COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS BUILD A BETTER HOMETOWN

On October 7th, the Township Committee approved an extension of the lease for the Martin Luther King Center with the Concerned Citizens of Whitesboro (CCWI). While this action may seem like a routine decision, it symbolizes the Township’s broader commitment to fostering long-term relationships with organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life in our community.

For over thirty years, under the leadership of various mayors, the Township has cultivated a multifaceted partnership with CCWI to support programs that benefit the residents of Whitesboro and the community as a whole.

Founded in 1988, CCWI was established to address concerns regarding the healthy development of our youth and to promote economic growth within the community. The founding members included MTPD Chief Raymond Saunders, Pastor Edgar Robinson of Christ Gospel Church, Middle Township Schools Superintendent Dr. Theodore Johnson, teacher Theodore Bryan, and Stedman Graham. The organization was officially incorporated in 1989.

CCWI operates under the dedicated leadership of Executive Director Stedman Graham, President Bernie Blanks, and Program Administrator Cheryl Spaulding.

The organization offers a broad range of positive programs centered around two Township-owned locations: the Martin Luther King Center and the historic Whitesboro School House.

At the MLK Center, CCWI facilitates educational development through the Rainbow Homework Club. This after-school program provides a supportive environment, led by educators and volunteers, to help children focus on their homework and enhance their learning skills.

During the summer months, the MLK Center hosts the Rainbow Summer Camp, which offers an eight-week program aimed at providing affordable, safe, and engaging recreational and educational activities for children.

On Labor Day weekends, the MLK Center also serves as the venue for CCWI’s Annual Whitesboro Reunion Festival. For over three decades, this festival has united current residents with families that have generational roots in Whitesboro, celebrating the community’s unique historical significance. The event recognizes local leadership and fosters a positive vision for the future in a festive atmosphere filled with BBQ, music, vendors, and prominent guest speakers.

As your Mayor, I am proud to commit, alongside Deputy Mayor Ike Gandy and Committeeman Jim Norris, to the Township’s ongoing partnership with CCWI and other civic-minded organizations, all working toward building a better Middle Township and a brighter future for all our residents.

Chris Leusner

Mayor, Middle Township

Deputy Mayor Ike Gandy has been elected to a third, three-year term on Township Committee. Gandy was unopposed in the local race. 

“I’m proud of the good work we have accomplished the past six years,” Gandy said. “I look to the future, confident that this good work will continue. I’m committed to moving forward, as a united team with Mayor Chris Leusner and Committeeman Jim Norris, to do the hard work required to meet the challenges we face in 2025 and beyond.”

Deputy Mayor Gandy has oversight of several departments, including Zoning, Construction, Public Works, Sewer and Buildings and Grounds. Under his leadership, the Township has made significant progress in upgrading and modernizing its sewer infrastructure, streamlining the zoning and construction permitting processes, updating the Public Works fleet and completing important upgrades to Township facilities.

Ike Gandy is a lifelong Middle Township resident and resides in Swainton with his wife, Maren and son, Ty. Ike is a proud union member of the Eastern Atlantic Regional Council of Carpenters and serves as a Supervising Foreman on major construction projects throughout South Jersey. Gandy has served on the Township Planning Board for six years.

October 7, 2024 – Regular Meeting of the Township Committee  

1. Recognized Ron Lessor as Township Employee of the Month.  

2. Advanced an amendment to the Township’s Business Registration language and process.  

3. Approved the sale of Township land through private auction.  

4. Advanced a bond ordinance to appropriate $200,000 toward the purchase of private property.  

5. Awarded a contract to VoIP Networks for telecommunications equipment and services.  

6. Designated October 31st as Trick or Treat/Halloween in Middle Township.  

7. Renewed the lease agreement with the Concerned Citizens of Whitesboro for use of the Martin Luther King Center in Whitesboro.  

8. Approved a special item of revenue, accepting a grant of $11,424.80 from the Bulletproof Vests Partnership.  

9. Passed a resolution in support of a reduction in the speed limit on Route 147 near the entry to North Wildwood.  

10. Approved a Letter of Intent to pursue a Redevelopment Agreement with Ryan Homes for the Indian Trail Redevelopment Area.  

11. Authorized an application to the Cape May County Division of Culture and Heritage Re-Granting Program.  

October 21, 2024 – Township Committee Work Session – Canceled  

October 21, 2024 – Regular Meeting of the Township Committee

1. Approved the release of minutes from previous Closed Sessions.  

2. Appointed Nancy Sittineri as ADA Coordinator.  

3. Approved the award of contracts for various engineering services.  

4. Authorized an application to the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs for approximately $200,000 for the Township’s Housing Rehabilitation Program.  

5. Advanced a request to the New Jersey Department of Transportation to conduct a speed survey on Route 9 between the Cape May County Zoo/Crest Haven Road and Avalon Blvd.  

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/

The Senior Citizens Advisory Council was established in 2000 and has worked tirelessly for a quarter-century to provide positive socialization, age-appropriate healthy activities, and opportunities for learning and growth for seniors in Middle Township.

Under the leadership of Chairwoman Minnie Callender, the Council has become the most active advocate for our older residents. Minnie now serves as Vice-Chair and continues to share her grace and positive energy throughout the community.

The Council is composed of nine members over the age of fifty, serving staggered terms. One member of the Township Committee is appointed as the liaison to the governing body, and the Council advises the Township Committee. Meetings are held quarterly at the Devico Senior Center, located at 23 Romney Place in Cape May Court House.

The Senior Citizens Advisory Council partners with Center Director Marilyn Miller to offer a weekly calendar filled with activities.

If you’re a Middle Township Senior, come and join the fun and bring a friend!

2024 Members – Senior Citizens Advisory Council

• Committeeman James Norris (Senior Affairs Director)
• Susan DeLanzo (Chair)
• Minnie Callender (Vice-Chair)
• Marilyn Miller (Secretary)
• Ron Jost (ADA Liaison)
• Geri Alexis
• Gersie Benjamin
• Leola Francis
• Chris Gawel
• Eduardo Iocca
• Barbara Meyer

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Events Calendar

Community gatherings to engage our community

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