Times Talk
AVALON INTRODUCES 2025 BUDGET
The Borough of Avalon introduced its 2025 municipal budget at the March 12 Borough Council Meeting. It is a $36.48 million plan that continues to eliminate all long-term obligation debt while maintaining a healthy surplus and the Borough’s exemplary AAA bond rating from Standard and Poor’s. “There were some difficult decisions made for this year’s budget due to rising costs for materials and labor,” said Mayor John McCorristin. “This budget funds necessary capital improvement projects, invests in resiliency and public safety, and provides an opportunity for Avalon to maintain a very high level of services expected in our community.”
Avalon’s 2025 budget holds the municipal tax rate at 20.5 cents per $100 assessed valuation. This is the second consecutive year that the tax rate will not increase in Avalon. The Borough has maintained or reduced the municipal tax rate in each of the prior nine years, with the exception of 2023, when the United States experienced rampant inflation. Avalon’s tax rate continues to be one of the lowest among developed communities in the state of New Jersey.
Among the capital improvements financed by this budget are sand back-passing to stabilize the beaches at the north end, a living shoreline pilot program at Bay Park Marina, a major water main replacement along 42nd Street, and the repainting and rehabilitation of the 13th Street water tower. A budget presentation and potential adoption is scheduled for the April 9 council meeting.
11th Street beach
BRIDGE REPAIRS, SAND BACK-PASSING PLANNED FOR SUMMER
The county’s maintenance plans for the Gravens Thorofare and Leonards Thorofare Bridges on Avalon Boulevard will necessitate Avalon postponing its sand back-passing project, aimed at replenishing the eroded north-end beaches, until June. This bridge project hinders the movement of heavy equipment required for the beach project from crossing the bridges until the scheduled repairs are completed.
The Borough has awarded a $648,000 contract to Fred M. Schiavone Construction for the back-passing project, which will take place between 32nd Street and 40th Street, and extend back to between 9th Street and 15th Street, where there is minimal beach. “While we would prefer to wrap up this project before Memorial Day weekend,” said Avalon Mayor John McCorristin, “we are mindful of the public safety needs of the county to carry out the necessary repairs on the bridges before the summer season.” McCorristin has ordered that work be scheduled on weekdays from 10pm to 8am to alleviate public safety concerns. No work is anticipated on this project during weekends, and no trucks will operate on the beach after 8am.
Weather permitting, Avalon expects to complete the beach project ahead of the peak summer season.
Patty Corson Robbins at her October induction with her family.
HALL OF FAME FOR SH’S PATTY CORSON ROBBINS
She was recognized as a trailblazer who made a significant impact on University of Maryland athletics. On Oct. 18, the university honored Patty Corson Robbins by inducting her into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame. The daughter of Marge and the late Roland Corson of Stone Harbor, she became the first women’s swimmer to be inducted. Corson competed for the Terps from 1984 to 1987, when Maryland’s women’s swimming and diving program was still in its infancy. She excelled at the highest levels and went on to set standards for those who followed. A pioneer at the school in College Park, Md., she also made history in Cape May County by becoming the first female lifeguard on the Wildwood Crest Beach Patrol. In her acceptance speech, she expressed heartfelt appreciation to her parents for their support and dedication.
Among her accomplishments at Maryland:
First female swimming All-American in Maryland history
Four-time All-American: 200-meter breaststroke in 1985, 100 backstroke in 1986, 200 backstroke in 1986 (honorable mention), 200 backstroke in 1987 (honorable mention)
School record holder in the 100 backstroke with a time of 56.76, set in 1986
ACC champion in the 200 backstroke in 1986 with a time of 2:03.65
Two-time All-ACC (1986, 1987)
First Olympic trials qualifier from Maryland women’s swimming
Michael J. Donohue, Esq.
DONOHUE ELECTED PRESIDENT OF CAPE MAY CHAMBER EDUCATION FOUNDATION
The new year brings a new president, yet a familiar face, to the Cape May Chamber Education Foundation. Michael J. Donohue, Esq., was elected the organization’s president on Jan. 2. The Chamber Foundation sponsors education programs aimed at strengthening the county’s workforce and readiness. It also promotes leadership development and supports ongoing education through scholarship opportunities.
Donohue brings a wealth of experience to the foundation, having served as a practicing attorney and a superior court judge. He also serves as the chairman of the Cape May County Republican Organization and practices law in Avalon with Blaney, Donohue & Weinberg.
Regarding his new role, Donohue stated: “I look forward to working with other members to provide enhanced scholarship opportunities to the young people of Cape May County.”
Alongside Donohue, the slate of officers includes Marifrances O’Neill, vice president; Tom Piratzky, second vice president; Doug Burke, secretary; Terry Budd, treasurer; and Barbara Stafford Jones, executive director. Diane Wieland and Alisandra Almeyda-Capella have been appointed to the board of trustees.
STONE HARBOR’S ‘JEOPARDY’ CHAMP
Josh Weikert, of Collegeville, Pa., and Stone Harbor, was still a defending champion on ABC’s “Jeopardy” when this issue of the Seven Mile Times went to press. Weikert is a professor of political science at Immaculata University. We’ll report on how well he did in our Memorial Day issue.
8th Street Sports Complex Fitness Trail Concept Plan
AVALON PLANS NEW FITNESS TRAIL
The Borough of Avalon has submitted a grant application to the State of New Jersey for a new fitness trail and sidewalk extension at the 8th Street recreation complex. The application requests the funding necessary to begin installing exercise equipment designed for seniors and others with physical restrictions or mobility issues. Valued at $100,000, the project will add benches along the trail and complete a sidewalk on the west side of the complex. This application is similar to the one submitted by Avalon in 2023, which resulted in the addition of tennis courts at the complex.