CAPE MAY – Having won reelection in November, Mayor Zach Mullock gave his fifth State of the City address at the City Council meeting Jan. 22. He pronounced the city “strong and vibrant.”
Calling Cape May one of the “greatest communities within which to live and raise a family,” Mullock took the opportunity to review past successes and to announce significant financial support for high city priorities.
Saying that success comes from a “united community” pursuing the city’s interest, Mullock did the obligatory thank you to many in the city who helped it achieve significant successes over the last few years.
Beginning with the victory to preserve the Sewell Tract, a 100-acre parcel of wilderness near the Coast Guard base, Mullock moved on to preservation successes such as the AME Church, the historic Franklin Street School and Howell House, now the Harriet Tubman Museum. He touched on the city’s success at sustainability in a year in which the resort was named a sustainability champion and best in the state for towns with a population of less than 5,000.
The mayor pointed to progress in movement to electric vehicles in the city fleet and to advances in the use of solar energy in a town with rather strict rules on the visibility of solar panels on its historic structures. He spoke of improvements in parks and recreation facilities, as well as making the city more amenable to pedestrians and bicycle riders.
The list went on to the expected soon opening of a community center, miles of road and infrastructure improvements, a new firehouse and an anticipated new facility for the Police Department, and beach mats that provide Americans With Disabilities Act access to the city’s shoreline.
The speech was also used to make important announcements, including a final settlement with JCP&L that will allow work to begin on the plans for Lafayette Street Park after a decade of delays. The mayor also announced $25 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency funding for improvements to the city’s seawall, with work likely to commence in two years.
Among other announcements was $40 million in financial support for the much needed replacement for the city’s historic desalination plant as a way of dealing with salt water intrusion. The city provides water to itself, West Cape May and Cape May Point as well as the Coast Guard base. Connected to improvements in its water system, the city will also partner with Columbia University on a hydrology study.
Mullock called attention to the city’s need for affordable housing. He spoke of workers and first responders who help make Cape May what it is but can no longer afford to live in the city. To underscore his message he told the assembled officials and citizens that two affordable housing units recently renovated and made available generated 800 applications. He said housing for all members of the city community is a city priority going forward.
Mullock said the city’s strength comes from the tireless efforts of so many of its citizens who volunteer time and skills to its preservation and improvement. He challenged all to stay involved.
Contact the reporter, Vince Conti, at vconti@cmcherald.com.
