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PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the City of Cape May has filed a request with  the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (“NJDEP”) proposing to dispose of 0.14 +/- acres of parkland, which is located along St. John Street, at or near the intersection of St. John Street and Lafayette Street, and identified as Block 1061, Lots 44 and 47 of the Official Tax Maps of the City of Cape May (the “Existing Parkland”) in connection with the proposed relocation of the City’s police station and development of a new police station facility on site.  The Existing Parkland is located within a designated Overburdened Community and in accordance with Executive Order 23, the Department will be taking Environmental Justice issues into consideration when evaluating the proposed disposal application to the extent not inconsistent with law.  As compensation for the proposed disposal, the City proposes to dedicate as parkland approximately 6.607 +/- acres of City-owned land, commonly known as the Sewell Tract, and identified as Block 1163, Lot 7; Block 1164, Lot 6; Block 1165, Lots 1 and 6; and, Block 1167, Lot 2; Block 1168, Lot 2 on the Official Tax Maps of the City of Cape May, as well as various vacated right-of-way areas, and commonly referred to as the Sewell Tract (“Replacement Land”).  The proposed disposal of the Existing Parkland will allow for the potential development of a new police station facility, while creating a larger park area with the Replacement Land.

Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 7:36-26.11(e), a hearing to obtain public comment on this request will be held at the City of Cape May City Hall Auditorium, 643 Washington Street, Cape May, New Jersey 08204 on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.

This application is subject to NJDEP Commissioner and State House Commission approval, and is available for review with the (i) City of Cape May Clerk, Erin C. Burke, located at 643 Washington Street, Cape May, New Jersey 08204; (ii) the City of Cape May Library, located at 730 Franklin Street, Cape May, New Jersey 08204; and (iii) NJDEP’s Office of Transactions and Public Land Administration, Public Land Compliance Section, 401 East State Street, 7^th Floor, Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0420.  

All interested parties are invited to attend and participate in the hearing. Written comments on the proposed disposal request may be directed to the City of Cape May Clerk, Erin C. Burke, at 643 Washington Street, Cape May, New Jersey 08204. You may also call Ms. Burke at 609-884-9532 with any questions regarding the hearing.  In addition to oral arguments presented during the public hearing, written comments may be submitted to:  Jessica Patterson, Cape May County Compliance Officer, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Transactions and Public Land Administration, Public Land Compliance Section, Mail Code 401-07, 401 East State Street, P.O. Box 420, Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0420 or via email Jessica.Patterson@dep.nj.gov.

Public comment on the proposed disposal request will be accepted during the hearing or until two weeks after the hearing date, which will be Tuesday, February 4, 2025.

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Cape May City Deputy City Manager Justin A. Riggs, MPA, SHRM-CP was awarded the “New Professional to Local Government Award” by the New Jersey Municipal Managers Association.

The New Jersey Municipal Management Association (NJMMA) is an organization of professional local government administrators and assistants whose goal is to improve the quality of local government in New Jersey through professional management. 

Justin’s impressive academic background has equipped him with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective municipal governance. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration (MPA) from Rutgers University, certifications in Human Resources Management from Villanova University, FEMA Grants Management, and obtained from the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) their Certified Professional designation (SHRM-CP). He has also completed all the NJ registered municipal clerk classes, further solidifying his qualifications in local government.

In his role, Justin has made significant contributions, including the successful implementation of a new online payroll system and the establishment of the "Quality of Life Work Group," which fosters collaboration among key department heads to address community issues. Additionally, his research and implementation of digital beach tags have not only streamlined processes but also generated increased revenue for the City.

Justin’s service to the community extends beyond his role as Deputy City Manager. His previous positions, including Secretary to the EHT Recreation Commission, Treasurer of the EHT Municipal Utilities Authority, Vice-Chairman of the EHT Zoning Board, and an elected EHT Board of Education member, showcase his dedication to public service at multiple levels. Notably, all these achievements were accomplished before he turned 30 years old. His ability to navigate complex municipal challenges and provide insightful guidance is respected by his peers and fellow City Officials.

Justin also currently serves as the City’s Class II Planning Board Member and Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator. His opinion is highly valued during Planning Board meetings. As Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator, Justin plays a crucial role in coordinating resources and communications during crises, further highlighting his capacity for leadership under pressure.

Sustainable Jersey representatives announced today that Cape May City has once again achieved Sustainable Jersey Silver recertification. Municipalities that earn this certification are considered by their peers, state government, experts, and civic organizations in New Jersey to be among the leading communities in the state. 

Additionally, Cape May City has earned the Sustainability Champion Award for small size population (up to 4,999) municipalities. This award recognizes the municipality that has achieved the highest number of points in this population category. This will be the sixth time that Cape May City has received the Sustainability Champion Award. 

Cape May City was honored at the Sustainable Jersey Awards Luncheon today in Atlantic City.

“I would like to thank our Green Team, City Council, and City staff who are committed to making Cape May City one of the most sustainable communities in New Jersey” said Mayor Zack Mullock. “This award is a testament to a long term commitment to make the Nation’s Oldest Seashore Resort a model for other communities to emulate.”

All facets of the City contributed to this effort.  City Council adopted ordinances to ban invasive species and create Historic Design standards for energy improvements. The Planning Board adopted the Creative Placemaking Plan as part of the City’s Master Plan and the Environmental Commission played a key role by conducting outreach and education on a number of key issues.

A significant achievement that was highlighted in the Sustainable Jersey application is the rehabilitation of the historic Franklin Street School. This school was vacant and in disrepair for years. Today it is a bustling library and community center.

To become Sustainable Jersey certified at the silver-level, Cape May City submitted documentation to show it had completed a balance of the required sustainability actions, meeting a minimum of 350 action points. In addition to reaching 350 points, each community had to create a green team and select at least three out of 12 priority action options. 

“Sustainable Jersey is proud of the New Jersey towns that achieved certification this year,” said Randy Solomon, director of Sustainable Jersey. “The Sustainable Jersey certified towns demonstrate leadership and are a testament to how much we can accomplish toward the long-term goal of a sustainable New Jersey.” Certified towns excelled in areas such as improving energy efficiency, health, and wellness, reducing waste, sustaining local economies, protecting natural resources, and advancing the arts. Collectively, the 460 participating Sustainable Jersey towns are a powerful force in New Jersey.

About Cape May City
Cape May City is located at the southern tip of in New Jersey, where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. One of the country's oldest vacation resort destinations, the City has a year-round population of 3,607, while the summer population expands by as many as 40,000 to 50,000 visitors. The entire city is designated a National Historic Landmark due to its concentration of Victorian buildings. Cape May City has received many accolades including being recognized as one of America's top ten beaches by the Travel Channel and the top ten Best Small Coastal Towns in America by USA Today. 

About Sustainable Jersey
Sustainable Jersey provides tools, training and financial incentives to support communities as they pursue sustainability programs. Sustainable Jersey’s partners include the New Jersey State League of Municipalities, Sustainability Institute at The College of New Jersey, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities Clean Energy Program. Program underwriters include the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, New Jersey Board of Public Utilities Clean Energy Program, and the Surdna Foundation. The 2017 Sustainable Jersey Grants program for municipalities is funded by PSEG Foundation and the Gardinier Environmental Fund. South Jersey Gas, PSEG and New Jersey Natural Gas are Platinum Sponsors. NJM Insurance Group is a Gold Sponsor, Bayshore Recycling is a Silver Sponsor, and our Bronze Sponsors are Covanta, Greener by Design, Tesla, AT&T and Elizabethtown Gas. The Sustainability Summit venue sponsors are Good Energy, Investors Bank and Church & Dwight.

Website:    www.SustainableJersey.com; www.SustainableJerseySchools.com
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