Dear Friends,
As we look toward 2021, I have asked our Community Services Department to reach out to people throughout the community to determine what the city can do to help.
Even before COVID-19 upended our lives, our world was changing rapidly.
I want to know what services, recreational opportunities, support systems, programs and facilities we can provide to keep everybody healthy and happy in “America’s Greatest Family Resort.”
I believe it’s vitally important to focus on all aspects of life in this place we all love.
As we look back on 2020, I also want to pay tribute to the people we lost this year and ask you to keep their families in our prayers.
I’m sad to note the passing this week of Dr. Robert Mohr and Ron Grunstra.
Dr. Mohr was a local dentist, Navy veteran, active member of St. Peter’s United Methodist and past president of the Rotary Club. Ron was a beloved educator, Music Pier usher, and well-respected member of our community.
Please join me in extending deepest condolences to the family and many friends of these two gentlemen.
City Council on Monday authorized a contract to design new flood mitigation measures for Merion Park and the area near the Four Seasons condominiums at 35 Street and Bay Avenue.
This is one of the priority areas we identified in our virtual town hall meeting in December. As we enter the new year, I want to reassure you that the city remains committed to completing all of the projects outlined in our plans.
Other projects – such as the bayside corridor between Ninth Street and 18th Street – are already under design and tentatively scheduled for construction in the fall.
At the same time, we’re taking measures to provide immediate relief to neighborhoods scheduled for work at later dates.
A temporary pump was placed at 25th Street and Haven Avenue and has already proven effective in reducing the severity of flooding at that location.
We have accelerated our maintenance program for the citywide storm drainage system, resulting in immediate improvements in several locations where obstructions were removed.
Council also approved going out to bid on the construction of a permanent restroom facility on the boardwalk at 11th Street and on bulkhead improvements at Eighth Street, Walton Place, Tonga Harbor and Clubhouse Lagoon.
I’d like to thank Council for working together with the administration to address all of our infrastructure needs.
The Cape May County wastewater main replacement project on Bay Avenue is entering its final stages. The county’s contractor will finish laying pipe in the next few weeks, and the roadway will be temporarily restored as the refilled trenches settle over the winter.
Final paving will take place in the spring. I know this has been an incredibly long inconvenience, and I want to thank you all for your patience and understanding.
Christmas trees can be placed at the curb for pickup on the regular trash schedule throughout the month of January.
Please remember to make sure they are free of decorations. Because of the holiday, trash and recycling collection on the routes normally scheduled for Friday will be pushed back by one day.
The year 2020 had its challenges and gave us all an opportunity to realize what’s most important in life. In 2021, I hope we can take what we’ve experienced, unplug our electronics, enjoy the little things, and be extra thankful for our families and friends.
Michele and I would like to wish everybody the Happiest New Year. Please remember to mask up, wash hands, avoid large gatherings and look after your neighbors.
Warm regards,
Mayor Jay A. Gillian
