MIDDLE LOOKS TO COUNTY OPEN SPACE PARTNERSHIP ON GOSHEN COMPLEX PROJECT

On November 9th, 1989, the voters of Cape May County approved, by a 2 -1 margin, a ballot question endorsing the establishment of a trust fund to preserve open space and agricultural land. The trust is funded by a county property tax of 1 cent per 100 dollars of assessed valuation and currently generates several million dollars a year for its ongoing mission.

The Open Space Program emphasizes the importance of providing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. Developed lands often include parks, trails, and natural areas that encourage outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and fishing. This aligns with broader public health initiatives emphasizing the benefits of outdoor activity and connection to nature.

By creating accessible trails and parks, the program also enhances community well-being, promoting physical health, mental wellness, and a stronger sense of community. The maintenance of these recreational spaces is key, ensuring they remain safe and enjoyable for all.

Over the past twenty years, Middle Township has worked hard to secure our share of Open Space funding for important projects within our community. Cape May County has been a generous and supportive partner on several projects:

Middle Township Bike Path

Ockie Wisting Recreation Complex

Railroad Ave. Park

Norbury’s Landing 

Avalon Manor Fishing Pier

Currently, the Township is partnering with the Open Space Board to refurbish the Grassy Sound Fishing Pier. The project is expected to be completed for the summer season of 2025. The project will include replacement of the pier’s support structure and improvements to lighting, aesthetics, and parking. Middle Township will provide routine maintenance and service at the pier. The Grassy Sounds Fishing Pier will provide free access for fishing and crabbing. 

Under the leadership of County Commissioner Bobby Barr, the County has updated the requirements for Open Space grant funding, expanding the opportunities for recreation facilities improvements to now be included in consideration for funding. The Board will focus on partnering with local municipalities to provide funding for local open space, farmland preservation, and recreation initiatives with a strong emphasis on active recreation. 

In Middle Township, when we talk about “active recreation”, the center of activity is our Clarence Davies Goshen Sports Complex. 

As we look to 2025, and a new round of funding availability, Middle Township is well-positioned to advance an application for much needed infrastructure and athletic field upgrades to the Goshen Complex. The project envisions a redesign of the sports fields with full irrigation and new sod and seed, upgraded dugouts and seating, a refurbished snack stand and improvements to traffic flow and parking. 

In anticipation of this application, the Township has worked diligently to set aside substantial matching funds as we look to build on our successful partnership with the County Open Space Board. Our team at the Township has worked hard over the past year to develop a thoughtful and professional prepared application. 

We look forward to continuing our mutual beneficial partnership with the County Open Space Board to expand recreational opportunities for our residents and visitors alike. 

CAPE MAY COUNTY OPEN SPACE BOARD

Commissioner Bobby Barr

Peter Lomax – Chairman

David Craig – Vice Chair

Leslie Gimeno – Planning Director

Patrick Rosenello

Dr. Ira Niedweske

Cornelius Byrne

Chris Leusner

Mayor, Middle Township

February 3, 2025 – Regular Meeting of Township Committee

1. Swearing in of Police Officer Adam Thompson.

2. Final approval of contract for maintenance of tax maps and GIS data.

3. Final approval of revision to development applications fees.

4. Final approval of amendment to Chapter 158 – Trash and Recycling Collection.

5. Introduction of ordinance to sell Township land by private auction.

6. Resolution acknowledging pending retirement of Animal Control Officer Bill Candell and Police Officer Phil Johnson.

7. Resolution approving hire of six Class II Police Officers.

8. Resolution approving change in status to Permanent Police Officer – Sarah Frazier.

9. Ratification of lease agreement with Marine Corp League for use of Middle Township Senior Center.

10. Ratification of agreement with Collier Engineering and Design for Reeds Beach FEMA Scope Application.

11. Executive Session – Contract negotiations

February 19, 2025 – Township Committee Work Session - CANCELLED

February 19, 2025 – Regular Meeting of Township Committee

1. Swearing in of Police Officer Kyle Matthews.

2. Final approval of amendment to Chapter 114A – Crushing Operations.

3. Resolution authorizing participation on the New Jersey Gypsy Moth Spraying Program.

4. Approval of Change Order – Church Road restoration project.

5. Appointment of Legal Counsel for Area In Need of Redevelopment Review – Maley-Givens Attorneys

6. Resolution appointing Vince Orlando/Engineering Design Associates – Planning Board Engineer

7. Approve extension of deadline for business registration to April 30, 2025.

8. Resolution opposing 17-20% increase in Atlantic City Electric monthly utility bills.

9. Award of contract for private snow removal to H4 Enterprises.

10. Request For Proposals – Animal Control Services

11. Resolution authorizing application to the Cape May County Open Space Program for funding improvements to the Clarence Davis Goshen Sports Complex.

February 26, 2025 – Special Meeting of Township Committee Meeting

1. Resolution to terminate all participation under the SHBP/SHEBP Health Benefits plans. Effective Date – 60 days follow receipt of notification by the State Health Benefits Commission.

Middle Township residents are encouraged to attend Township Committee meetings to share their thoughts, questions and concerns with Township Committee. 

Visit the Township website for information on meeting dates and times: https://middletownship.com/

Middle Township Committeeman Jim Norris called on the Township and neighboring Cape May County municipalities to take official action to oppose to a pending 17-20% increase in electricity rates by Atlantic City Electric. The rate increase is scheduled to effect in June.

A Resolution proposed by Norris will be voted on at the February 19th meeting of Township Committee.

“As the Committeeman in a community with a large population on fixed incomes, any rate change will negatively affect our residents,” Norris said. “It is shameful to even consider a 17-20% increase on top of consistently skyrocketing monthly bills.”

Norris noted that the residents of Middle Township are already struggling with rising costs of living, including increased prices for gas, groceries, and other necessities, making an additional financial burden unsustainable. For months, residents have endured inflated and unjustifiable electricity prices, with Atlantic City Electric attributing these increases to summer heat—claims that have been contradicted by data showing reduced energy consumption. Delivery fees charged by Atlantic City Electric are disproportionately high, often equaling or exceeding the cost of electricity usage itself, further exacerbating the financial strain on ratepayers.

“To have a realistic chance of challenging these increases, communities most come together to speak with one voice on this issue,” Norris said. “In my position as the Vice President of the Cape May County League of Municipalities, I am calling on all our local governments to adopt a resolution condemning these punishing rate hikes and requesting an independent audit of Atlantic City Electric’s justification for these never-ending increases.”

Once approved by Committee, a copy of the Resolution will be forwarded to State Senator Michael Testa and Assemblymen Erik Simonsen and Antwan McClellan.

“I’m confident our Legislative District One team will join their own efforts to oppose this rate hike with our local initiative,” Norris said. “We urge the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) to reject this proposed rate increase and prioritize the needs of residents over corporate profits.”

Police Officers

Kyle Matthews

Sarah Frazier

Adam Thompson

Class II Police Officers

Avierre Crawley

Emanuel Jimenez

Anthony Krieg

Municipal Court

Natalya Schultz

Anthony Piscopo

Link to the State of the Township Presentation

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