News

Cape May City Receives State House Commission Approval for Land 

Diversion Proposal to Build New Police Department Facilities

CAPE MAY, NJ – The State House Commission unanimously granted approval for Cape May City’s land diversion proposal, allowing for a much-needed new Police Station. The approval allows the city to exchange 6.607 acres of land for 0.137 acres in Green Acres in order to provide a new facility for the Cape May Police Department and to forever preserve environmentally sensitive land adjacent to the Sewell Tract.

“This is a major victory for the environment and for the long-term safety of our community,” stated Mayor Zack Mullock. “Our officers & our community deserve a safe and functional space to carry out their duties. We will finally be able to build facilities that we can all be proud of.”

The existing police headquarters is split between offices in City Hall, and a substation in West Cape May. It is outdated, no longer meets the demands of the department’s growing responsibilities, nor DOC standards.

“We are excited to take this next step in ensuring that Cape May continues to thrive as a safe, sustainable, and vibrant community,” said Dekon Fashaw, Chief of Police. “The new Police Department facilities will enable us to serve our residents better, with improved tools and enhanced resources. The proximity to our elementary school, public park, and Lafayette Street will significantly improve our ability to respond to emergencies swiftly and effectively.” 

The site, at the corner of St. John’s & Lafayette Street, is strategically positioned to ensure optimal response times for emergencies throughout Cape May. This location places the Police Department in close proximity to key areas of the city, including Cape May Elementary School and the public park, as well as on the town’s main thoroughfare. At this location, police can quickly respond to any incidents or emergencies that may arise, enhancing public safety for children, parents, and visitors alike.

The city’s plan for the new police facility includes state-of-the-art amenities that will improve efficiency, expand emergency response capabilities, and foster stronger community engagement.

“We are grateful for the DEP and the State House Commission’s approval and look forward to moving ahead with the next phases of this important project,” said Zack Mullock. “This new police station will not only enhance our public safety infrastructure but will also serve as a cornerstone for our community’s future.”

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The initial construction for the Lower Cape May Meadows-Cape May Point ecosystem restoration project was completed in 2007 and has been nourished/repaired in subsequent years. The project is a joint effort of the Army Corps’ Philadelphia District, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Borough of Cape May Point, City of Cape May, Lower Township, the Nature Conservancy, and Cape May Point State Park. Work is designed to reduce damages from coastal storm events and to protect the valuable fish and wildlife habitat that exists on the beach and in the wetlands behind the dune.

Landberg Construction will begin work on the Cape May City Hall Parking Lot the week of March 10, 2025, with the project expected to last approximately 3 weeks, weather permitting. During this period, access to the City Hall Parking Lot will be restricted during normal business hours, with limited access available during off-business hours. City Hall will remain open during regular business hours. Should you need assistance while construction is ongoing, please contact the Clerk's Office at 609-884-9534. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 March 6, 2025

Contact:            Paul Dietrich, City Manager

Cape May City Manager’s Office

(609) 884-9536           

Cape May City Congratulates February 2025

Employee of the Month Jessica Gittle

CAPE MAY, NJ – In an effort to recognize the hard-working personnel of the City of Cape May, Manager Paul Dietrich continues a city-wide recognition program to honor “employees of the month”. The objective is to recognize employees who show exemplary individual achievement, contribution, and performance in their jobs. These individuals consistently exhibit a positive and supportive attitude and make contributions beyond the usual expectations of their employment.

Peers can nominate each other, building a stronger comradery amongst the workforces. Management, Department Heads, and Supervisors are not eligible to be nominated, allowing recognition to solely focus on the hard-working City employees that make the City a success daily.

Under the authorization of the City Manager, the Employee of the Month Committee consists of voluntary Supervisors from each Department who will review nominations and select the winner for each month.

City Manager Paul Dietrich recognized Jessica Gittle as the City’s February 2025 Employee of the Month during the March 4^th Council Meeting.

Jessica began working for Cape May’s Civic Affairs and Recreation Department since 1994. She was originally hired part-time to work Roller Skating. Since then, she has operated most of City’s children’s programs including Camp Cape May, Wee Play, and Pelican Place. After many years dedicated to the City, she was hired full-time in 2021, taking on additional events such as weddings, parades, concerts, craft shows, and more! You can often see her friendly face at the desk in Convention Hall, welcoming guests and assisting in any way she can. Her coworkers nominated her because she is a hard worker who goes above and beyond to help. 

“Jessica has been a tremendous asset to the Department for many years”, says Director Kacie Rattigan of the longtime employee. “Even after experiencing difficult personal matters in recent years, Jessica has persevered and continues to become a stronger individual and inspiration.”

The City of Cape May not only brought her a career she loves, but also a husband. She met her husband Mark working Roller Skating in 1994. The couple is so beloved that they were surprised by their coworkers with a vow renewal where they first met at Convention Hall for their 25^th wedding anniversary. She has been a lifelong resident of Cape May County, where she still lives with her husband and fur family.

Jessica always says how lucky she is to have a job she loves, but we are the lucky ones to have her working for the City!

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Click HERE to view resolution 67-01-2025.