Times Talk
Stone Harbor’s Utility and Road Program improvements continue on 91st Street with an estimated completion date in early May.
STONE HARBOR CAPITAL PROJECTS UPDATE
The Borough of Stone Harbor reported on the status of a number of utility and road capital projects throughout town.
Third Avenue road construction concluded the week of March 15, which marks the final component of the year-long sanitary sewer pump station installation. The project incorporated the installation of the new pump station adjacent to the Borough parking lot on 94th Street, which pumps fluids through pipes connecting to the Third Avenue intersection. The full project brings a modernized sewer pump station, as opposed to the nearly 100-year-old, noncompliant station on 93rd Street. The project concluded on time and substantially under budget.
Moving forward, the Borough is also nearing completion with the 2019 Utility and Road Program, as it finalizes paving on 91st and 118th streets by mid-April. The 2020 Utility and Road Program is also scheduled for final paving on 106th and 108th streets by early May. The Borough’s Utility and Road Program includes an annual review, allowing for improvements on infrastructure throughout town involving the replacement of sewer and water lines, and the reconstruction of the roadway including curbing, gutters, handicap ramps and new paving.
“As a governing body, the Borough recognizes the importance of updating its aging sewer system, some of which dates back to the 1930s, to handle the increased wastewater flow,” said councilman Reese Moore. “The Borough is also proactively investing in projects, including water conservation, so we can continue to provide safe and healthy water in the future.”
The Borough also recently opened bids for a spring Water Tank Improvement Project that will include structural repairs on the exterior of the tank, repainting the interior and spot exterior painting. Once the bid is awarded, the project is estimated to be completed by the start of the summer season.
On schedule for the fall, and subject to approval of the 2021 budget, is the replacement of the 114th Street sanitary sewer pump station. The Borough will also replace all the water meters throughout town, allowing for automated readings of customer bills in a real-time setting. The equipment replacement, which allows for the Borough to digitally access the readings, will not only allow for customers to access their bills online at any time, but also provide a significant cost savings because the Public Works Department will not need to physically access each meter throughout town.
“The Borough of Stone Harbor takes a very proactive approach to improving infrastructure centered around efficiency, proper planning and best value to the taxpayer,” said Borough Engineer Marc DeBlasio. “We are proud to be a partner with the Borough in bringing these projects to fruition.”
For an update on current projects, and for more Borough news, go to stoneharbornj.org.
AVALON, STONE HARBOR TO SHARE COURT
Avalon and Stone Harbor entered into a shared services agreement at the start of the year that will result in a shared court system. Under the agreement, the boroughs each will save an estimated $150,000 annually, while additionally improving efficiency of court operations for both towns.
“This is a move that certainly makes sense from a financial and logistical point of view,” said Stone Harbor Mayor Judith Davies-Dunhour. “When exploring shared services, a municipality not only wants to save money but also wants to ensure the service being provided does not suffer in a manner that adversely affects the taxpayer. In this case, the taxpayer is served and the service being provided remains efficient and effective.”
The agreement includes moving the court to Avalon’s Borough Hall as well as utilizing a single court administrator, deputy court administrator, municipal prosecutor, and public defender. Before this agreement, Avalon and Stone Harbor shared a court administrator, Deborah Scott, who retired on
Dec. 31, 2020. Moving forward, Stone Harbor Municipal Court Judge James Birchmeier will preside over Stone Harbor cases through the end of his appointment in August 2021. After that, Avalon Municipal Court Judge Andrew Cafiero will preside over both towns’ court cases. In addition, there will be one court schedule that will be utilized by both municipalities with cases being heard on the same day.
“As sister communities, we are always working to save taxpayer money while improving the level of services that we provide,” said Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliuhi. “Avalon welcomes the opportunity to manage court operations for both municipalities.”
Visit avalonboro.net and shnj.org for court information.
Mott MacDonald’s Douglas Gaffney (left) and Thomas Thornton, who also is Avalon’s municipal engineer, pose by the completed 8th Street Jetty reconstruction project.
THORNTON HONORED
Avalon municipal engineer Thomas Thornton’s management of the 8th Street Jetty reconstruction project did not go unnoticed by his peers. The Mott MacDonald engineer received an Honor Place award from the New Jersey Society of Municipal Engineers in a virtual ceremony Nov. 10.
The jetty experienced heavy damage from Winter Storm Jonas in 2016. The reconstruction was completed last August. The project replaced the top layer of the jetty and elevated it in some locations. It reinforced the jetty’s damaged foundation and will help to slow sand erosion in the north area of the borough.
It was the fourth such award for Thornton, who said he was proud of the work on the jetty and honored to receive the recognition. But he pointed out that he did not do it alone.
“It was really a team effort, from the support of Mayor Pagliughi and Administrator Scott Wahl, to the design and project management by Mott MacDonald’s coastal engineers Bob Mainberger and Doug Gaffney, to the on-site inspection services of Tim Clarke,” Thornton said. “I was fortunate to be part of the team.”
Mott MacDonald, the firm managing the reconstruction, received 75 percent of the funds for the project from a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant.
Thornton has been involved in numerous Avalon municipal projects and currently chairs the Avalon Floodplain Management Committee. He has received previous recognition from the state society for his work on Avalon’s Veterans Park, Surfside Park, and dredging in the back bay.
Councilman Reese Moore, Mayor Judith Davies-Dunhour and Councilwoman Robin Casper were sworn in for full terms at the 2021 Stone Harbor Council Reorganization.
SH BOROUGH COUNCIL REORGANIZATION
When the Borough of Stone Harbor held its annual reorganization meeting on Jan. 5, the mayor and council members were appointed to full terms based on the results of the general election held Nov. 3.
Judith Davies-Dunhour was sworn in for her second term as mayor. Davies-Dunhour steps into the term with more than 12 years on the governing body for Stone Harbor and a 25-year career as a borough police officer.
Reese Moore was sworn in for a full term with council after filling the seat left vacant by Karen Lane. Before serving on council, Moore served on the board for the Stone Harbor Property Owners Association. He plans to continue his work on the council’s utilities committee and water conservation efforts.
Newcomer Robin Casper was sworn in for a full term, and detailed her longtime association and love for Stone Harbor. She noted her passion for the environment and plans to continue service with the Go Green Committee.
Says Davies-Dunhour: “I am honored to be given the opportunity to serve as the mayor of Stone Harbor. I look forward to working with Robin Casper and continuing to work with Reese Moore as we move Stone Harbor into the future.”
Nominations and voting were also held for 2021 positions on Borough Council, appointing Raymond Parzych as president and Charles Krafczek as the council representative to the planning board. Additionally, Robert Smith was reappointed as the borough administrator.
For full meeting schedules, agendas and minutes, go to stoneharbornj.org.
AHLOA’s rehabilitated bike, named “Swaner” by Avalon Elementary students, is on display at the Avalon Free Public Library and will be auctioned off in August.
AHLOA PLANS VIRTUAL EVENTS
The Avalon Home and Land Owners Association is working to stay connected with its members, as board members work through COVID-19 regulations. In lieu of its annual in-person Community Connections meeting in April, AHLOA has announced a Connection Month.
On April 10 at 10:30am, AHLOA will host its monthly board of trustees meeting, which will be open virtually to the public. Attendees can sign on and listen to board introductions and committee reports touching on important updates for the Borough of Avalon regulations and happenings.
April 13 will feature a Listen and Learn session with Joe Rizzuto, executive director of the Cape May County Utilities Authority. The utilities authority was created in 1972 by the Cape May County Board of Chosen Freeholders to design, construct and operate wastewater treatment facilities and to be the implementing agency for the county’s Solid Waste Management Plan. Rizzuto will give a 30-minute presentation covering the services the MUA provides to Avalon, and will then open it to a Q&A session, fielding questions from the virtual audience.
Members of AHLOA can sign on to two scheduled Virtual Open House events set for April 20 and 29 at 7pm. The two sessions will include introductions of board members and give current AHLOA members the chance to get to know what AHLOA is working on, and the benefits of membership. Each Virtual Open House will include a Q&A session.
Finally, AHLOA will again launch its annual bike auction. The Avalon Public Works Department along with Eddie’s Auto Body and Tuckahoe Bike Shop helped to refurbish an abandoned bike every year for display in the lobby of the Avalon Free Public Library. The 2021 bike, named “Swaner” by the students of Avalon Elementary School (due to its resemblance to a swan), will be auctioned at AHLOA’s annual meeting, tentatively scheduled for Aug. 14. Proceeds from the bike auction are used for bike-safety initiatives hosted by AHLOA.
“AHLOA continues to work hard to be Avalon’s Community Connection even during these challenging times,” said president Lynn Cruser. “April will be a big communication month for us with a variety of great programs planned, we hope that our members will join us for one or more. Stay well, and stay connected.”
For a full schedule of upcoming events and membership information for the Avalon Home and Land Owners Association, go to ahloa.com.
The 2-year project on the Ingram’s Thorofare Bridge is set for completion at the end of May.
INGRAM’S THOROFARE BRIDGE UPDATE
The two-year, $8 million deck replacement project on the Ingram’s Thorofare Bridge is nearing completion. The project, which involves superstructure repairs and deck resurfacing, started in September 2019 and is expected to be completed by Memorial Day weekend.
Despite the pandemic, construction moved forward last year and the deck replacement for the eastbound lane was completed. One lane remained open to traffic, as also was the case when work began on the westbound lane last September.
As of late February, the contractor had completed full depth repairs to selected spans, and the remaining deck surface had been hydro-demolished to prepare for the resurfacing of the remaining part of the lane. Concrete deck pours were set for the last week in February, and the second and final series of deck pours were to begin the first week of March.
Through March and April, the work will include the replacement and painting of beam bearings, the painting of structural steel members, repair of existing spalls, and the removal of the bridge shielding. The bridge shielding is an under-bridge scaffolding system that was installed to protect the workers and prevent debris from falling off the bridge. Work above the bridge deck will include guiderail installation and wingwall construction.
The temporary concrete barrier that separates the active lane and the work zone should be removed on April 30, with two-lane traffic resuming shortly thereafter.
Work scheduled through May includes grinding the new bridge deck to create a smooth finish, and then grooving the deck to add enhanced skid resistance and drainage. Approach roadways on either side will be milled, resurfaced and restriped.
Said Cape May County Engineer Robert Church: “The Ingram’s Thorofare Bridge rehabilitation project is the first phase of a multiphase, countywide bridge rehabilitation and replacement initiative, as outlined in the County’s long-term bridge plan, which was adopted by the Cape May County Board of Commissioners in 2020.”
Limited-edition prints of Doris Zogas’s painting of Avalon’s 9/11 Memorial are available.
AVALON FIRE DEPT. SELLING PRINTS OF 9/11 MEMORIAL PAINTING
Approaching the 20th anniversary of 9/11, the Avalon Volunteer Fire Department has relaunched the sale of limited-edition prints of Avalon’s 9/11 Memorial watercolor painting by Doris Zogas. Zogas, a renowned painter who died in 2016, was commissioned by the fire department to paint the 9/11 Memorial, and provided 120 limited-edition, signed and numbered prints for the department to sell as a fundraiser.
“While the borough honored victims of the 9/11 tragedy with a memorial at 21st Street, members of the fire department sought to honor those first-responder firefighters, police and EMTs who gave their lives, through the creation of the original watercolor painting and associated limited-edition prints,” said corresponding secretary Carman Scarpa. “Funds raised through the sale of the prints are used for training, purchase of equipment, or for good of the department.”
Fifty-three of these prints remain, and are offered for sale at $100, unframed. Prints can be purchased through the Avalon Volunteer Fire Department by calling 609-967-4411.
Zogas started painting seriously while vacationing in Stone Harbor in 1978. After retiring as a teacher, she devoted her time to developing a series of limited-edition prints of Avalon and Stone Harbor landmarks. Zogas was a signature member of the Pennsylvania Watercolor Society and a member of the Berks Art Alliance. Her works were represented in juried, individual and invitational shows in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Many are fond of Zogas’s work, capturing the ever-changing architecture and facets of the island as time moved on. Her work can be viewed at Ocean Galleries in Avalon and Stone Harbor.
HOW TO GET YOUR BEACH TAGS
Avalon and Stone Harbor announced the sale of beach tags for the 2021 season. Beach tags are required for everyone 12 years of age and older who uses the beach from May 28 through Sept. 6. The tags will be reciprocal and can be used in both towns throughout the summer season.
Cost: Both Avalon and Stone Harbor seasonal tags will be on sale at the preseason rate of $25 through May 31. Starting June 1, the rate of $30 begins. Weekly tags are $13 and daily tags are $6.
Where to Purchase: Avalon began selling tags March 1 at the Tax Collector’s Office, and on weekends starting April 3
they will be available at the beach tag booth from 10am-4pm. Starting May 1, Avalon’s beach tag booth will be open daily. The Avalon Welcome Center will also be selling beach tags during open hours.
Stone Harbor tags go on sale April 1 at Borough Hall. Due to COVID-19, the borough requests that you call for operating hours at 609-368-5102. Tags also can be purchased at the Stone Harbor beach tag booth starting weekends in May from 10am-4pm and full-time starting May 22.
How to Purchase: Aside from purchasing tags in person, Avalon also allows for mail-in payments by sending in a check and self-addressed, stamped envelope to Borough Hall. A receipt will be returned and can be used to exchange for tags at Borough Hall or with any on-duty beach tagger during the season.
Stone Harbor offers a beach tag order form at stoneharbornj.org, and mail-in information will also be available in the 2021 Stone Harbor Information Guide that is mailed to all homeowners. The form allows for you to complete and return the form, and tags will then be available for pickup when visitors are in town throughout the season. New for 2021, Avalon and Stone Harbor have partnered with Jersey Cape Tags to sell seasonal tags online at jerseycapetags.com.
Avalon and Stone Harbor also allow for the purchase of tags via the mobile app, Viply. The app will give a proof of purchase that can then be scanned by on-duty beach taggers and exchanged for seasonal tags at any time throughout the season.
Veterans: Both Avalon and Stone Harbor offer free tags to veterans and active members of the U.S. armed forces, and their immediate family members. Tags can be picked up at the beach tag booth in each town. In order to receive the free tags, veterans will need to provide a copy of a DD-214 or documentation including a county veterans card, an active/retired/reserved military identification card, an American Legion card, a VFW card, a Vietnam Veterans of America card, a Disabled Veterans of America card, or a Marine Corps League card.
Hold it tight! Be sure to hold on to those precious tags! No replacement tags are offered at any time, so don’t lose them!
For updates on beach information, including a listing of guarded beaches, rules and regulations, visit avalonboro.net and stoneharbornj.org.
Dennis Roberts
ROBERTS NAMED TO STURY SAVINGS BANK BOARD
Sturdy Savings Bank announced the appointment of Dennis Roberts to its Board of Directors. Roberts is a longtime resident of Cape May Court House and the managing partner of The Bellevue Tavern. As a board member, Roberts will work alongside other members with strategic direction, oversight of business strategies and policies, and ensuring the safety and soundness of the bank for its depositors.
Roberts has a long history of volunteerism within Cape May County. He has served as president of the Middle Township Board of Education for the past seven years, and has been a board member since 1999. He is an active member of the Middle Township Chamber of Commerce, serves on the state School Ethics Commission, and volunteered as a youth coach for Middle Township basketball and hockey, and Avalon lacrosse.
In announcing his appointment, the bank noted that Roberts’ unique blend of hands-on business talents, fair-mindedness and ability to develop sound
relationships are all qualities which align with the core values of Sturdy Savings Bank.
Said Roberts, “I am excited and honored to be part of such a great local community bank.”
Sturdy Savings Bank serves 14 total branches throughout Cape May County and in Somers Point. The bank has a longstanding community commitment program and often donates to local organizations and schools.
Stone Harbor’s popular Farmers Market is set for every Sunday from May 31 through Sept. 12.
STONE HARBOR ANNOUNCES 2021 EVENTS
The Borough of Stone Harbor has announced the dates for its popular Farmers Market, the return of past events, and some new events.
The Stone Harbor Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a Spring Sidewalk Sale April 30 through May 2 with participating retail stores offering sale items, summer clothing, accessories, home décor and more. Details for this event will be posted at stoneharborbeach.com.
For Memorial Day weekend, the Beach Opening Ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, May 29, with the Memorial Day parade and ceremony set for Monday, May 31.
The Turtle Trot 5K hosted by the Stone Harbor Chamber of Commerce is tentatively set for Sunday, May 30, with more details to be confirmed in late spring.
The Stone Harbor Farmers Market will also return on Sundays, scheduled from 8am to 12:30pm through Sept. 12, featuring fresh produce, flowers, local honey, seafood and more.
The Recreation Department has announced the return of Adult Corn Hole Nights starting July 7 on Wednesdays from 6-8pm. Adults can head to the 80th Street recreation field and enjoy corn hole competitions every week through the summer.
The Borough of Stone Harbor has also announced two new events for July: the Stone Harbor BeachFit Expo on July 10,
featuring fitness classes, lectures and vendors at the 80th Street field; and a Food Truck Festival on July 24 at the 83rd Street Marina.
“We are excited to add two brand-new events to our schedule this summer,” said Tourism Director Jenny Olson. “The Stone Harbor BeachFit Expo will take our dedication to health and wellness a step further by offering our fitness-oriented residents and visitors a full day of workouts, mediations, and education. The Food Truck Festival will coincide with the popular Festival of Lights Boat Parade. We are pleased to provide a safe place for visitors, who may not have access to the bay, to enjoy the parade along with some great food options.”
Other events including Tuesdays at the Tower Concert Series, and the Savor September Food & Wine Festival are in the planning stages and will be announced later in the spring. More details and a full calendar of scheduled events can be found by going to stoneharbornj.org or stoneharborchamber.com.
