0:00The meeting’s most discussion revolved around the proposed development of a fully accessible playground at Rotary Park, a project driven by the Green Acres application. The initiative, known as a Jake’s Law playground, aims to accommodate individuals with various disabilities. Colleen Krippin, the Lower Township Grants Coordinator and Assistant Treasurer, led the public hearing, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in the planning stages. A survey conducted on the township’s website gathered input from approximately 200 respondents, which will help shape the final design.

Will Hansen, the project manager, provided additional insights into the playground’s design, which includes accessible parking, safe surfacing, and quiet areas. The playground will also feature ADA-accessible seating and sensory play areas. The inclusion of a complete fencing system and plans for six new parking spots were outlined to enhance visitor accessibility.

Council members expressed strong support for the playground, with one member highlighting the necessity of such facilities, noting a longstanding demand for inclusive swings. A retired special education teacher in attendance praised the project, appreciating its design.

In addition to the playground discussion, the Council authorized a public auction for township-owned property on C View Avenue in the Diamond Beach section. The minimum bid for the parcel has been set at $1 million, with the auction scheduled for February 7, 2025, at township hall. The property sale received unanimous approval from the Council, and advertisements for the auction will appear in the Cape May Star and Wave on January 29th and February 5th, 2025.

11:46The meeting also addressed various ordinances, including Ordinance Number 20 2501, which pertains to exceeding municipal budget appropriation limits and establishing a cap bank. This ordinance passed its second reading with no public comments and received unanimous Council approval. Similarly, Ordinance Number 20 2502, which mandates an affordable housing set-aside in the Land Development code, was approved following its second reading. Council members acknowledged the community’s likely appreciation for this initiative.

Further reports included updates on several capital projects, presented by the township engineer. Among them was the Rotary Community Park Renovations, where the township plans to apply for another grant to fund phase two. The Bayside Outfall Extensions project aims to enhance drainage by extending 15 outfalls, with five nearing readiness for public bidding pending Army Corps of Engineers approval.

The 2024 NJDOT Municipal Aid Program focuses on reconstructing Ridgewood Avenue, supported by a $200,000 grant, with a pending additional grant application. The ongoing stormwater GIS mapping service project is updating the Master Drainage Plan to comply with NJDEP requirements. The township is also pursuing a $2.1 million grant for the David Douglas Senior Memorial Park Renovations, which has received endorsement from the Cape May County Open Space Board. An ADA Improvement grant application has been submitted to further support this project.

Plans for a new Public Works Administration Building are progressing, focusing on site safety improvements. Additionally, the Homes Avenue, Gorm Avenue, and Scott Avenue storm sewer and roadway improvement initiative seeks to replace storm sewers and resurface the roadway, in coordination with potential water main replacements.

The municipal pool building evaluation project has secured a $400,000 NJDCA small cities grant for necessary renovations. The Council also plans to reconstruct Beach Avenue, with surveying and base mapping underway. The Town Bank ADA Improvement project, involving the installation of ADA ramps, has been completed successfully. Ongoing work related to MS4 compliance involves updating stormwater master plans to meet permit requirements.

Lastly, the resurfacing of Cardinal Avenue is set to begin soon, with surveying nearing completion. As the meeting concluded, Council members expressed gratitude to township volunteers and public works for their storm cleanup efforts. Mayor Frank Sippel announced that the next meeting would feature the annual state of the township address on February 3rd at 5:00 p.m., and reminded attendees of the upcoming property auction.