The nor’easter we just experienced was one of the most severe storm events in our region over the past decade, as we suffered through several tide cycles with moderate to major flooding over the course of multiple days. I want to thank everyone who heeded our calls to stay off the roads and avoid driving through flooded areas. I also want to thank our city staff who responded during this storm, and who have already made great progress in cleaning up our city. Our trash collection crews have been working daily to collect any debris our property owners place curbside, and we’ll continue with the clean-up until it’s complete. I ask everyone to be patient as we work to get our city back in shape.

All things considered, our city fared well. Today, I toured the beaches with Congressman Jeff Van Drew, NJ Senator Michael Testa, and other federal and state officials, to assess the effects of the nor’easter. While we suffered erosion, our entire dune system remains intact. We did have some erosion at the base of the dunes in a few areas at the south end between around 75th and 90th Street, but it was not severe. Overall, the beach did its job protecting our island and our properties from the storm surge during this entire event. I want to thank the congressman for all his efforts in securing beach replenishment for Sea Isle City and New Jersey, and for personally reviewing conditions here in Sea Isle City; and thanks to Senator Testa for his commitment to South Jersey. Attached is a link to a “Minute with the Mayor” video of today’s tour (https://www.youtube.com/shorts/C_nDiEmL7ZA).

Nor’easters, high tides, and coastal storms are all part of life on a barrier island, but we have all taken the necessary steps to be prepared for these occurrences. From raising our homes and incorporating flood protection measures into them, to improved drainage systems, pump stations, and beach replenishment, we’ve worked together as a community to ensure we’re ready when faced with these situations.

Starting next week, the city street sweeper will be cleaning all streets throughout the town. From October 6 through at least November 5, we’ll be sweeping the streets according to the following schedule:

Tuesdays - 2nd through 44th Street

Wednesdays - 45th through 70th Street

Thursdays – 71st through 94th Street

Please move your car from the street if possible during these dates.

Several construction projects are underway now, as we work to accomplish completion this fall. Our contractor is performing curb and sidewalk construction in advance of repaving Central Avenue from JFK to 56th Street, so please be aware of detours in this area. Another contractor is doing survey and layout work in advance of construction for repaving of Pleasure Avenue from 79th to 85th Street, which should be starting next week. On the promenade, we are working to complete the structural improvements and the handicapped accessible ramps, with the contractor currently located between 29th and 32nd Street. We also have a utility project going on at 53rd Street, where we’re installing water services.

On October 15, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the Community Center, our Police Department will hold a Coffee with Cops event, where they and First Bank of Sea Isle City will host an informational session on how to protect yourself and your savings from scammers. The event will provide tips on recognizing fraud and scammers, protecting your personal information, and keeping your money safe. There will be coffee and donuts, and an opportunity to chat with our police officers and representatives of First Bank.

This week’s shout out goes to Veronica “Ronnie” Town, AC Electric’s longtime government and community relations manager, who has been Cape May County’s primary point of contact for the electric company for decades. Ronnie’s last day with AC Electric was yesterday, after a long and distinguished career of 42 years. Ronnie was the consummate professional, and we wish her all the best in her retirement.

Smile…You’re in Sea Isle!

Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio