National Night Out – Four Decades of Building Community Partnerships

On August 5th, Middle Township once again hosts National Night Out. There will be hot dogs, pizza, cold drinks, mini cupcakes, water ice, face painting, pony rides, bounce houses, and more! But National Night Out is much more than a one-day party.

This long-running, popular event is a long-term investment in building safer, more connected communities. 

National Night Out was founded in 1984 by the National Association of Town Watch, a non-profit crime prevention organization. The first National Night Out involved 2.5 million residents in 400 communities across 23 states, who participated simply by turning on their porch lights and sitting outside. Over time, the event evolved into block parties, cookouts, parades, festivals, safety demonstrations, and visits from local law enforcement and emergency personnel. Today, National Night Out includes millions of participants in all 50 states, U.S. territories, and military bases worldwide.

Over time, the purpose of National Night Out evolved to include all first responders and to promote police-community partnerships by fostering trust and collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the neighborhoods they serve. By highlighting and promoting these partnerships, these annual community get togethers help to build neighborhood camaraderie to make communities safer, more caring places to live.

National Night Out activities are designed to encourage an open dialogue and community engagement with first responders in a non-emergency setting. MTPD and its partner agencies offer information and demonstrations on crime prevention strategies and reinforce the idea that residents play an active role in community safety.

This commitment to community engagement with our police department begins with our kids and a highlight of National Night Out is the graduation ceremony for the annual MTPD Police Youth Camp. Youth engagement by our officers is a year-round focus involving our schools, youth organizations, and families to foster positive relationships with law enforcement and careers in public service.

On behalf of Township Committee and Police Chief Tracey Super, I want to thank our residents and visitors for their ongoing support and participation of National Night Out. This family-friendly event has become one of the Township’s most popular annual events. The evening’s focus on community reminds everyone that public safety is a shared responsibility and that strong relationships between neighbors and our police are key to reducing crime and keeping Middle Township a clean, safe and caring community. 

Chris Leusner

Mayor, Middle Township

July 7, 2025 – Regular Meeting of Township Committee

1. Recognition of June Employee of the Month - Mark Shaw

2. Swearing of Police Officer Braeden Gosner

3. Resolution approving new hires for Recreation Department and Public Works

4. Resolution acknowledging a resignation – Public Works

5. Resolutions approving 2025-2026 Hotel/Motel licenses

6. Resolution approving grant applications to NJDOT for Bayberry Drive project

7. Resolution awarding a bid for Home Rehabilitation Projects

8. Resolution approving 2025 Mobile Food Vendor Licenses

9. Resolution approving insertion of Special Item of Revenue - $7000 – Summer Shore Safety Enforcement

10. Resolution authorizing the execution of a Developers Agreement with BLS Property Holdings and B&L Marine Holdings LLC

11. Resolution ratifying a Shared Services Agreement between Middle Township and Cape May County for the Goshen Sports Complex Improvement Project

12. Resolution authorizing the execution of an agreement between Middle Township and Cape Mining and Recycling, LLC

13. Resolution approving an executive session to discuss pending litigation

July 21, 2025 – Township Committee Work Session

CANCELLED

June 21, 2025 – Regular Meeting of Township Committee

1. Introduction of bond ordinance appropriating $2,388,000 and authorizing the issuance of $2,273,283 to finance the cost of various costs, equipment and improvements

2. Resolution approving the appointment of five Class II Special Law Enforcement Officers 

3. Resolution approving a Promotional Title Change – Elizabeth Simpkins/Tax Assessor

4. Resolution authorizing the Planning Board to investigate the establishment of a Condemnation Redevelopment Area and a Non-Condemnation Redevelopment Area with Middle Township 

5. Resolution increasing the bid threshold to $53,000

6. Resolution adopting an amended Middle Township Purchasing Manual 

7. Resolution approving renewal of 2025 Mobile Food Vendor Licenses 

8. Resolution authorizing Request for Proposals – Vending Machine Services at various locations 

9. Resolution acknowledging the Insertion of a Special Item of Revenue - $2,455,145 from the County of Cape May for the Goshen Sports Complex Improvement Project

10. Resolution approving an executive session to discuss pending 

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/

Farewell & Best Wishes

Bill Candell 

Middle Township’s Animal Control Officer

After 23 years as Middle Township’s Animal Control Officer, Bill Candell was honored by Middle Township Committee at the Township’s August 4th Public Meeting. Candell officially retired on August 1st. Candell joined the Township as a Public Works employee in September 1995 and became the municipality’s Code Enforcement Officer in November 1999. Candell assumed the role of Animal Control Officer in January 2002. 

After 23 years as Middle Township’s Animal Control Officer, Bill Candell was honored by Middle Township Committee at the Township’s August 4th Public Meeting. Candell officially retired on August 1st. Candell joined the Township as a Public Works employee in September 1995 and became the municipality’s Code Enforcement Officer in November 1999. Candell assumed the role of Animal Control Officer in January 2002.  Read More

Middle Township Deputy Municipal Clerk Emily Bartleson has been chosen as the municipality’s July 2025 Employee of Month.  

Emily joined the Middle Team in October 2017. She earned her Municipal Registrar certification in December 2017. In April of 2021, Emily received her certification as a New Jersey Registered Municipal Clerk in April of 2021 and was appointed to the position of Deputy Municipal Clerk in July 2022. 

Emily also serves as an Assistant to Township Administration and as the Alternate Deputy Registrar of Vital Statistics. Beyond her official duties in the Clerk’s Office, Emily also fills the secretary’s role for the Township’s Traffic Committee and Board of Health.

Read More

County Gives Final Approval to Fund Goshen Complex Upgrades

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. 

Lee Ann Russ (then McIlvaine) was an 18-year-old Middle Township High School Senior when she first applied to work for the Township of Middle on February 18, 1986. A few weeks later, she walked into Town Hall as a part-time clerk typist as part of a work study program through MTHS. Her starting salary was $4.00 an hour. On July 31, 2025, Lee Ann will officially retire from her position as Township Tax Assessor after 39 years of dedicated service to the taxpayers and as one of the longest-serving employees in Township history.

“Many Mayors and Committee Members have come and gone in those 39 years,” Mayor Chris Leusner said. “Lee Ann served them all with a caring and professional attitude. Her wealth of knowledge has been an invaluable resource to our staff and residents for nearly four decades. She was so much more than just a Tax Assessor. She supported every worthy cause and special event and set an example for all of our team members to follow through her dedication to the folks she served.”

Lee Ann’s personnel file overflows with thank you notes and commendations, along with the record of her impressive rise to the top of her profession. She earned her Tax Assessor Certification in 1990. Lee Ann was appointed Deputy Tax Assessor in 1997. She has served as Tax Assessor since 2010 and as Coordinator of Computer Services since 2001. Russ has also filled the role of part-time Tax Assessor for Dennis Township for several years. Lee Ann plays a leadership role in both the Cape May County Assessors’ Association and the Association of Municipal Assessors of New Jersey, serving as Treasurer for both organizations.

“I’ve had the pleasure and honor to work side by side with Lee Ann for over 25 years,” Township Business Administrator Kim Osmundsen said. “She is not just a great co-worker, but a great friend. We’ve come to take her experience and wisdom for granted over the years. Speaking for the governing body and our staff, I can tell you she will be truly missed. We send only the best wishes for a long, happy and healthy retirement.”

Lee Ann and her husband Grant are proud residents of Goshen and have been married for 37 years. They have two children, Megan and Christopher and Lee Ann is a new mom-mom to Madelyn.

“It’s hard to believe nearly four decades have passed since I walked through these doors.” Russ said. “I am truly blessed to have worked with so many great people and elected officials over the years. It was such an honor to serve the folks of my hometown in a role I loved. You can’t ask for much more than that from your career.”

Lee Ann’s long-time partner in the Assessor’s Office, Deputy Assessor Liz Simpkins, will be officially appointed as Russ’s successor at the July 21st Township Committee meeting. Her promotion to Tax Assessor will take effect on August 1, 2025.

Middle Honors Hometown Hero Sponsor Families

Middle Township Mayor Chris Leusner and Township Committee recognized the sponsoring families of several Middle Township veterans and active-duty servicemen and women in a ceremony held at the Old County Courthouse on the evening of July 25th.

The honorees participated in the municipality’s Hometown Heroes Banner Project which launched on Memorial Day Weekend 2025. The Project was spearheaded by the Middle Township Garden Club. 

The ceremony included the formal reading of the thirty-one names of the service members whose banners have been posted in a place of honor along Route 9 and Mechanic St. in downtown Cape May Court House.

MIDDLE TOWNSHIP HOMETOWN HEROES AND SPONSOR FAMILIES

Senior Airman Cody Gregory - Woodrow Family

PFC George E. Rhodes "Bud" - Rhodes Family

PFC Edmond Cubbage - Cubbage Family

Lance Corporal Andrew Ciccarone Jr. - The Ciccarone Family

Tec 5 Donald Webersinn - Susan & John Webersinn

Captain Eirik Cohn - Cohn, Ryder & Schwinn Family

Chief Petty Officer Robert Evelyn - Evelyn Family

Commander Karin Evelyn - Evelyn Family

Corporal Donald Gugel - Reardon Family

1st SGT Christopher J. Mahoney - The Mahoney Family

Corporal Donald Rhile - The Rhile Family

SGT Frank LaBletta - LaBletta Family

Paratrooper Robert S. Creelman - Creelman-Norris Family

H.L. "Shorty" Norris - Creelman-Norris Family

SGT Franklin Marriner - The Marriner Family

Staff Sgt Donald T. Nevins - The Nevins Family

Corporal John  Butterfield - The Butterfield Family

Sgt Tec 4 Ernest F. Metzger - Metzger Family

Captain Thurston Elmer Wood - Thurston Elmer Wood Post 198 The American Legion

Able Seaman Thomas Olden - The Olden Family

Gunner's Mate 2nd Class Arthur "Jersey" Conover - The Conover Family/Clinton ConoverFamily      Electrician's Mate FC William Donohue - The Donohue Family

Chief Boatswains Mate Patrick Matthews - Matthews Seafood Market

Seaman Victor Anzelone - The Anzelone Family

Corporal Nicholas Anzelone - The Anzelone Family

Lt. Col. Raymond E. Batz - Batz Family

IT Seaman Nick Salvadore - Salvadore Family

Sergeant James R. Sweitzer Sr - The Sweitzer Family

SP4 Steve Gaskill - The Gaskill Family

Captain Charles E. "Atlas" Wright - Garrison-Kerwin-Wright Family

Mayor Chris Leusner and Township Committee announced the launch of the Hometown Heroes Banner Program in April. The initiative is designed to honor and recognize local veterans and active-duty military for their dedication and service to our community and country. The program serves to celebrate the sacrifices and contributions of those who have put their lives on the line to ensure the safety and well-being of their fellow Americans.

The project to honor our military was undertaken by the Middle Township Garden Club as part of their efforts to support our servicemen and women and bring improvements to public spaces in the downtown area. The banners will serve as a public acknowledgment of their service and a point of pride for the community as they reflect Middle Township’s commitment to honoring those who serve.

“On behalf of Township Committee, I want to publicly recognize the proud American families that have stepped up to honor the service members in their families,” Mayor Leusner said. “The Hometown Heroes Banner Program is a heartfelt tribute to the men and women who have selflessly served our country and community.” 

The patriotic banners are proudly displayed from the intersection of Romney Place and Route 9 south to Atlantic Ave and Route 9, along the west side of the main thoroughfare through downtown Cape May Court House. 

Township residents interested in sponsoring an honor banner for a service veteran or active-duty member of the armed forces can learn more @ middletownship.com or contact Alicia Woodrow at awoodrow@middletownship.com.

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