To the Editor:
Unlike many New Jersey Shore communities that have succumbed to rapid overdevelopment, Cape May County has long stood apart – fiercely protecting our natural beauty and the unique character that makes this place truly special. This commitment is at the heart of why residents and visitors alike cherish our county.
There is a remarkable opportunity to build on this legacy by installing a solar panel parking canopy over the expanded parking area at the Cape May County Park & Zoo. This simple but powerful project could generate clean, renewable energy, reduce operating costs and provide shaded parking for the half-million visitors who come to visit the park and zoo each year.
Imagine families stepping out of their cars on a hot summer day, greeted by cool shade and comfort – while the sun above is quietly helping to power the zoo and local community. This canopy won’t just protect cars from heat; it will send a visible message that Cape May County is a leader both in environmental stewardship and hospitality.
Beyond financial savings on energy and a longer-lasting parking lot, this project symbolizes what Cape May County stands for: a balanced future where innovation and preservation go hand in hand. I urge our local leaders, conservation groups and community members to join forces and make this vision a reality.
Kaytlin Montanez
Cape May Court House