With Memorial Day weekend now behind us, we’re looking forward to a summer season filled with fun, sun, and making memories. We are ready to fully enjoy our beautiful beaches, our oceanfront promenade, and everything else that our great city has to offer. While we had to endure some rainy weather this past weekend, it certainly didn’t dampen our community spirit. There was still a lot going on in town, and I was once again very pleased and deeply moved by the wonderful turnout at our annual Memorial Day ceremony, which was held inside our Community Center due to weather conditions. It is always heartwarming to see so many families and neighbors come together to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.
Looking ahead, next weekend, June 5th and 6th, is Restaurant Weekend. This is the perfect opportunity to kick off the summer by supporting our fantastic local business owners. I hope you will all be able to get out and enjoy some of the fine and diverse culinary offerings at our local restaurants. Whether you are looking for a casual bite or a fine dining experience, Sea Isle City’s chefs are ready to serve you.
Also taking place next weekend is Peyton’s Promise 5k Run/2k Walk. This is a truly wonderful annual event where all proceeds directly benefit the Peyton’s Promise Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) Research Fund at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). I encourage everyone to lace up their running shoes or enjoy a morning walk for this incredibly worthy cause. Our community has always been incredibly generous, and this event is another testament to how we support one another and vital medical research.
I am also absolutely thrilled and proud to share some fantastic news: Sea Isle City was officially named the 3rd best beach in the State of New Jersey by USA Today in their 2026 Reader’s Choice Awards! We have always known that our coastline is spectacular, but it is truly special when visitors and residents alike vote to recognize what a wonderful community and pristine environment we have.
Speaking of our award-winning beach, as we have previously informed everyone, we are getting ready to receive critical beach replenishment, with sand pumping now expected to start around June 5th. The contractor has already mobilized heavy equipment onto the beach at 57th Street and is continuing with the mobilization of the submerged pipeline and beach pipeline this week. This project, which is being managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, will bring nearly half a million cubic yards of fresh sand to be placed between 29th and 55th Streets.
The sand will be pumped from a dredge located at a designated site over two miles away in the ocean. The pipeline from the dredge will come ashore around 44th Street. Sand pumping will initially proceed south from 44th Street to 55th Street, and once that section is completed, the crew will reverse direction and pump north from 44th Street to 29th Street.
As the project moves along, please be assured that no more than 1,000 feet of the beach will be closed at any single time, meaning the vast majority of our shoreline will remain completely open for your enjoyment. The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of June. However, please understand that work of this nature is highly dependent on sea conditions and the weather, which can impact the daily schedule. We will keep everyone updated on the status of the project through our regular e-alerts, bi-weekly e-newsletters, on our official municipal website, and through our social media channels.
I want to also mention something that I brought up at our Memorial Day ceremony and at our last council meeting – we’re looking for a great show of community spirit and patriotism as we approach the nation’s 250th anniversary, and I’m asking every property owner to proudly fly the American flag. Let’s show everyone that Sea Isle City is America’s city!
Thank you all for making Sea Isle City such a premier destination and a wonderful place to live. I look forward to seeing you all around town on the Promenade, in our restaurants, and on our beautiful beaches.
Smile…You’re in Sea Isle!
Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio
During the May 26 City Council meeting, Ordinance 1739 was introduced with first reading. This is a bond ordinance that funds most of the capital projects that were included in the capital plan adopted by city council this past December. The total bond ordinance amount is $6,935,000. It includes equipment and vehicles for Public Works and Public Safety; road and drainage improvements; funding for the city’s share of the beach replenishment project; construction of bulkheads and ramps; construction at the marina boat dock; and various building and facility improvements. Second reading and public hearing for this ordinance will be held at the June 9 council meeting.
After Ordinance 1739 was Introduced, Ordinance 1738 was adopted following its second reading and public hearing. Ordinance 1738 accepted a donation of land – 2 lots located in the wetlands, west of 36th Street and Cini Avenue.
Each of the resolutions on the May 26 consent agenda were approved, including…
• Resolution 065, which amended the adopted budget to accept grant funds from Cape May County in the amount of $12,500 for two drone shows as part of the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
• Resolution 066, which authorized the city to execute a revocable encroachment agreement with a property located at 59th and Sounds Avenue.
• Resolution 069, which authorized award of a 2-year contract for a coffee and iced coffee concession on the beach for 2026 and 2027. The successful vendor is Beach Brew USA, which will pay the city $21,000 for 2026 and $20,000 for 2027 for the rights to sell their product on the beach.
• Resolution 072, which authorized a contract for vending machines in the Community Center. The city receives 20 percent of the revenue from these machines.
• Resolution 074, which authorized an amendment to the 2026 capital budget (primarily to adjust the plan to include the city’s share of funding for the beach replenishment project, which had been previously included in the 2027 capital budget).
During the “Citizen Comment” portion of the May 26 meeting, several citizens stepped to the microphone to express concerns about the conditions at the Oar House Pub on 42nd Place over the past weekend. Specifically, the concerns were regarding the noise emanating from the establishment and the patrons of the establishment drinking upon the city sidewalks and streets. There were also concerns expressed about the Oar House’s extension of premises license to the adjacent property. There was also discussion among council members regarding utilizing the city’s special counsel for ABC licensing matters relative to this situation. The city solicitor will follow up on this.
The city council will review this situation with the administration and follow up to ensure that the matter is addressed appropriately.
Our next City Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, June 9, at 10:00 AM on the third floor of City Hall – and we hope to see you there!
Best regards from the members of City Council,
Council President Mary Tighe
Ian Ciseck
Frank Edwardi
Michael Jargowski
William Kehner
