A Warm Summer Welcome To Middle Township!

As summer 2025 unfolds across the beauty of Cape May County, I’m delighted to highlight what makes Middle Township a great vacation destination for all of our visitors. Whether you’re here for relaxation, adventure, culture, or family fun, our township is "In The Middle of It All" and offers something special for everyone.

Bask in the Beauty of Nature & Wildlife

• Cape May County Park & Zoo – This 85-acre, free‑admission zoo showcases over 550 animals across 250 species. It’s part of a sprawling 220‑acre park—perfect for family strolls, picnics, and animal encounters.
• Cape May National Wildlife Refuge (Delaware Bay Unit) – Witness magnificent shorebirds during their spring and fall migrations; a birdwatching paradise nestled in our wetlands.
• Cape May Bird Observatory – Located near Cape May Court House, this site offers guided events and programs for bird enthusiasts.
• Hiking/Bike Trails – Explore winding paths, vibrant gardens, and interconnected trails—like the 8.9‑mile Middle Township Bike Path—for peaceful outdoor moments.

Enjoy Coastal Leisure & Adventure

• Grab your fishing rods and crab traps and head to our recently updated fishing piers in Avalon Manor and Grassy Sound.
• Delaware Bay Beaches – Relax on the serene shores and capture a beautiful Delaware Bay sunset on Reeds Beach, Cook's Beach, Kimble's Beach or Norbury's Landing—ideal for the whole family and NO BEACH TAGS!
• Jet-skiing, sailing, kayaking – Rental options abound! Glide across the bay’s calm waters or enjoy a thrill on the Atlantic. Guided kayak tours offer up-close views of local wildlife.

Community Events & Entertainment

• Savor the Arts Festival – New this year and returning in 2026 - A celebration of local artistry, food, and fun. Held at our Recreation Complex, it’s a great way to experience Middle Township’s creative spirit.
• July 4th Festival & Fireworks (July 4, 2025) – Head to the Goshen Sports Complex for family games, food, and fireworks starting at 5 PM.
• Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil - July 17^th - The Middle Township Garden Club hosts the social event of the Summer at the historic Peninsula in downtown Cape May Court House.

Sip & Savor – Local Wineries & Eateries

• Natali Vineyards & Jessie Creek Winery – Sip local wine, enjoy vineyard tours, and take picnics in scenic surroundings.
• Enjoy a sampling of the finest craft beer and food truck fare at the Township's award-winning craft breweries.
• Dining & Shopping – Cape May Court House and surrounding hamlets offer charming restaurants, shops, and farmers’ markets, including delightful culinary experiences and artisan finds.

Recreation, History & Culture

• Golf & Public Courses – Several excellent courses invite golf lovers for a round amid coastal scenery .
• Cape May County Historical Museum & Middle Township Performing Arts Center – Step back in time to explore the rich, 400 year history of Cape May County or catch a live show at The PAC!
• Historic District & Cold Spring Village – Wander the old streets of Cape May Court House to explore homes dating back to the American Revolution or visit the Historic Cold Spring Village nearby, and soak in over a two centuries of history.

Family Programs & Youth Engagement

• Middle Township Police Youth Camp – Operated by our Police Department, this free program includes team sports, zip-lining, boat rides, and valuable life lessons—encouraging positive connections between youth and law enforcement .
• Recreation Department Activities – Our sports complexes (Goshen Road and Ockie Wisting) host leagues, classes, and open-play sessions in tennis, basketball, pickleball and more throughout the Summer season.

Plan Your Visit

Middle Township covers nearly 75 square miles and is easy to reach with six exits off the Garden State Parkway. With accommodations ranging from full‑service campgrounds and RV parks to nearby motels and bed‑and‑breakfasts, there’s something for every traveler. In summer, traffic and tourism rise—so be sure to plan ahead!

As your Mayor, I invite you to experience the blend of nature, community, and coastal charm that defines us. From wildlife-filled refuges and family-friendly programming to local art, wine, dining and unforgettable summer events, Middle Township is brimming with Summer fun. Pack your sense of wonder and adventure—and in 2025, let’s make memories together here in Middle Township!

Chris Leusner

Mayor, Middle Township

June 2, 2025 – Regular Meeting of Township Committee

1. Recognition of Louis Bay II Future Municipal Leadership Scholarship Competition Participants

2. Introduction of an ordinance amending the Redevelopment Plan for the Rio Grande Redevelopment Area

3. Resolution referring amended Redevelopment Plan for Rio Grande Redevelopment Area to the Middle Township Planning Board

4. Resolution acknowledging the retirement of Tax Assessor Lee Ann Russ

5. Resolutions approving the hiring of Class II Police Officer Oscar Sanchez and Public Works – Carpenter Christopher Muldoon

6. Resolution approving several Mobile Food Vendor Licenses

7. Resolution for the insertion of Special Items of Revenue – 2025 Recycling Tonnage Grant - $43,563 / 2025 Clean Communities Program - $72,663

8. Resolution authorizing request for proposals for vending machine services

9. Resolution creating a Tabulation Committee to review bids for a Home Rehabilitation Project

10. Resolution approving Final Change Order for South Dennis Road Pump Station

11. Resolution approving 2025 Gravel Pit Permits

12. Awarding of contract to GovPilot for government management software

June 16, 2025 – Township Committee Work Session

1. CANCELLED

June 16, 2025 – Regular Meeting of Township Committee

1. Presentation by Mayor and Committee to winners of the Middle Township Drum Fish Tournament

2. Public Hearing and Final Approval of an ordinance to sell Township land. 

3. Resolution acknowledging the retirement of MTPD Captain Ken Martin

4. Resolution authorizing 2025 Accelerated Tax Sale 

5. Resolution approving refund of taxes

6. Approval of several 2025 Mobile Food Vendor 

7. Resolution approving renewal of 2025 Gravel Pit 

8. Resolution approving renewal of 2025 Alcohol Beverage 

9. Approval of 2025-2026 Hotel/Motel Licenses

10. Resolution approving insertion of Special Items of Revenue – 2025 Safe and Secure Communities Grant Program - $45,150 / Cooper Foundation Grant – AED Replacement Program - $7480 / NJDCA Grant –ADA 2025 Improvements to Town Hall Parking Facility - $400,000 / NJDCA – 2025 Housing Rehabilitation Funds - $175,000

11. Approval of Change Order for Goshen Complex Playground Installation – increase of $18,355

12. Resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign the recertification of the Middle Township Emergency Management Operations plan

13. Resolution approving a purchase to facilitate emergency repairs to the Township-owned bulkhead on Acton Drive in Stone Harbor Manor – $133,622.82

June 30, 2025 – Special Meeting of Township Committee

1. Approval of Resolution by Township Committee endorsing the Housing Element        and Fair Share Plan adopted by the Middle Township Planning Board

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/

Welcome New Hire

 Public Works/Carpenter Christopher Muldoon

Farewell & Best Wishes

Retirements

Tax Assessor Lee Ann Russ

MTPD Captain Ken Martin

Middle Township Public Works employee Mark Shaw has been named June 2025 Employee of the Month. Mr. Shaw joined the Public Works team as a laborer in January 2022 and was recently promoted to Equipment Operator.

Mark Shaw was nominated for the Employee of the Month award by his Public Works co-worker, Rebecca Fox. 

“Mark has been a leader for all his co-workers,” Rebecca Fox said, “He has done exemplary work leading our bulk trash pickup team. He is a hard worker that our Public Works Department can always count on to get the job done.” 

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Grassy Sound Fishing Pier Reopens to the Public

Cape May County Commissioners joined Middle Township Mayor Chris Leusner and other local dignitaries for the official ribbon cutting to celebrate the reopening of the Grassy Sound Fishing Pier on Friday, June 13. The ceremony took place at 3 Old North Wildwood Blvd. East (adjacent to Grassy Sound Marina).

The pier has been closed for nearly three years due to structural concerns. In 2023 the Cape May County Commissioners approved the rehabilitation of the pier. The project includes replacement of the existing bulkhead and improvements to lighting, aesthetics and parking.

The original pier structure was built on the remains of the old Grassy Sound Bridge. The Grassy Sound Fishing Pier has been a popular fishing and crabbing destination for generations. The county-owned facility will continue to provide free access for fishing and crabbing.

“We are excited to see the reopening of the Grassy Sound Pier as we head into the Summer season,” Commission Director Len Desiderio said. “The Board of Commissioners has been steadfast in our support of great projects that enhance the public’s access to our waterways and support opportunities for affordable, outdoor recreation for residents and visitors alike.”

The Grassy Sound Fishing Pier is owned by Cape May County and was managed by Middle Township since 2007 through a lease arrangement. Concluding the rehabilitation and construction of the pier, Middle Township will provide routine maintenance and service to the site through a Shared Services Agreement with the county.

The comprehensive project involved the removal of the existing dilapidated fishing pier and included replacement of the existing bulkhead, and construction of a new pier with improved lighting and signage, ADA access and upgrades to the parking area. Colliers Engineering & Design Inc. was appointed to provide professional services for the project. 

Andrew Johnson, a senior at Cape May County Technical High School, is proud of the history and friendly nature of the Goshen community.

Andrew Johnson, a senior at Cape May County Technical High School, is proud of the history and friendly nature of the Goshen community.

Goshen resident Andrew Johnson was recognized by Middle Township Committee as a state semifinalist for the Louis Bay II Future Municipal Leaders Scholarship Competition. The scholarship is sponsored by the New Jersey League of Municipalities. The New Jersey State League of Municipalities is a voluntary association created to help communities do a better job of self-government through pooling information resources and brainpower. The theme for 2025 is “What I like about my hometown”. Andrew’s essay extolled the history and unique rural nature of the Township’s Goshen community.

Township Committee also recognized the efforts of several Middle Township students who participated in the essay contest:

·     Anna Delaney

·     Isabelle Toland

·     Joline Abe

·     David DelConte III

·     Nick Sittineri

·     Kaya Fuentes

·     Gianna Carfagno

“On behalf of Township Committee, I would like to congratulate Andrew on being selected as a semifinalist for the New Jersey League of Municipalities’ Louis Bay 2nd Future Municipal Leaders Scholarship Competition and recognize the efforts of all the students involved,” said Mayor Chris Leusner. “We place a strong emphasis on community spirit here in Middle Township and hope our efforts impact our youth in a positive way. We were thrilled to read Andrew’s essay and feel the obvious pride he carries for the history of Goshen, the friendship of his neighbors and the exceptional quality of life our hometown offers.”

The NJ League of Municipalities is authorized by state statute and since 1915, has been serving local officials throughout the Garden State. All of New Jersey’s 564 municipalities are members of the League. 

For more information, visit www.njlm.org.

Middle Township, NJ — Middle Township welcomed residents and visitors alike to the inaugural Savor the Arts Festival on Saturday, June 28th, 2025 at the Okie Wisting Recreation Complex, 7 Fulling Mills Road in Rio Grande.

Savor the Arts is a community festival celebrating local creativity through music, art, and food. The event will provided a platform for local artists, vendors, and entrepreneurs to showcase their work and build community connections in an inclusive environment.

“It was great to see a large crowd tun out to visit an incredible array of artists, musicians, creators and crafters,” Mayor Chris Leusner said. “Savor the Arts offered all visitors a great opportunity to come together, support local artisans, and enjoy a day full of creativity, music, flavors, and fun.”

Committeeman Jim Norris attended the event with his wife and young son.

“We had a great time and really enjoyed the interactive crafts for the kids. Savor the Arts will become a signature annual event that showcases the depth of creativity in Middle Township,” Norris said.

Funding for the Savor the Arts Festival is made possible through a generous donation from Engineering Design Associates and the support of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/ Department of State, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Cape May County Board of County Commissioners through the Division of Culture & Heritage.

It is with a heavy heart that the Township announces the passing of former Mayor Dan Lockwood at the age of 57. Dan served two terms on Township Committee and was also a long-time member of the Planning Board. Lockwood also served as the Leader of the Middle Township Regular Republican Organization. Dan Lockwood dedicated much of his adult life to making Middle Township a better place to live. 

Dan leaves behind his loving wife, Sylvia, and daughters Megan and Danielle.

“Dan Lockwood’s political courage led to historic changes in Middle Township and inspired me and many others to step up in service of our hometown,” Former Mayor Tim Donohue said. “Dan never stopped working to make Middle Township a better place to live. He was a great public servant and an even better friend. I will sorely miss his intelligence, integrity, wit and wisdom… and his brutal honesty. He was a genuinely good man.”

Lockwood graduated from Lower Cape May Regional High School before attending Rowan University, where he earned a B.A. in Accounting. He moved to Middle Township in the early 2000s and took up residence in downtown Cape May Court House.

He was elected to Middle Township Committee in 2009. Lockwood became Mayor in 2012 when fellow Republican Donohue joined Township Committee, giving the GOP a majority on the governing body. Lockwood was the first Republican mayor in Middle Township in 74 years, holding that post through 2013. 

Dan Lockwood worked for the last several years as the Director of Facilities and Services for the County of Cape May. 

County Commissioner and Middle Township resident Melanie Collette called Dan Lockwood her mentor. 

“Dan was a great friend and my big brother in politics,” Collette said. “My heart breaks for Sylvia and his girls. Dan’s passing is a huge loss for our community, for Middle Township and for his family and friends.”

Township Mayor Chris Leusner remembered the good work Mayor Lockwood achieved while Leusner was MTPD Police Chief.

“Dan Lockwood’s passing is a tremendous loss for Middle Township,” Leusner said. “I had the privilege of working for Dan during my time as chief of police, and I greatly valued his leadership, guidance and friendship. Dan was deeply committed to our community and made a lasting, positive impact through his years of service. On behalf of the township, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his wife Sylvia and the entire Lockwood family. He will be greatly missed.”

Township Administrator Kimberly Osmundsen remembers a special relation that went beyond work to mutual respect and a long-lasting friendship. 

“I first met Dan after his historic 2009 election to the Middle Township Committee—an achievement that shifted the political landscape of a traditionally Democratic town,” Osmundsen said. “Over the years, what began as a professional connection gradually grew into a brother-sister relationship founded on mutual respect and a shared commitment to our community. During Dan’s time on Township Committee, I learned the true meaning of hard work and dedication. I will always miss his infectious laugh, his quick wit, and the stubborn stranger who, over time, became a dear friend. His presence will be deeply missed.”

A Memorial Service for former Mayor Lockwood is planned for July 22nd. 

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