City Engineer Vince Orlando presented a plans for the construction of Lafayette Street Park, which is set to receive $500,000 in funding from the Department of Environmental Protection. The first phase of the park’s construction will incorporate amenities including a dog park. The council approved a motion authorizing the City Engineer to prepare plans and specifications and apply for further funding from the county open space board.

The city’s fiscal health and community welfare were central to the discussions, with the city manager reporting on Cape May’s summer program, Camp Cape May, which saw 134 youth in attendance. A move to digital beach tags was discussed, aiming to provide a blend of convenience and tradition, with an increase noted in daily beach tag sales revenue compared to the previous year. Addressing parking challenges, particularly due to the library transition, the council considered a pay parking system to optimize parking availability.

Significant infrastructure projects were a focus, involving road improvements, water and sewer line replacements, and a streetscape refurbishment for Franklin Street. Funding allocation and potential future projects, including a nature trails project and ADA improvements at the tennis club, were outlined.

The council discussed a proposed rental property inspection program aimed at safeguarding young children’s health, coordinating inspections with fire inspections to ease the burden on property owners. The state-mandated cost of inspections was established at $20 per unit.

Public safety was a recurring theme, with concerns raised about non-Beach Patrol vehicles on the beach. A beachgoer reported an incident involving a vehicle from a local business, prompting discussions on the review of vehicle types and activities allowed on the beaches. The implementation of the Park Mobile system in private parking lots was also discussed to alleviate parking issues.

The police department was commended for a collaborative effort with the Atlantic Care Advanced Life Support unit. An incident involving a high-speed vehicle on the beach led to discussions about safety protocols and enforcement. Efforts to enhance security through a camera project were also mentioned, focusing on key public spaces.