A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a proposed ordinance aimed at mitigating the environmental and health impacts of plastic dust and contaminants generated at construction sites. The ordinance was introduced by a liaison, who emphasized the need for construction sites to adopt measures like using vacuum devices and tarps to manage dust and prevent soil contamination. The proposal comes in response to the increasing presence of microplastics in modern construction materials, which poses a challenge for cleanup efforts and public health.

Participants raised concerns about the enforcement of this ordinance, questioning the existing mechanisms under the jurisdiction of the city manager and the police department. It was noted that the primary goal of such ordinances is to ensure compliance rather than punishment, focusing on maintaining environmental integrity. To facilitate this, it was suggested that the planning board could play a role in disseminating information to contractors and require acknowledgment of compliance with the ordinance upon issuing building permits. The conversation also highlighted the need for more proactive inspections during the construction process to enhance enforcement.

The commission also discussed the development of nature trails at the Lafayette Street Park. Progress has been made, with 90% of the pilings completed, and plans for a loop trail accessible from a local school are underway. The trails are designed to be between five and six feet wide, providing ample space for walking and running. The project includes a paved parking lot to accommodate park visitors.

In addition to the plastic dust ordinance, the commission explored a water audit initiative to assess local water usage patterns. The audit, which involves tracking daily water consumption, aims to inform future water conservation efforts and potentially redesign the community’s desalination plant. The commission plans to send collected data to Columbia researchers by February 15.

The discussion around the water audit raised logistical considerations, such as the method of collecting survey data and incentivizing participation. While mailing survey forms was considered inconvenient, the idea of offering gift certificates for the Nature Center’s native plant sale as an incentive received favorable feedback. There was also a proposal for a follow-up audit in the summer to capture more typical water usage patterns, given that winter figures may not accurately reflect the community’s consumption.

Practicalities of participation were addressed, with suggestions to engage residents through social media outreach and personal community connections. The overall goal is to ensure the audit is manageable and provides meaningful data, considering the limitations of the winter season. The initiative is seen as a valuable tool for understanding water usage in Cape May, with a collaborative effort deemed essential for its success.

The meeting also highlighted a proposal to collaborate with the Garden Club on a grant application for the water tower garden. The grant would support the inclusion of native and pollinator-friendly plants, aligning with broader environmental goals.