News

CAPE MAY, NJ – A monument to honor U.S. Navy sailors who gave their lives during the Second World War’s “Battle of the Atlantic” is being planned for a prominent location in Cape May, N.J.

Cape May is the chosen location because the destroyer the USS Jacob Jones, the first US warship to be attacked by a German U-Boat following Germany’s declaration of war against the United States, was sunk just miles off Cape May’s shoreline. A total of 131 Jacob Jones officers and crew perished.

               At a meeting on Tuesday (4/15), Cape May City Council expressed support for the project, which is being proposed by a group of local leaders that has been working on a project plan and preliminary design of the monument since last summer.

               “We are very grateful to Mayor Mullock and members of Council for their ongoing support of this project, which will be a striking and poignant tribute to the fallen, honoring the countless brave Americans who made ‘The Ultimate Sacrifice’ during the battle for control of the Atlantic,” said Myles Martel, founding member of the Jacob Jones Memorial Committee. “It is fitting that we dedicate such an important monument here on the shores so close to the location where World War II vividly and frighteningly came to the American coast.”

The proposed location of the planned monument is a site on Beach Avenue near Howard Street.

“We are grateful to this committed and enthusiastic group of local leaders who are pursuing this project, which will dramatically further Cape May’s reputation for heritage and patriotism. We anticipate that the memorial will draw visitors from across the country,” said Cape May Mayor Zachary Mullock.

               Martel said donations to fund the project will be raised through a nationwide campaign currently being established.

The Jacob Jones was the first U.S. destroyer deployed in the “Battle of the Atlantic” to patrol German U-Boats. On Feb. 18, 1942, it was attacked off the Cape May coast just days after it began its mission and less than three months after the declaration of war with Germany. At the time of the Jacob Jones sinking, America’s East Coast was particularly vulnerable as Germany significantly disrupted supply routes between North American and Europe.

               Martel said that the Jacob Jones attack had a major impact on U.S. military strategy. “Headlines across the nation carried the news of the tragic deaths of the crew and resulted in an understanding the of the urgent need for improved coastal defense, military preparedness and resilience,” he said.

               “This monument can help ensure that future generations understand the price of freedom, the risk of our nation being exposed to a foreign adversary and the enduring strength of the American spirit. In reverently telling the story of the brave sailors of the Jacob Jones, we will honor and elevate the national recognition of all those who gave their lives in the ‘Battle of the Atlantic’ to preserve our precious freedom,” said Martel.

               Leading the design of the monument is John Boecker, a Yale University-trained architect who is a Cape May resident and a founding partner of 7group, a firm that focuses on green buildings, regenerative practice, and design that integrates with the local environment.

               Boecker presented a preliminary design concept for the monument at the Council meeting on April 15th. He said the design will continue to evolve based on a variety of factors, including input from community members as well as fabrication and construction parameters.

For more details on the project, visit www.JacobJonesMemorial.org

Credit: Naval History and Heritage Command 

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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 David Scheffler as the City’s March 2025 Employee of the Month during the April 1^st Council Meeting.

David began working for Cape May’s Civic Affairs and Recreation Department in March of 2022. After 2 years as the Recreation Coordinator for the Department, he received a well-deserved promotion to Recreation Director in January 2024. David has spent the last 3 years working hard to manage the existing Recreation programs that are beloved by the public, including Roller Skating, Group Fitness and the Indoor Pool. In addition to the programs, he has taken on the responsibility of organizing and executing cherished community events such as Movies on the Beach and Captain Kidd.

Recreation isn’t the only interest David holds in the City. More of a passion for him is the environment. He has spent the last year as the secretary for the Environmental Commission and just recently took on the role of Clean Communities Coordinator. Expect to hear more from him about the upcoming Beach Clean-Ups this Summer!

The roles he plays for the City are paramount, but most influential has been his commitment to opening the new Community Center this year. David has gone above and beyond, working hard to fulfill every task asked of him. He is creating something so important for the community that will bring entertainment and education for years to come.

The City is blessed to have such a hard-working employee with a passion for the community. Be sure to visit this Employee of the Month at the Community Center this summer!   

PHOTO: City Manager Paul Dietrich, Recreation Director David Scheffler, Director of Civic Affairs, Recreation Tourism and Marketing Kacie Rattigan

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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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Click HERE to view resolution 67-01-2025.