2coastal.com/sandy.

Friday, February 1, 2013

Sea isle City Billboard at Lincoln Tunnel



Brought to you by www.LandisCo.com Sea Isle City's #1 Vacation Rental Headquarters

SEA ISLECITY — A giant billboard that greets motorists as they cross into New Jersey via the Lincoln Tunnel lets would-be visitors know that Sea Isle City is open for business.
“People saw that roller coaster in the water and thought it was the entire Jersey Shore,” Sea Isle City Mayor Len Desiderio said of the image of the Jet Star roller coaster in the ocean off Seaside Heights following Hurricane Sandy.
Desiderio and members of the island’s business community decided they had to do something to overcome that perception, so they headed north.
The billboard, which costs $15,000 monthly, is being paid for by the Sea Isle City Chamber of Commerce and Revitalization, and is part of a partnership between the business community, tourism commission and the city.
Desiderio hasn’t driven north to see it, but he had a friend in Nutley drive by and take a picture.
“He called it ‘grand,’” Desiderio said.
The billboard featuring this season’s slogan, “We’re ready,” aims to draw visitors from New York and northern New Jersey, the first time the city has turned its advertising dollars to New York.
“We get calls from people asking are we going to be ready for summer. Although we suffered some damage to the Police Department and City Hall, we want people to know that the city is ready,” Desiderio said.
Normally, the city’s advertising focuses on the Philadelphia market, but following Hurricane Sandy towns such as Sea Isle City are looking to draw visitors who might otherwise have gone to places like Seaside Heights, which suffered significant damage.
The ad campaign was targeted to start at the end of January, when visitors are looking to book their summer vacations.
“We know that they may or may not be able to go to Monmouth or Ocean counties, but we wanted to give them the option of staying in Jersey,” Desiderio said. “We want to keep the tourist dollars in the state of New Jersey.”
Christopher Glancey, president of the city’s chamber of commerce, said an estimated 400,000 people travel through the tunnel each day, giving the city a wider audience.
The billboard features the city’s website, seaislecitynj.us, and the chamber will track visits to determine how successful the billboard is. If the numbers show growth, then the billboard will remain for another month.
Glancey said the chamber will host fundraisers to support the billboard’s placement. No city dollars are being used, Desiderio said.
Sea Isle City has a year-round population of about 2,300 people, but swells to about 50,000 on any given summer weekend, and Desiderio hopes those numbers grow with the help of the new ad campaign.
The campaign will also include radio ads and some cable television ads starting this month.
“Every $1 we spend (in advertising) brings back $68 in spending,” he said, noting a Cape May County tourism report.

Brought to you by The Landis Co., Realtors, www.LandisCo.cominfo@LandisCo.com , (609) 263-3400

Friday, January 11, 2013

Sea Isle City E-Newsletter January 10, 2013

E-NEWSLETTER
From the City of Sea Isle City


January 10, 2013



MAYOR’S MESSAGE:

2013 has arrived and Sea Isle City is ready for it!

As we say goodbye to a challenging year, be assured that we are eager to embrace the New Year with a positive attitude, exciting plans and a lot of hard work.  Residents and visitors should have no doubt that our “season” will be met by a prepared community.

One much-anticipated and long-awaited project will begin next week: the reconstruction of JFK Boulevard will complete the Beach to Bay Corridor project with attractive landscaping, decorative lighting and wide sidewalks.  This project, which is made possible through four million dollars in funding from the Federal government, will make the entrance to our city more breathtaking than ever.

Do you remember when Sea Isle’s season began on Memorial Day Weekend?  No longer!  With the Polar Bear Plunge becoming a major annual event, our season opener is now President’s Weekend with all the fun and excitement planned around the icy plunge.  Over the years, many shore towns have added their own winter plunges to their calendar of events but there are none quite like Sea Isle’s.  Anyone who has ever stood on the beach or promenade watching the flocks of costumed bathers race for the sea knows that the event wakes our island from winter.  From the Polar Bear Plunge onward, businesses begin opening and our community begins welcoming weekend visitors.  Once the quiet, post-holiday weeks have passed, everyone knows that spring is not far off and beach weather is just around the corner! Until then, know that those of us who are committed to making Sea Isle City the best possible place for living and vacationing for the greatest people anywhere never have an “off-season”!

On another note, at the January 22nd City Council meeting, I will present the administration’s proposed budget for 2013 to the Council, and deliver the annual State of the City Address.  Without giving away any details, I can assure everyone that the state of our City is strong.  As I said at the beginning of this message, we are ready for 2013!

Smile…You’re in Sea Isle!

Mayor Leonard Desiderio


CITY COUNCIL MESSAGE:
We’d like to begin the first City Council Message of 2013 with a sincere wish for a happy, healthy and prosperous new year!

FEMA has released their proposed maps for construction within floodplains, which will affect future construction standards for our community.  Council and Administration are reviewing these maps to determine the impact they will have on our construction policies and insurance ratings.  This matter will be discussed at upcoming council meetings, and we will keep you apprised as we move forward with our review.

Continuing our reconstruction in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, the Council introduced on first reading Ordinance 1535, which will provide funding for construction of a municipal complex that will house both City Hall and the Public Safety facility.  A portion of this legislation also provides for the replacement of a fire truck which was deemed a total loss as a result of the super storm.

Landlord/Tenant hearings were held on January 8th; with another hearing scheduled for January 22 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall council chambers, located in the former Sea Isle Public School Building (4501 Park Road).  The outcome of these hearings will determine whether landlords who have rented to disruptive tenants will qualify for future rental permits or if restrictions will prevail.

Preparations are underway to ready the City for Polar Bear Plunge Weekend, scheduled for President’s Weekend, February 15, 16 and 17.  In addition to the regular activities (King, Queen, Prince and Princess contests, a vendors market, the plunge itself and the Walk/Run for Autism), the City is hoping to add an informational session for the public on the future construction of the proposed City Hall/Public Safety facility.  Possible dates being considered are Friday, February 15th in the City Hall complex meeting room, Saturday, February 16th and Sunday, February 17th at the Welcome Center on JFK Boulevard.

The administration’s proposed 2013 budget, along with the Mayor’s State of the City Address, will be presented to Council on Tuesday, January 22nd at 10:00 a.m.  A budget workshop will be held on Thursday, January 24th at 9:00 a.m. at City Hall.

In closing, please keep in mind that Council is always open to taxpayer comments and suggestions, and encourage you to contact us or attend City council meetings and workshops.

Best regards from the Members of City Council


PROJECT UPDATES:

Lagoon Dredging – The contractor, Wickberg Marine Contracting, of Belford, NJ, has completed dredging Rio Grande Lagoon, Rio Delle Isole, Rio Del Amore, and Rio Delle Luna.  The contractor expects to move to Rio Delle Stelle next week.
The lagoons being dredged are as follows:
Rio Grande (south side of 47th Place)
Rio Delle Stelle (between 46th and 47th Place)
Rio Delle Luna (between 45th and 46th Place)  
Rio Del Amore (between 44th Street and 45th Place)
Rio Delle Isole (along Venicean Road)
Rio Del Barche (between 43rd Place and 44th Street)
Rio Del Affare (between 42nd and 43rd Place)
Rio Delle Ponte (along Park Road on either side of 43rd Place)
The project provides for the ability of private property owners adjacent to the project area to enter into an agreement with the dredging contractor to dredge their private slips (at the private owner’s expense).  In conjunction with the City project, properties at the above locations do have the required permits to perform private slip dredging. The Contractor has mobilized the excavator barge to Rio del Luna, were the dredge currently is, and will begin homeowners slips there.
As part of this project, consistent with the commitment to afford the opportunity to private property owners to have their slips dredged (at their own expense), the City continues to work with the Army Corps of Engineers and the NJ Department of Environmental Protection to obtain permits for previously identified areas of need, including the western side of Venicean Road (along the Intracoastal waterway) and along Sounds Avenue (in the area of 38th Street).  Permits for these areas are expected to be obtained in the near future, in order to allow time for these property owners to come to agreement with the dredging contractor to have their slips dredged prior to completion of the overall project.

Sewer and Road Reconstruction on Central Avenue (49th to 69th Street) - The project has been contracted to the firm of Lewandowski Construction Industries, Inc., of Waterford, NJ.  The project resumed on Wednesday, January 2, 2013 and they are currently working on 51st to 53rd Street on Central Avenue.   The sewer portion of the project is expected to be completed this winter; after which the entire roadway will be resurfaced (we expect to perform base paving in the spring with final surface course paving in the fall, following the 2013 summer season).  The project will provide for an upgraded sewer system and new road surface for the entire one mile stretch of roadway.  This section of sewer has been problematic for years, with continuous maintenance issues; and this project will not only provide for appropriate sewage infrastructure, it will assist in decreasing the amount of ground water sent to the county sewage treatment plant, thus saving in unnecessary costs associated with the treatment of “infiltration” water.

Utility Reconstruction on Landis Avenue (54th to 69th Street) – The project has been contracted to F.W. Shawl & Sons of Marmora, NJ, and will provide for water and sewer line replacement in advance of the County project to resurface Landis Avenue from 54th to 69th Street. The contractor has completed the utility main replacements on Landis Avenue including laterals and is currently black topping all ditches.  The County is scheduled to resurface Landis Avenue from 54th to 63rd Street in the spring of 2013.  63rd to 69th Street is now planned to be resurfaced following the summer of 2013.

Inflow and Infiltration (I & I) Remediation – NO CHANGE FROM PREVIOUS UPDATE - The firm of Video Pipe Services, Inc. of Newfield, NJ, has substantially completed the project, and is in the process of working with the City Engineer to close-out the project.  The need for this project was identified over the past several years through a comprehensive investigation and analysis of the City’s sewer system.  Sewer systems are prone to both inflow (overland water entering the sewer system through manhole covers and other surface openings in the system); and infiltration (entry of groundwater into pipelines through cracks, deteriorated pipe, and pipe joints).  The effects of I & I are symptoms of deterioration of the sewer system that must be corrected to avoid more problematic maintenance issues and potential failure of the sewer system.  I & I is also costly, in that the City must pay for the unnecessary treatment of water that enters the sanitary sewer system.  This is the first phase of a multi-year citywide sewer maintenance and improvement project that will ensure the continued viability of the City’s vital sewer infrastructure.  The next phase of I & I work will involve replacement of sewer lines that cannot be substantially corrected through internal, “no-dig” repairs, as were performed in this phase.  As those projects are engineered and prepared for bidding and construction, we will provide updates on the specific details of the projects.

Utility Reconstruction, Various Streets - The project includes replacement of deteriorated underground utilities (water and sewer) in several streets, as part of the City’s comprehensive road and utility program.  The project is being performed by Garden State General Construction, Inc., of Rio Grande, NJ.  Following utility work, the streets will receive new surface paving.  The following streets are included in this project:
1.    42nd Street, Landis Avenue to Promenade
2.    48th Street, Landis Avenue to Promenade 
3.    50th Street, Landis Avenue to Promenade                     
4.    51st Street, Landis Avenue to Promenade                       
5.    60th Street, Landis Avenue to Central Avenue   
6.    43rd Place      
7.    79th Street, Landis Avenue to Central Avenue   
8.    60th Street, Landis Avenue to Beach End     
With work substantially completed on 42nd, 48th, 50th and 51st Street the contractor will be concentrating work on 60th Street.

JFK Boulevard Reconstruction, from Bridge to Landis Avenue –The County received bids for the project on December 12, 2012.  The apparent low bidder was Asphalt Paving Systems, Inc., of Hammonton, NJ in the amount of $3,773,000.00.  A preconstruction meeting for the project took place on January 9th, at which time details for the project were reviewed, along with the proposed construction schedule.

The following are some of the important details regarding the project:
1.    Construction is expected to start on January 14, 2013. The project will begin with the closing of the north side of JFK Boulevard with two way traffic being diverted to the south side of JFK Boulevard from the foot of bridge to Landis Avenue.
2.    The project will be coordinated with the City to ensure minimal disruption during Polar Bear Plunge.
3.    The majority of the work will be completed prior to the 2013 Memorial Day weekend, and there will be two lanes along each side of the boulevard open for Memorial Day weekend and no access restrictions for that weekend. 
4.    The project is scheduled for substantial completion by mid-June, 2013.
5.    Final completion of the project, including all punch list items, is scheduled for fall 2013; with no work to take place during the summer season.
6.    The project construction is being completely funded by the federal government.

Water Well & Well House Construction at 50th Street –  The contract is being performed by B&H Contracting, Inc., of Folsom, NJ, in the amount of $1,363,000.  The contractor has finished drilling the “pilot hole” for the well, to the depth of 876 feet.  They have completed some of the casings for the well.    Drilling crews were working in two 8-hour shifts, from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. to fast track the drilling process.  This may continue, dependent on the ability of the contractor to adhere to the schedule.  Ultimately, the project will provide for the capability to deliver approximately one million gallons of water each day to City residents, and will help to ensure the viability of our critical water infrastructure now and into the future.  A portion of the work will require around the clock operations (during well drilling, which will extend to a depth of over 800 feet).  The surrounding residents have been notified regarding these operations, and the City will take measures to minimize any inconveniences.  The project is expected to be completed prior to the summer 2013 season.  This week the contractor was “cleaning out and reaming” the bored hole.  Next week they will be receiving delivery of the 18” casing, and installation and grouting of that casing will commence (700+-feet).


Mill/Pave Overlay of Various Streets - The project has been awarded to the firm of South State, Inc., of Bridgeton, NJ, in the amount of $317,185.66.   Weather permitting, the entire project will be completed in January.  Concrete work on this project is substantially complete.  Milling operations have begun on the northern end of the project.  Expect one full day of milling and then paving will begin, then both operations will continue until complete. Work is ongoing

The following streets are included in the project:
30th St. (Landis to Bay End)
34th St. (Landis to Central)
38th St. (Landis to Central)
39th St. (Landis to Central)
40th St. (Central to Cini)
40th St. (Cini to Kneass)
Cini St. (39th to 40th)
47th St. (Central to Park)
Roberts Ave. (77th to 79th)
86th St. Landis to Pleasure
Roberts Ave. 56th Street to 54th



UPCOMING EVENTS:

--The next regular City Council Meeting will take place on Tuesday, January 22, at 10:00 a.m. inside Council Chambers.
--A City Council Budget Workshop will take place Thursday, January 24, at 9:00 a.m. inside Council Chambers.
--2013 Polar Bear Plunge Weekend is Friday-Sunday, February 15-17. Don’t’ miss the Polar Bear King-Queen-Prince-Princess Competitions on Friday night, the Costume Contest, Vendor's Tent and Plunge into the Atlantic Ocean on Saturday, and the Polar Bear 5K Run/1.5 Mile Walk for Autism on Sunday.
--Sea Isle’s 2013 Saint Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on Saturday, March 16, at 3:30 p.m. along Landis Avenue between 93rd and 63rd Street (263-4461, ext.1230 or www.kixmcnutleyd.com).

HOW YOU CAN PARTICIPATE IN POLAR BEAR EVENTS:
--To enter the Polar Bear Prince & Princess Contest at 6:00 p.m. on February 15, phone 263-9090 or visit www.seaislechamber.com.
--To enter the Polar Bear King & Queen Contest at 7:00 p.m. on February 15, phone 263-3611 or visit www.lacosta-seaisle.com.
--To learn about the annnual Costume Contest at 12 noon on February 16, phone 263-3611 or visit www.lacosta-seaisle.com.
--To learn about the Plunge into the Altantic Ocean at 2:00 p.m. on February 16, phone 263-3611 or visit www.lacosta-seaisle.com.
--To enter the 5K Run/1.5 Mile Walk for Autism at 12:30 p.m. on February 17, phone 609-778-8418 or visit www.polarbearwalkforautism.com.


DID YOU KNOW?

--Registration for Spring Baseball, Softball and Tee-ball is now underway for children, ages 5-12. You can register your child on weekdays, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (excluding holidays) at the Recreation Services Building, 6108 Central Avenue.  Downloadable registration forms and Sea Isle’s Code of Ethics can be found online, www.seaislecitynj.us.  Fee: $25 per player. Registration ends February 22 (263-0050).
--Personalized Bricks for the Sea Isle City Historical Museum’s Memorial Garden are available for $200 each. Bricks are a great way to remember someone you love (609-624-7929).
--Sea Isle City offers online view and payment options for municipal property tax bills and water/sewer utility bills (visit www.seaislecitynj.us and click on the "Tax & Utility Payment Center" icon at the bottom of the homepage). You can mail-in a payment as always, or pay online through your checking account, credit card or debit card. Please Note: Online viewing is free; however a convenience charge will be applied if you pay your bills online.
--The City of Sea Isle City will gladly arrange a Welcome Home Ceremony for any member of the United States military as they return to town. To arrange a “Hero’s Welcome” for your favorite Sailor, Marine, Soldier, Airman, National Guard or Coast Guard service member, phone Mayor Desiderio’s Office (263-4461, ext. 245) or Commander Chick Haines at VFW Post 1963 (263-1711). You can also find a “Welcome Home Ceremony” application online at www.seaislecitynj.us (via the “Quick Links” and “Downloadable Forms” tabs).
--You can properly dispose of American flags by placing them in the flag collection bin in front of VFW Post 1963 on JFK Boulevard. Please be certain to properly care for all America flags no matter what size!




RECENT PHOTOS:

Sea Isle City was once again sparking with colorful lights and glittering decorations during the 2012 holiday season – thanks in part to the participants of the City’s annual Holiday House Lighting Contest, which was hosted by the Recreation Office and judged by members of the Sea Isle City Garden Club.1st Place: The Laidlaw Home, 7804 Central Avenue (South), recipients of a gift certificate from 1st Bank of Sea Isle City…


2nd Place: 
The Kehner Home, 107 33rd Street (East), recipient of a gift certificate from 1st Bank of Sea Isle City…


3rd Place: The Thibault Home, 8101 Pleasure Avenue, recipient of a floral arrangement from Rocky and Fred’s Creative Design Florist...


House Lighting Contest Honorable Mention: The Horay Home, 4801 Central Avenue (North); The Olivieri/Donato Home, 209 48th Street (West); The Boyer Home, 5301 Central Avenue; and The Waldron Home, 122 E. 79th Street. All contestants were judged on creativity, aesthetic effect and endeavor – and each home looked beautiful!


Sea Isle's New Year’s Eve in Egypt celebration on December 31 was a huge success.  Approximately 400 guests were in attendance, who enjoyed a buffet dinner, music and dancing, balloon artists, face painters and a "countdown to midnight" at 7:00 p.m...



On January 3, Sea Isle’s Mayor Leonard Desiderio was sworn-in for another term as Freeholder of Cape May County before a full-house of spectators (photos courtesy of the Cape May County Communications Office)...